As we move further into the year, we find ourselves reflecting not only on milestones, but on the relationships, communities, and shared commitments that continue to shape our work at Communities for Nature.
This half of 2026 has reminded us that meaningful conservation does not happen in isolation. It grows through partnership, trust, long-term collaboration, and communities leading the way forward.
Across mangrove forests, coastal communities, grassroots initiatives, schools, and learning spaces around the world, we have seen what becomes possible when people come together with a shared vision for people and the planet.
Launching Year Two of Project MITHI
At the beginning of the year, we officially launched Year Two of Project MITHI (Mangrove-Based Initiatives for Thriving Habitats and Inclusive Communities) together with Oceanus Conservation and Security Bank.
What began as a shared vision for community-led mangrove conservation has continued to grow into a long-term effort rooted in ecosystem restoration, science and education, sustainable livelihoods, and community leadership development across Aringay, La Union and Bais, Negros Oriental — with expansion now beginning in Luna, La Union.
Year One laid a strong foundation for this work. Together with our partners and local communities, we:
- planted over 10,000 endemic and native mangrove saplings with an 82.68% survival rate
- engaged 116 stakeholders across communities, local government units, youth groups, and volunteers
- deepened conservation awareness among over 240 Security Bank employees
- and contributed to healthier coastal ecosystems benefiting more than 30,000 households.
This year, we continue building on that foundation through ongoing wildlife monitoring, community development initiatives, and new livelihood opportunities that connect conservation directly with local resilience and economic opportunity. Upcoming initiatives include birdwatching trainings, value-added fisheries and mangrove-linked products, and expanded community engagement efforts.
In celebration of Security Bank’s 75th anniversary, we are also working toward planting 7,500 mangrove saplings this year.
Our Year Two launch brought together over 400 Security Bank employees online — a reminder that conservation partnerships become more meaningful when organisations engage not only financially, but personally and collectively in the work itself.
Project MITHI continues to show us that environmental restoration and community resilience are deeply interconnected, and that long-term stewardship grows strongest through collaboration.
Project ACE: Long-Term Partnerships, Community Leadership, and Shared Growth
The past months also marked an important visit for Project ACE (Actions for Communities and Environment), our long-term partnership with Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI) and LMAX Group, now entering its fifth year of work in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
Over the years, Project ACE has evolved into an integrated model of marine conservation, sustainable livelihoods, education, and community development — grounded in long-term relationships with local communities.
During the visit, representatives from LMAX Group, PRRCFI, and Communities for Nature met with local government leaders from Barangay Elihan and Barangay Cartagena as conversations began around expanding the project into other communities across Southern Negros. What emerged from these discussions was not rapid scaling, but relationship-led growth rooted in listening, trust-building, and shared stewardship.
One particularly meaningful moment during the visit was the launch of the Bulata Elementary School Library.
What began as a birthday fundraiser by our CEO, Rhoda Phillips, has now become a fully operational community learning space made possible through the collective efforts of Project ACE, PRRCFI, Bulata Elementary School, and local partners. While the library is now open and serving students, we continue to welcome support in the form of books, educational materials, and appliances to help sustain the space and expand opportunities for young learners.
If you would like to support the Bulata Elementary School Library, you may reach out to us at info@communitiesfornature.org, message us through our social media platforms, or visit our JustGiving campaign: Library for Dreamers Campaign
We also had the opportunity to meet once again with Federation and People’s Organisation members — groups that have grown significantly through the years under Project ACE. What was especially inspiring was seeing how community members are increasingly stepping into leadership roles themselves, helping shape the direction of local initiatives, livelihoods, and environmental stewardship efforts moving forward.
Education continues to remain at the heart of Project ACE. This year, six ACE scholars from Cauayan are graduating from environmental-related courses. Their achievements represent more than academic milestones — they reflect years of investment in community leadership, education, and the belief that local young people can become future stewards of their own communities and ecosystems.
For all of us involved in the visit, these moments reinforced an important truth: conservation succeeds not through isolated interventions, but through long-term collaboration grounded in communities themselves. The partnership between LMAX Group, PRRCFI, and Communities for Nature continues to work because it is built not only around projects, but around shared commitment, trust, and collective action.
Growing the Green Spark Fund
Last April, we had the first Quarterly Learning Circle for the Green Spark Fund — our small grants initiative supporting grassroots conservation and community-led projects around the world.
Through the fund, we are currently supporting initiatives across Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, including projects focused on mangrove-based enterprises, marine reserve rehabilitation, women-led eco-enterprises, sustainable livelihoods, solid waste management, beekeeping, and water access.
The projects currently supported under the Green Spark Fund include:
- Indigenous Food and Health Project – Alam Sehat Lestari (Indonesia)
- Mangrove Syrup Production – Alam Sehat Lestari (Indonesia)
- Chepang Women Eco Entrepreneurs – Bighnaharta Nepal (Nepal)
- Dap Dap Rising Marine Reserve Revival – CurrentShift (Philippines)
- Project RootED – PRRCFI (Philippines)
- Bee Keeping and Honey Processing – Rosa Care Organisation (Zimbabwe)
- Mwomwere Water Project – The Hummingbird Initiative (Kenya)
During our first Learning Circle, partner organisations gathered virtually to share project updates, reflect openly on challenges, and exchange ideas and support with one another. Together, we also explored adaptive project management and the realities of implementing grassroots conservation work across different contexts and communities.
What stood out most was the openness and generosity within the conversation. Rather than working in silos, organisations were learning directly from one another’s experiences — offering ideas, encouragement, and practical insights that strengthened the collective work of the network.
The Green Spark Fund reflects an important direction for Communities for Nature moving forward: building platforms that not only fund grassroots work, but also connect, strengthen, and amplify the people leading conservation efforts within their own communities.
We are excited to continue growing this initiative in the coming year.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward the rest of the year, we remain deeply encouraged by the partnerships, communities, and collaborators who continue to make this work possible.
Whether through mangrove restoration in coastal communities, long-term education and livelihood initiatives, or grassroots conservation projects across multiple countries, the past months have reminded us that lasting impact is built collectively.
At Communities for Nature, we continue to believe that conservation is not only about protecting ecosystems, but about strengthening the relationships, knowledge systems, and communities that sustain them.
We are continuing to expand our work and welcome conversations with:
- corporate partners seeking meaningful and long-term environmental engagement
- grassroots and community organisations looking to collaborate
- and individuals who want to support community-led conservation efforts around the world.
To stay updated on our projects and partner initiatives, follow us on our social media platforms and continue growing roots with us.
