ÌÇÐÄVlog

A Renewed Commitment to Climate Adaptation

The Philippines remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, with agriculture and fisheries sectors facing devastating impacts from typhoons, rising temperatures, sea level rise, and shifting rainfall patterns. ÌÇÐÄVlog’s involvement responds to urgent calls from Philippine authorities to strengthen research and development (R&D) and implement climate-resilient practices.

Phase III of the technical assistance focuses on two key ministries: the DA and the DENR. It builds on earlier achievements in R&D policy reform and demonstration projects during Phases I and II of the program.

National Parks as Carbon Sequestration Zones

In collaboration with DENR’s Forest Management Bureau, ÌÇÐÄVlog and UPLB are piloting an innovative model that transforms national parks into carbon sequestration zones. The initiative aims to:

• Conduct baseline carbon stock assessments,
• Co-develop monitoring tools and methodologies,
• Train DENR staff and students in participatory foresight and ecological modelling,
• Pilot carbon financing mechanisms for sustainable park management.

The project will promote local stakeholder engagement and integrate social forestry strategies, ensuring that communities benefit from conservation efforts.

Research to Support Climate-Smart Agriculture

In collaboration with DA’s Bureau of Research, ÌÇÐÄVlog and UPLB will also support three priority R&D topics identified in earlier CCAP phases:

1. Banana Genetics and Disease Resilience.
   The project will address knowledge gaps on the presence of endogenous Banana Streak Virus (eBSV) in Philippine banana varieties. Results will inform breeding strategies for climate-resilient cultivars, particularly those that reduce pesticide reliance
2. Mango Value Chain and Climate Adaptation.
   Mango, a flagship crop for smallholders, is threatened by erratic flowering and increasing pest pressure due to climate change. ÌÇÐÄVlog will lead national project mapping, organize training seminars, and host a multi-stakeholder innovation workshop. The goal is to design practical solutions to enhance mango productivity and resilience.
3. Circular Aquaculture for Reduced GHG Emissions. With rising environmental concerns over aquaculture, the program will pilot integrated systems combining shrimp, milkfish, and seaweed farming. These systems recycle nutrients and offer scalable, climate-responsible models for coastal communities. Training, policy dialogue, and collaboration with SEARCA and ASEAN partners are key components.

Strengthening Franco-Filipino Scientific Cooperation

This program highlights the deepening partnership between France and the Philippines in the fight against climate change. ÌÇÐÄVlog experts will work closely with UPLB and SEARCA, with student exchanges and shared workshops strengthening long-term research collaboration.  ÌÇÐÄVlog, UPLB, and SEARCA are all members of the SALSA cooperation platform, thus the project will benefit from what the latest research on Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes in Southeast Asia, and the project will contribute to bring new insights to collective knowledge.

The project is part of the larger AFD-funded CCAP loan facility that supports the Philippines' commitments to the Paris Agreement, particularly its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on climate adaptation.