Ankita Shah‘s journey in conservation began far from the city where she was born, Kathmandu, Nepal, and even further from the comfort of traditional career paths. Growing up, she was deeply empathetic, always aware of the challenges faced by those less privileged. This sense of purpose led her to work in social development, but for years, she struggled in environments where her ideas were dismissed, and her contributions went unrecognized—often simply because she was a woman.
Then, in 2015, everything changed. When an 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, Ankita witnessed firsthand the resilience of communities facing immense loss. Among them were women who, despite hardship, were not only rebuilding their homes but also leading efforts to restore their communities. It became clear to her: women were not just caretakers; they were changemakers.
One such woman was Sun Maya Ama. At 63, she had spent decades supporting her family and community by making brooms from omriso—broom grass—gathered from the forest. In her youth, this was simply a means of survival. But over time, she began teaching other women, creating opportunities for them to earn income and support their households.
Inspired by Sun Maya Ama and other women like her, Ankita and her team from Bighnaharta Nepal launched an initiative in 2019 to reintroduce broom grass planting on a commercial scale. This effort connected communities with fair market opportunities, engaged women from over 110 households, and significantly reduced landslides by 90% due to the plant’s deep-rooted benefits for soil stability.
Sun Maya Ama shared with Ankita,
“For years, I worked in poverty and scarcity. Now, the skills I used to survive have become my identity. I’m not just taking care of my family—I’m taking care of our land, our future, and helping other women do the same.”
Through this work, Ankita has seen how investing in women leads to lasting impact—not only in economic empowerment but also in environmental restoration. These women are protecting their lands, leading conservation efforts, and strengthening their communities from the ground up.
What started as a small initiative has grown into a model for sustainable conservation, proving that when we support women, we support nature itself. Ankita’s journey has been about more than just personal transformation; it’s about creating opportunities for women to lead and thrive in conservation.
With the right support, these efforts can expand, reaching more communities and creating lasting change. Investing in women-led conservation initiatives is about more than environmental protection—it’s about dismantling barriers that have long excluded women from decision-making, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to lead. When women have a stake in conservation, they drive solutions that not only restore ecosystems but also build more just, self-sufficient communities where economic security and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
[ Watch Ankita’s TED talk here ]
In the dense and verdant landscapes of West Kalimantan, Borneo, the fight to preserve the island’s ecological heartbeat is championed by dedicated conservationists. Among them is Nur Febriani, a woman whose journey from public health to environmental advocacy is as inspiring as it is transformative.
Febri, as she is fondly called, is the Director of Resource Mobilization at Yayasan Alam Sehat Lestari (ASRI), an organization pioneering an integrated approach to healthcare and conservation. Prior to this role, she served as ASRI’s Executive Director for seven years, steering the organization toward impactful solutions that intertwine human well-being with environmental stewardship.
Born and raised in West Kalimantan, Febri’s journey into conservation was not a direct one. She holds a background in Public Health and Epidemiology, having graduated from the University of Indonesia. Even before completing her studies, she was already immersed in humanitarian work, joining the response efforts for the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. This firsthand experience of working at the grassroots level ignited her passion for social impact, shaping her commitment to community-driven change.
For over a decade, Febri dedicated herself to improving public health across Indonesia. She led the Foundation for Mother and Child Health Indonesia in Jakarta for nearly five years and worked with both the Indonesian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Her role at IFRC deepened her understanding of disaster risk reduction, where she witnessed firsthand how environmental degradation exacerbates vulnerabilities in communities. It was through this lens that she began seeing the inextricable link between health and conservation.
Despite her extensive background in public health, Febri felt a deeper calling—one that led her back to her homeland in Borneo. In 2018, she joined ASRI, an organization that embodies the very synergy she had been seeking: a holistic model where healthcare incentives drive conservation outcomes.
photo c/o ASRI
ASRI’s approach is unique, offering affordable healthcare services to communities in exchange for commitments to protect the rainforest. Under Febri’s leadership, ASRI expanded its impact, demonstrating that conservation is not just about protecting trees but also about ensuring the well-being of the people who depend on them.
For Febri, ASRI represents a rare and powerful opportunity to unite her passions. “I want the image of Borneo to remain as the ‘lungs of the earth,’” she says. Through ASRI, she has helped amplify the skills and capacities of local communities, proving that conservation and human welfare are not opposing forces but rather two sides of the same coin.
