The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will scale up its support to the Philippines’ biodiversity conservation efforts with a five-year grant facility worth P800 million that would directly support civil society organizations’ (CSOs) environmental programs in the country.
Under its new Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (INSPIRE) project, the USAID funding will help CSOs promote wildlife protection, natural resource management, and local climate actions in the Philippines.
The facility will also support media organizations covering key natural resource governance issues and help local communities better manage natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Sean Callahan said that civil society players, “as advocates for better governance and partners of the public sector, can play key roles in protecting the environment and addressing climate change,”
“Through the INSPIRE project, USAID is pleased to support the Philippines’ efforts to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change while making sure that the environment continues to benefit many Filipinos whose incomes depend upon these natural resources,” he added.
The US Embassy in Manila said the USAID will work closely with the Philippine government and other stakeholders to implement the new program.
The USAID has so far provided more than US$157 million to support the country in conserving biodiversity and protecting its landscapes and seascapes.