Greener Cebu Initiative to Combat Climate Change

  Cebu faces critical challenges from climate change and environmental degradation, with less than 2% of its land covered by forests. This minimal forest cover exacerbates vulnerability to natural disasters, biodiversity loss, and climate-related risks. Addressing these pressing issues requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. The Tri-Partite Collaboration for a Sustainable Cebu: The Greener Cebu Initiative to Combat Climate Change is designed to leverage partnerships among government, private sectors, and local communities to strengthen resilience and promote sustainability. By uniting resources and expertise across sectors, the initiative offers a strategic and scalable framework to address the urgent climate crisis, safeguard Cebu’s communities, and create a greener, more resilient future for all.

The Tri-Partite Collaboration for a Sustainable Cebu: The Greener Cebu Initiative to Combat Climate Change is an innovative program under the A5 Crisis Management category, designed to address the urgent need for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Cebu. The program aims to double Cebu’s forest cover from less than 2% to 4% by 2030 through integrated, multi-stakeholder efforts. It fosters partnerships among key organizations, including the RAFI-One-Two-Tree program, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Cebu Technological University (CTU), local government units (LGUs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Key operational strategies include establishing comprehensive climate and disaster risk data management systems, promoting nature-based solutions such as reforestation and vegetation-based mitigation practices, and enhancing public awareness of environmental and climate issues. Additionally, the program ensures equitable access to essential social services for communities at higher disaster risk. CTU contributes significantly by offering academic programs in environment, forestry, agriculture, and fisheries, and by establishing a climate change center focused on research, education, and capacity building to combat the impacts of climate change. This collaborative framework integrates science, community engagement, and policy to achieve sustainable environmental resilience in Cebu.

The Tri-Partite Collaboration for a Sustainable Cebu: The Greener Cebu Initiative to Combat Climate Change exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and disaster risk reduction. By leveraging the strengths and resources of diverse stakeholders including government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and local communities the program lays the groundwork for a transformative shift in Cebu’s environmental resilience.