As a woman conservationist, Febri has navigated the challenges of leading in a traditionally male-dominated space. She recalls moments when she led meetings with her team, gaining their trust through careful listening rather than immediate confrontation. “At first, there was hesitation,” she says. “But when I explained that the program would provide them with hundreds of fruit trees—durian, jackfruit, and hardwood species—they started to see the value. We reassured them that while hardwood trees could not be cut, the fruit trees would provide sustainable income for years to come.”
This patient and empathetic approach, rooted in ASRI’s principle of radical listening, allowed her to bridge the gap between conservation efforts and local economic realities. She understood that true change comes not through force, but through understanding and collaboration.
Among her favorite projects at ASRI is the Chainsaw Buyback and Reforestation program. Rather than criminalizing loggers, ASRI provides them with alternative livelihoods, recognizing that most of them cut trees out of necessity rather than malice. “We don’t judge loggers as bad people,” Febri explains. “They are fathers and husbands trying to provide for their families. If we offer them a sustainable alternative, many of them willingly transition.”
photo c/o ASRI
The results speak for themselves: Since 2017, more than 300 former loggers have left deforestation behind, setting up new businesses and even encouraging their peers to do the same. The reforestation efforts, too, have been deeply rewarding. Seeing wildlife return to restored habitats, captured through ASRI’s camera traps, fills Febri with awe. “It’s amazing to see that what we are doing is working. The land is healing, and wildlife is coming back to what was once their home.”
Febri’s work at ASRI is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary action. By merging public health with environmental advocacy, she has contributed to a model that not only restores forests but also uplifts lives. Her journey—from responding to disasters to spearheading conservation-led health initiatives—serves as an inspiration for those seeking to create meaningful, intersectional change.
Through her leadership and unwavering dedication, Febri is ensuring that the story of Borneo remains one of resilience, sustainability, and hope. Her work continues to shape a future where both people and nature thrive together, reinforcing the idea that when we heal the planet, we heal ourselves.
She shares another quote from one of the most authentic collections of hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) in Islam that resonates with her mission:
“There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it, but it is regarded as a charitable gift (Sadaqah) for him.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 2320]
This hadith emphasizes the lasting reward (Sadaqatul Jaariya) of planting trees and highlights the deep connection between faith, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. It aligns beautifully with Febri’s work in conservation, where reforestation benefits both people and wildlife for generations.
“When a tree stands for tens or even hundreds of years, it continues to give even when we are no longer here. This is real work on the ground, and that is what keeps me going.”
Febri’s message is clear: no matter our background, we all have a role in protecting our environment. “We live on the same planet, we are connected, and our health depends on nature’s health. Let’s support each other in our journey to save our nature.”
Nature is our most powerful ally in securing a future that is sustainable, just, and flourishing. Yet, financial support for conservation remains insufficient and often fragmented, limiting the scale and impact of initiatives on the ground.
At Communities for Nature (CfN), we witness firsthand how local action drives global change. Communities already have the knowledge and leadership to drive conservation. The best climate solutions are nature-based, community-led and gleaned from indigenous wisdom. What’s needed is the right investment to amplify their impact and sustain their efforts.
From Gaps to Gains: Transforming Financial Flows for Nature and Communities
The current funding landscape often prioritizes short-term interventions over lasting change. To build enduring environmental and social resilience, we must reimagine conservation financing. Here’s how we can work together:
✅ Channel Resources Directly to Local Solutions Community-led initiatives are at the heart of conservation. By ensuring funding reaches grassroots efforts, we strengthen those who know their landscapes best and foster thriving ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods.
✅ Prioritize Long-Term Funding Models Short-term grants provide temporary relief but seldom enable real transformation. Multi-year commitments ensure that ecosystem recovery and community-driven conservation efforts can take root and flourish.
✅ Leverage Blended Finance The most effective conservation strategies combine philanthropy, public funding, and impact investments. By bringing these sectors together, we can amplify outcomes, reduce financial risk, and unlock new opportunities for nature-based solutions.
✅ Support Nature-Based Solutions Mangrove regeneration, watershed protection, and sustainable fisheries are not just conservation projects—they are climate adaptation strategies that protect livelihoods, mitigate climate impacts, and drive economic resilience.
Authentic connections, well-thought out investments for deeper impact
On this World Wildlife Day, we invite funders, partners, and changemakers to rethink how we finance conservation. Let’s shift from short-term aid to long-term investment, ensuring that every dollar supports not just survival, but regeneration, abundance, and a thriving future for all.
Are you ready to be part of this transformation? Let’s talk about how we can collaborate!
