Strategic and Collaborative Partnerships: The Magic Ingredient for Forging a Sustainable Future
CfN Chair and Founder Rhoda Phillips gives some insight on inclusivity and recognizing the vital participation of women in environmental stewardship
insights by Rhoda Phillips, CfN Chair and Founder
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I reflect on the powerful role women play in conservation and how our collective efforts can shape a more sustainable, inclusive world. My journey as a conservationist has been defined by collaboration, determination, and the unwavering belief that real change happens when we work together – with all sectors of society, with people from different professions and walks of life.
Recent weeks have taken me on a transformative journey in the Philippines, where we launched Project MITHI (Mangrove-based Initiatives for Thriving Habitats and Inclusive Communities). This initiative, in partnership with Security Bank Corporation and Oceanus Conservation, is a crucial step toward rehabilitating and protecting mangroves—essential for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate adaptation.
My visit to project sites in Aringay, Bauang, and Bais City reaffirmed the power of community-driven conservation. I witnessed firsthand the dedication of local leaders, marine guardians, and entrepreneurs like Delailah Lacadue who leads the Dulao Fishpond/ Fishpen Producers Cooperative has sustained her livelihood together with her neighbours, through nurturing mangrove ecosystems. These encounters deepened my conviction that communities are not just beneficiaries of conservation but its strongest champions.
The Power of Partnerships
Over the past two years, Communities for Nature (CfN) has forged nine global partnerships spanning academia, corporate sectors, local governments, and grassroots organisations. These alliances have driven ecosystem regeneration, education initiatives, and community- led actions across Asia and Europe.
As a woman in conservation, I understand the challenges of navigating a traditionally male-dominated field. But I also know that leadership is not about standing alone—it’s about bringing people together. Women have always been at the heart of environmental stewardship, from local fishers to climate activists, and our voices must continue shaping policies, funding priorities, and action plans.
A Vision for 2025
Looking ahead, my vision for Communities for Nature in 2025 is clear:
✅Strengthen and expand partnerships that prioritise local leadership and sustainable impact. ✅ Advocate for long-term, inclusive conservation funding that benefits both people and ecosystems. ✅ Champion women in conservation, ensuring they have the resources, recognition, and influence they deserve.
A strategic blend of adaptability and unwavering dedication is advocated for in navigating the dynamic landscape of conservation and community development. Embracing new technologies, creative solutions, and continuous learning is essential, but staying anchored in core principles and unwavering focus is equally critical. By embracing change while upholding foundational values, a sustainable course towards shared objectives can be charted, ensuring enduring progress in conservation and community endeavours.
Communities for Nature envisions a future where the nexus of conservation and community development thrives through collective learning, collaboration, and synergy. By forging strategic partnerships and unwaveringly upholding our values, the seeds of sustainability, resilience, and prosperity are sown, which will become a legacy for generations to come.
Conservation is not just about protecting nature—it’s about securing a just and thriving future for all. This International Women’s Day, let’s commit to building stronger collaborations, uplifting diverse voices, and investing in nature’s true stewards: the communities who live and breathe conservation every day.
If you’re interested in partnering with Communities for Nature, let’s connect. Together, we can turn vision into action.