A NEW project that will enhance climate resilience in agriculture, natural resources and ecosystems in the Philippines is being led by the Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
Officially titled "Accelerating Climate Resilience in Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Project," this initiative aims to advance the government's climate resilience reform agenda under the Climate Change Action Program (CCAP).
The project brought together 47 national and international experts from relevant government agencies and multisectoral institutions in agriculture, natural resources and the environment to deliberate on the project's objectives.
It is done in collaboration with Niras Asia Manila Inc. and the International Center for Environmental Management, and funded by the Asian Development Bank. It kicked off with an inception workshop this month and encouraged collaborative discussions to propel it forward.
Focusing on three key areas, the project aims to strengthen climate resilience in agriculture by promoting climate-resilient farming and supporting climate-smart technologies in crops, livestock and fisheries in collaboration with the Climate-Resilient Agriculture Office and National Organic Agriculture Program under the Philippine Department of Agriculture.
SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio noted that the project intends to enhance climate resilience in natural resources and ecosystems by expanding the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Risk Resiliency Program with resiliency road maps, guidelines, online monitoring and capacity building to address climate hazards.
To be implemented in partnership with the DENR, the project seeks to improve agricultural insurance for climate risk by developing a medium-term insurance road map for the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., exploring innovative financing solutions and prioritizing financial sustainability and cost-effectiveness with the latter's guidance.
Cesar Umali, project deputy team leader, highlighted the project's role in advancing the government's climate resilience agenda as outlined in the CCAP.
"Together, these efforts will strengthen the Philippines' ability to face climate-related challenges head-on," Gregorio said.