As the Philippines commemorates the 11th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the E4DR project has launched nine ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) pilot projects across Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte. These initiatives, totaling PHP 22.5 million, aim to maintain or rehabilitate critical ecosystems—such as mangroves, forests, and river systems—to reduce disaster risks and enhance climate resilience in the region.
Held in Tacloban City on November 7, 2024, the event marked a milestone in the region’s sustainable development efforts. Seven local government units (LGUs) and two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were awarded grants to implement EbA projects, which not only aim to protect ecosystems and biodiversity but also promote sustainable livelihoods and food security for local communities.
The launch coincides with the remembrance of Yolanda’s devastation in 2013, which claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. Yolanda serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, underscoring the urgent need for climate action and disaster risk reduction measures.
The E4DR project, which stands for “Strengthening Disaster Resilience and Risk Mitigation through Ecosystem-based Planning and Adaptation,” is focused on building local capacity for mainstreaming EbA in Region VIII. By integrating EbA approaches and climate risk insurance into local development planning, the project aims to strengthen disaster risk management in the Philippines.
These EbA measures will serve as models for national and international frameworks on ecosystem-based adaptation, offering valuable lessons on how natural solutions can protect communities and ecosystems, fostering long-term resilience of people and nature.
Date
November 07, 2024
Location
Tacloban City
Contact Person
Name: Calvin T. Centino
Email: calvin.centino@giz.de
Position: Capacity Development and Knowledge Management Advisor
