About
This research provides a country-specific analysis of nature-based solutions (NbS) for addressing societal challenges in the Global South, with a focus on the Philippines. This project examines the potential of NbS to support climate change adaptation, identifying intervention types, outcomes, priorities, and the factors that hinder or enable NbS. A central question guides this work: NbS for what, and for whom?
To understand the potential holistic nature of NbS, this research explores a diverse range of potential adaptation contributions, including social, economic, biodiversity, cultural, resource security outcomes (e.g., food, water, income), as well as health and wellbeing outcomes.
This action-oriented research employs a mixed-methods, combining systematic literature reviews, participatory workshops and knowledge-exchange events. This includes capturing diverse perspectives and comparing academic insights with on-the-ground experiences of NbS in the Philippines.
Impacts & Outputs
In addition to scientific articles, this project prioritises public engagement and accessibility, producing outputs in formats for decision-makers in practice and policy, and media for the public to foster broader awareness.
Ultimately, this project aims to develop a co-created, evidence-based understanding of NbS in the Philippines, to mitigate potential risks of NbS misuse while strengthening national and local adaptation strategies. A key ambition is to lay the foundation for an NbS Philippines platform and Southeast Asian network, enabling collaboration to tackle shared societal environment and development challenges and support thriving, adaptive communities and ecosystems.
Public engagement
- Short documentary film on the symbiotic relationship of indigenous peoples and their ancestral landscape in Mindanao, Philippines, at the Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park protected area. Shown at the NbS in Action film festival at Natural History Museum, Oxford, 2024
- Community NbS workshop, Lokal Lab, Tropical Academy, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, 2024
Outreach activities
- Short documentary film on the indigenous peoples who protect the Mt Kitanglad Range Natural Park – In post-production
- Community NbS workshop at Tropikal Academy, Lokal Lab – Pending 2023
Collaborators include
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – PENRO Bukidnon, Mt Kitanglad Council of Elders, KIN Philippines, Philippine Parks and Biodiversity, TAYO PH, Lokal Lab, Centre for Sustainability PH, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Environmental Change Institute Oxford
