A large-scale forest restoration initiative is seeking to rehabilitate and protect 120,000 hectares of degraded rainforest within the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP).
Dubbed as Green Samar Project, the initiative aims to restore degraded forests, conserve biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable management of natural resources in the SINP, the country’s largest terrestrial protected area.
The privately-backed project is a collaboration among the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, French nature restoration firm aDryada, and local partner Samar Bamboo Corporation under a 25-year agreement, with an option to extend the partnership for another 25 years.
The project is expected to mobilize around PHP80 million in annual investments through high-integrity carbon finance, without relying on public funds.
Beyond forest restoration, the initiative is expected to generate jobs and sustainable bamboo-based livelihood opportunities for more than 20,000 community members, while helping protect critical wildlife habitats, including those of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle found within the SINP.
“This project will address poverty while protecting the environment, noting that bamboo development could provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities while supporting forest conservation,” Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said in a statement on Wednesday.
Tan also recognized local government units in Samar for their community-based tourism initiatives and advocacy for environmental conservation and protection. Among these is the town of Paranas where the SINP office is located.
The DENR and project partners underscored the importance of sustained cooperation among national government agencies, local government units, communities, and private-sector organizations to achieve the long-term restoration and protection of Samar’s forests.
The SINP covers around 335,000 hectares and is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. Its forests and ecosystems are considered vital to the conservation of Samar Island’s biodiversity.
The natural park is within the boundaries of 34 towns and three cities across three provinces on Samar Island.
Through the Green Samar Project, partners aim to integrate forest rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and community development into a long-term effort to protect and restore Samar’s natural resources. (PNA)
