Quezon City, Philippines – The USAID-SIBOL Project concluded on December 10, 2024, with the successful completion of the Green Assessment and Recovery Framework (GARF) Culminating Activity. Held at the Banahaw Function Hall, Park Inn by Radisson, the event brought together key stakeholders, including DENR officials, Regional Executive Directors, and USAID-SIBOL representatives.
The activity aimed to reflect on the GARF’s implementation and its significant impact, focusing on lessons learned, key milestones achieved, and future directions as the DENR endeavors to further integrate the framework into its operations.
The GARF, a comprehensive tool developed by USAID-SIBOL, provides a structured approach to assessing the health of ecosystems, biodiversity, and communities in the aftermath of disasters. By integrating scientific data with the invaluable insights of local communities, the framework offers a detailed understanding of the ecological and socio-economic impacts of climate-induced disasters.
Following the devastating impact of Typhoon Odette in December 2021, the GARF was successfully piloted in disaster-affected districts of Palawan and Siargao. Recognizing its immense value, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has formally adopted the framework. To ensure effective implementation, over 200 DENR regional and field office personnel have undergone rigorous training at various stages.
Looking ahead, the DENR is currently finalizing an Administrative Order to further integrate the GARF within the department. Furthermore, continuous capacity-building efforts are underway in new target sites, prioritizing areas identified as highly vulnerable under the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
The GARF is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and communities in the face of climate change and natural disasters. By integrating this innovative framework into its operations, the DENR demonstrates its commitment to sustainable environmental management and the well-being of all Filipinos.
———-
The USAID SIBOL’s Green Assessment and Recovery Framework is a joint initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the USAID – US Agency for International Development’s Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) Project, which includes a consortium of natural resource management and biodiversity conservation experts including the Forest Foundation Philippines, Resources, Environment, and Economics Center for Studies Inc. – REECS, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the Center for Conservation Innovations PH.