#CommunitiesForNature #WorldWildlifeDay #InvestInNature
Coastal communities stand at the frontline of the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and habitat loss threaten both livelihoods and biodiversity. But what if the solution isn’t just about restoring ecosystems—it’s about ensuring the people who depend on them have the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead the way?
That’s the vision behind Project MITHI—Mangrove-based Initiatives for Thriving Habitats and Inclusive CommunitieWhy Mangroves? Why Now?
Mangroves are one of nature’s most powerful climate solutions. They absorb four times more carbon than tropical rainforests, shield coastlines from storm surges, and provide critical habitats for marine life. Yet, they continue to disappear at alarming rates, often cleared for short-term economic gains like charcoal-production. As these Blue Carbon habitats are destroyed, carbon that has been stored for centuries is released into the atmosphere exacerbating global warming and causing devastating harm to the most vulnerable people in the planet – the minorities and marginalized.
Project MITHI is tackling this issue head-on, restoring degraded coastal areas while ensuring local communities shape and benefit from conservation efforts. In its inaugural year, the initiative will support three coastal communities—Aringay and Bauang in La Union and Bais in Southern Negros—leveraging partnerships with Oceanus Conservation, Security Bank and local stakeholders.
Chair Rhoda Phillips giving her closing remarks
The project was launched with key conservation leaders, including Nikki Lizares, VP and Sustainability Head of Security Bank. Rhoda Phillips, Chair and Founder of Communities for Nature, and Camille Rivera, Director and Co-founder of Oceanus Conservation, alongside local mangrove champion Delailah Lacadue and Engr. Rhea Tudado from the local government of Aringay.
Nikki opened the launch with an insight that sums up what the program is all about — “MITHI is more than just an environmental program. It’s a collaborative effort to position communities as key conservation leaders, strengthening their role in habitat restoration, ecotourism, and sustainable livelihoods.”
As CfN Trustee Sef Carandang put it: “We need to invest in knowing the communities.”
Security Bank Chief Finance Officer Eduardo Olbes also shared, “Our hope is to respond directly to the encouragement put forth by our partners. We hope to be tangibly participating and, from that, learning. It’s only through us touching the ground and working side by side with individuals within the local community that our understanding will develop.”
Unlike traditional conservation programs, MITHI takes a holistic, community-led approach:
✅ Restoring & Protecting Mangroves – Rehabilitating degraded fishponds and prioritizing nature-based solutions over short-term economic trade-offs.
✅ Advancing Coastal Stewardship – Shifting from passive beneficiaries to decision-makers in conservation, ensuring long-term management of ecotourism and restoration efforts.
✅ Deepening Local Knowledge – Through citizen science and hands-on climate workshops, MITHI engages in knowledge-sharing with local champions who already have the indigenous expertise to protect their ecosystems.
✅ Securing Sustainable Livelihoods – Coastal communities need more than mangrove forest rehabilitation. By integrating viable income-generating activities, MITHI ensures that conservation is both practical and lasting.
Community-driven conservation doesn’t just safeguard nature—it protects people’s way of life. It strengthens local economies, restores landscapes, and ensures that the most affected populations are at the forefront of climate action.
For those looking to support high-impact, community-led environmental work, Project MITHI is an investment in both ecosystems and the future of coastal communities.
With continued support, we can help coastal communities reclaim their landscapes, drive lasting change, and lead the fight against climate threats.
💚 Join Us. Fund the Future.
Picture this: three days surrounded by crystal-clear waters, lush mangroves, and vibrant wildlife on Danjugan Island. Sounds like paradise, right? But this isn’t just a retreat—it’s a call to action.
This was what the #ParaSaKlima Camp [Translated #ForTheClimate] was all about—a unique opportunity for participants – LGU, academe, People’s Organizations and the Youth– from Southern Negros Occidental to come together, learn, and act for the planet.
The goal: to create a Community Climate Fund that includes clear processes, management strategies, sustainability plans, and a roadmap for effective implementation.
What went on in the camp?
At #ParaSaKlima, the campers learned about:
1. The Science of Climate – Unveiling the “why” behind the crisis shaping our planet’s future.
2. Laudato Si / Caring for Our Common Home – Inspiring collective action to protect everything we love and live for.
3. Climate Justice – Fighting for fairness in a world where the heat isn’t equally shared.
4. The Intersectionality of Climate – Connecting the dots between the climate crisis and gender and development. The climate crisis disproportionately impacts women, especially in vulnerable communities, as they often bear the brunt of food, water, and resource shortages while having limited access to decision-making. Despite their critical role in climate adaptation and resilience, systemic inequalities continue to marginalize their voices in policy and action.
