US sets up environmental fund for PH

A UNITED STATES government agency has established an P800million environmental conservation fund to help civil society organizations undertake biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, natural resource management and local climate actions in the Philippines.

According to the Information Office-Public Affairs Section (IOPAS) of the US Embassy in the Philippines, the five-year grant facility was established through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid).

The embassy’s IO-PAS said the environmental conservation fund will be launched through the new Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (Inspire) project.

It said the Inspire project will promote natural resource conservation and ecosystem, and community resilience by supporting civil society organizations in advocating for and participating in good natural resource governance.

In addition, the project will support media organizations covering key natural resource governance issues and it will help local communities better manage natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change, according to the IO-PAS.

“As advocates for better governance and partners of the public sector, civil society plays an important role in protecting the environment and addressing climate change,” said Sean Callahan, USAid Philippines acting mission director.

“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,” Callahan added.

For six decades, the US government has been a key development champion in the Philippines working with individuals, communities and the government to improve everyday lives, the IO-PAS of the US Embassy cited.

It also noted that since 2008, USAid has provided more than $157 million to support the Philippine government in conserving the country’s biodiversity and protecting its landscapes and seascapes.