Representatives from the Forestry Development Center (FDC) of the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR) supported and participated in the Partnership Kick-Off for the Philippines’ National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) on February 26, 2025, at Novotel Manila.

With other key stakeholders, including the FDC contingent led by Director Dixon T. Gevaña, the event featured two panel discussions and a call to action to create a roadmap for high-integrity blue carbon ecosystem conservation initiatives and pathways to finance these efforts.

Gevaña was a panelist in the event, which marked a significant step toward conserving and restoring vital blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses.

NBCAP, an extension of the global Blue Carbon Action Partnership (BCAP), aims to develop a national roadmap for the sustainable management of these ecosystems in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and international organizations.

The initiative seeks innovative pathways for financing blue carbon efforts and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

Blue carbon ecosystem restoration–local experiences

The first panel discussion featured experts addressing challenges and opportunities in blue carbon conservation.

It highlighted the need for communities to be at the core of blue carbon initiatives and the importance of strong government support and policy backing.

The primacy of the role of local governments in integrating mangrove conservation into coastal management policies was also discussed.

It also highlighted the need for community involvement, which, along with scientific protocols, would ensure sustainable protection.

Another crucial issue discussed was addressing tenurial complexities, particularly for abandoned fishponds.

Science and policy for blue carbon conservation

The second panel discussion focused on how blue carbon ecosystems provide critical services for climate change mitigation and food security, thus the urgency to map and protect them.

Also emphasized was the need for government leadership to bridge policy gaps, ensure effective implementation of sustainable blue carbon ecosystem conservation, and advance climate solutions. For instance, conservation and restoration areas should not be converted to any land use.

The discussion also focused on innovative financing mechanisms, including biodiversity credits and impact bonds, to be considered to support conservation.

The panel discussion also focused on the necessity for capacity-building and stakeholder involvement from project inception to enhance success. Among these may be sustainable livelihood training to strengthen community resilience and conservation efforts.

NBCAP aims to cultivate local champions for blue carbon advocacy.

A call to action

With the recent passing of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) law, stakeholders emphasized the need to value blue carbon ecosystems for food security and climate resilience. Science-based solutions and community-driven approaches were highlighted as key strategies moving forward.

The FDC reaffirmed its commitment to climate change mitigation through blue carbon initiatives at the event.

Foremost among its activities is the upcoming “Mangrove Blue Carbon Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond: A Science-Policy Forum Towards Future-proofing Livelihoods and Technologies to Conserve Mangroves (MBCR 2030+).”

The event will explore policies and programs supporting carbon initiatives, address policy issues and gaps, discuss private sector and NGO contributions, and chart a strategic roadmap for future efforts. It also seeks to foster partnerships and shared commitments among stakeholders to advance blue carbon conservation and safeguard the Philippines’ marine ecosystems for future generations.

For updates on this event, please visit the FDC FB page. (Elenita L. Racelis and Nicole A. Nacionales)