5. Environment and Climate Initiatives and Implementation – From vision to action: driving real solutions for a better tomorrow.
6. Brainstorming for opportunities for local communities to take agency over their lives – Building grassroots power to protect and sustain our shared resources.
After every talk, the campers gathered around to share their own insights and reflections on what they had learned.
For them, the whole experience was more than just about learning; it was about connecting the dots between knowledge and action. It was all about activating individuals to become agents for change in their communities.
Malyn Pateño, from the Sipalay City local government, noted that their existing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials often lack depth, making them less effective in delivering their message. Reflecting on her experience at the camp, she shared:
“I found the topic on the science of climate the most interesting and helpful. This knowledge will empower us to create more impactful IEC materials that truly resonate with our target audience.”
Why Danjugan Island?
Danjugan Island is more than a venue for the camp—it’s a living classroom. This marine and wildlife sanctuary is a pristine environment that shows what’s at stake if we don’t act now. Every wave, tree, and bird reminds us of what is worth protecting.
Be Part the Change you want to see in the world
The #ParaSaKlima Camp was a chance for like-minded individuals to converse, learn from experts, and leave inspired and motivated to take steps towards a more climate-resilient world. The result? The first-of-its-kind South Negros Climate Action Network – a community of changemakers ready to take action for a sustainable future.
Project ACE Coordinator and Communications Officer Jaya Ariola gives her insight on the camp, “There are so many things I’m proud of in this 3-day climate camp: we were able to establish the the first ever South Negros Climate Action Network, and we also discussed the creation of a Community Climate Fund where people from communities can pitch local climate solutions to be funded by their LGUs with mentorship support from Project ACE. I’m also glad we were able to reconnect to the Earth and how to protect Her, learn about the science and intersectionality of climate, and deepen our relationships and community-building for climate justice.”
Project ACE: Actions for Communities and Environment, on its 3rd year, is a collaboration between CfN, LMAX Group and Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation.
Stay tuned for the continuing story of Project ACE and see how we’re building a climate-resilient future for Southern Negros Occidental—and beyond. With multiple sectors working hand-in-hand, we are transforming conversations into solutions, one step at a time.
Photos: Darcey delos Reyes
Nestled near the lush expanse of Palung Mountain National Park, widows in underprivileged villages are rewriting their stories—turning struggles into resilience with the help of an unexpected ally: goats.
This remarkable transformation lies at the heart of the Goats for Widows program by Alam Sehat Lestari (ASRI). Through this initiative, widows receive more than just a goat—they gain a renewed sense of purpose and a chance to contribute to environmental preservation.
These gentle animals are more than they seem. Their manure enriches the soil, creating a foundation for sustainable organic farming. This reduces the need for harmful land-clearing practices, protecting both the environment and livelihoods. Thriving farms provide an alternative to illegal logging, fostering a harmonious balance between the community and nature.
Since its launch in 2014, the program has equipped widows with goats and the knowledge to care for them. In return, they contribute manure to ASRI’s organic farming projects, creating a beautiful cycle of giving back to the land that sustains them.
This year, the program received a meaningful boost, thanks to a heartfelt gesture. Donations made in celebration of our Chair Rhoda Phillips’ birthday were directed to Goats for Widows, giving more women an opportunity to join this life-changing initiative. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this cause!
A heartfelt note of thanks from ASRI to all the donors of CfN.
One of the widows, Rosmah shares:
“I was able to use one goat for aqiqah (the Islamic tradition of sacrificing an animal on the occasion of a child’s birth). ASRI provided one goat for me and now I’ve been able to raise 20 more on my own! These goats are a valuable source of income for me, supplementing my daily farming activities.”
Women like Rosmah are walking testimonials to the program’s impact. With her goats by her side, she’s not only supporting her family but also building a future where communities and forests thrive together.
Your support means more than you can imagine—it’s a lifeline for the widows and a critical step in preserving the beauty of Palung Mountain’s forests. Together, we can expand this initiative and continue connecting people and the planet in meaningful ways.
If this story inspires you, let’s start a conversation about how we can make an even bigger impact—one person, one goat, and one forest at a time.
[Featured Photo c/o ASRI]
This September was particularly special for the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation (PRRCFI), as we proudly celebrated its founding anniversary—a legacy of commitment to preserving the rich biodiversity of the Philippines.
London, UK. The trustees of Communities For Nature, joined by the Philippine Ambassador to the UK, at the 30th PRRCFI Anniversary celebration to give thanks to the people who have supported the foundation since it’s inception in 1991.
For us, this month also marked a significant milestone in our journey with PRRCFI, as we continue to reflect on our inspiring three-year partnership with them.
Over these years, working alongside PRRCFI has been a transformative experience, deepening our appreciation for the immense power of community and collaboration. In the heart of this partnership, we’ve learned that when people are empowered to take ownership of their own progress, the results are nothing short of remarkable. 🌱
We’ve witnessed firsthand how individuals and entire communities can drive change when given the tools and support to do so. These changes aren’t imposed—they grow from within. Whether it’s restoring coral reefs, preserving rainforests, or fostering sustainable livelihoods, it is the people themselves who become the custodians of their environment. And the results? Incredible, lasting transformations, led by communities, at their own pace and on their own terms.
In the spirit of this collaboration, Project ACE (Actions for Communities and Environment) has played a key role in amplifying these efforts, blending innovation with grassroots action to protect vital ecosystems. We’ve seen how innovative approaches combined with local knowledge can lead to groundbreaking solutions for environmental challenges.
Want to dive deeper into these stories of impact, empowerment, and innovation? We invite you to explore more about Project ACE and the inspiring work we’ve done in collaboration with PRRCFI in our latest magazine.
The mothers of Bulata Small Fisherfolk Association tending to their vegetable garden are the cover photo of the Project ACE Year 2 Magazine
From the shores of Negros to the rainforests of Danjugan Island, the collective efforts of communities, volunteers, and partners like you are making a difference for future generations.
Let’s continue this journey of collaboration, where equity and sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a shared mission. 🌍✨
In the heart of Nepal, in the Raksirang Rural Municipality, lies the Chepang community– one of Nepal’s most marginalized indigenous groups. Because of deforestation and unplanned road construction, this community faces the constant threat of landslides during the monsoon, which not only destroy their homes but also their crops and their means of livelihood.
In comes Bighnaharta Nepal, a youth-led organization that aims to holistically address extreme poverty and the risk of landslides in the area. Founded in 2019 by passionate Nepali youths, they work in various sectors, including climate action, disaster risk reduction, livelihood upliftment, gender equality and women and youth empowerment using the tools of nature-based solutions, social entrepreneurship, fellowship, research and evidence based policy advocacy. Their holistic approach ensures that core issues of livelihood, climate change, gender, and food security among marginalized communities are addressed effectively. Their major priority is to work at the grassroots level keeping the communities at the forefront for greater impact and sustainability of their projects
Currently, one of their projects is with the Chepang Community called Bio-engineering Social Enterprise Dedicated to Disaster Risk Reduction and Livelihood Upliftment, a community adaptive solution wherein the Chepang people plant broom grass to prevent landslides, and from this crop create brooms and paper. Both provide sustainable livelihood for the community.
A Project with Purpose
The project initiated by Bighnaharta Nepal aims to address the dangers of landslides, establish a sustainable means of living, and ensure food security for the Chepang community through the plantation of broom grass or “amriso” (Thysanolaena maxima) in landslide-prone areas. The results have been nothing short of miraculous. The risk of landslides has been reduced by 90%, benefiting 1,610 Chepang households across all nine wards of the municipality. These families, who once relied on daily labor for survival, now have a sustainable source of income and a more secure future.
CfN is absolutely thrilled to be partnering with them and supporting the growth and evolution of this bio-engineering project.
“Bighnaharta Nepal has a good track record of helping the Chepang community secure a brighter future. I am very excited about the project expansion, particularly the goal to plant 1 million broom grass saplings over the next couple of years.” says CEO Rhoda Phillips
A Brighter Future
Ultimately, the journey of Bighnaharta Nepal and the Chepang community is a testament to the power of nature and community-driven initiatives.
Executive President and Co-founder Gomesh Singh Upreti says, “We are looking into establishing a community run resource center making a creative space for the communities to grow even more, create more job opportunities and ultimately uplift the entire local economy of the municipality. With the right resources and support, even the most vulnerable communities can rise above challenges and thrive. We are happy about this new partnership with Communities for Nature. We are really looking forward to the good things we can do together”
photo c/o Bighnaharta Nepal
Let’s celebrate and support such initiatives that bring hope and change to the world, one step at a time.
[all photos c/o Bighnaharta Nepal]
Passport? Check.
Swimsuit? Check.
Change the world? Check.
Does this list sound strange to you? Perhaps not, as mindful travel is fast becoming a global trend these days.
The UK market for travel, from Office of National Statistics data, represents $76.7 billion spent in 2022 alone. And by the end of 2024, an optimistic projection for outbound tourism would reach 86.9 million trips! And with the European Green Deal pushing for a carbon-neutral continent by 2050, the travel industry is definitely going to need to do its part as it plays a massive part in shaping the planet’s sustainability agenda. Through a blend of innovation and responsibility, the steadily growing industry is striving to minimize its environmental footprint and reimagine how it operates, from embracing fuel-efficient transportation options to adopting eco-friendly practices in accommodations.
We, at Communities for Nature, want to help “traveling for good” become even easier for people around the world by partnering with Charitable Travel, a unique social enterprise that goes above and beyond the traditional travel agency business model. They focus on purpose over profit, donating surplus profit from all sales to charity; with 5% of the holiday price to the charity of choice.
From exotic getaways to relaxing cruises, a traveler is able to choose from a wide range of holiday options to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. But here’s the best part: with every booking, the traveler has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. With no additional fees, 5% of the travel costs goes straight to the Charitable Travel’s JustGiving website and can make a real difference to local communities.
Charitable Travels Chief Executive Officer Melissa Tilling agrees, ”More and more travelers are championing responsible tourism practices and engaging with destinations respectfully and supporting local communities.”
She further shares, “ Through purpose driven social enterprise we can help our customers have fabulous and much needed holidays whilst helping them support great causes like Communities for Nature at no extra cost.”
Rhoda Phillips CEO and Chair says, “Partnering with Charitable Travel was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make. We both share a dedication to building a sustainable future for all. Charitable Travel’s commitment to curate travel experiences that benefit both the environment and communities aligns perfectly with our mission at Communities for Nature: to make a positive environmental impact on the communities that need it the most. Personally, I love knowing that every time I travel with Charitable Travel, I am not only enjoying a great holiday but also making the world a better place..”
Ultimately, when booking with Charitable Travel we are reminded that the world is a vast and diverse tapestry of people, cultures, and landscapes, and that we all have a role to play in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
To learn more about how you can plan your next adventure with Charitable Travels (and support Communities for Nature), visit their website at https://charitable.travel/communities-for-nature/.
Have you heard about the term “blue carbon”?
Coined in 2009, the term refers to the carbon captured and stored by oceanic and coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes. According to an article by NOAA titled “Understanding Blue Carbon”, these ecosystems are powerhouse carbon sinks that play a critical role in mitigating the impacts of global warming because of their immense potential to sequester carbon dioxide more efficiently than terrestrial forests, storing it for centuries in their biomass and underlying sediments.
One of the most thrilling aspects of blue carbon is its dual benefit of promoting environmental health and supporting human communities. By protecting and restoring these ecosystems, we can enhance biodiversity, bolster coastal protection against storms and erosion, and provide sustainable livelihoods for local populations through activities such as eco-tourism and sustainable fishing.
With all the excitement surrounding the concept of Blue Carbon habitats, there is one organization in the Philippines advocating for the restoration and protection of these ecosystems. They are Oceanus Conservation, CfN’s latest community partner!
Oceanus Conservation is a science-based, non-profit environmental organization that has been working with communities on mangrove habitat restoration in Mindanao and La Union since 2021. To date they have successfully planted 15,915 mangrove saplings and monitored 71 hectares of mangrove forests – quite an impressive feat for a small team. Oceanus Conservation credits this success to the initiatives of the local communities and the local governments that they work with. Moving forward with CfN, they shall be working on project expansion in the areas of Northern Luzon and South Negros.
Oceanus Conservation co-founder and Director, Camille Rivera says, “It is truly exciting to work with groups who are aligned with our values. With CfN we are one in our holistic approach to conservation, recognizing the intrinsic link between healthy ecosystems and thriving communities. Combining our strengths, we really hope to make a profound impact on both the environment and the lives of those who depend on it. I look forward to the innovative solutions and meaningful progress of this collaboration. “
“I am excited about our new partnership with Oceanus and the powerful combination of our shared commitment to conservation and community engagement”, says CfN’s Founder and Chair Rhoda Phillips. “Together, we will create lasting positive change for our planet and its communities.”
In the next few months, CfN and Oceanus Conservation will build on blue carbon initiatives. The convergence of ecological preservation, community enablement, and climate action in blue carbon projects represents a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of community-led, nature-based solutions. Stay tuned!
Any questions? Our team would love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing us at info@communitiesfornature.org or fill in the form below and we will get back to you shortly.