Samar: A large-scale forest restoration initiative is seeking to rehabilitate and protect 120,000 hectares of degraded rainforest within the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP).

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, termed the Green Samar Project, is focused on restoring degraded forests, conserving biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources in the SINP, the country's largest terrestrial protected area.

The project, privately-backed, is a collaboration among the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, French nature restoration firm aDryada, and local partner Samar Bamboo Corporation, under a 25-year agreement with an option to extend for another 25 years.

Expected to mobilize around PHP80 million in annual investments through high-integrity carbon finance, the project will not rely on public funds. Besides forest restoration, the initiative is poised to create jobs and sustainable bamboo-based livelihood opportunities for over 20,000 community members, while safeguarding critical wildlife habitats, including those of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle within the SINP.

Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan highlighted that the project would address poverty while protecting the environment, noting that bamboo development could provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities while supporting forest conservation. She also acknowledged efforts by local government units in Samar for their community-based tourism initiatives and advocacy for environmental conservation and protection.

The DENR and project partners emphasized the significance of sustained cooperation among national government agencies, local government units, communities, and private-sector organizations to achieve the long-term restoration and protection of Samar's forests.

Covering around 335,000 hectares, the SINP is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status, with its forests and ecosystems deemed vital for the conservation of Samar Island's biodiversity. The natural park spans 34 towns and three cities across three provinces on Samar Island.

Through the Green Samar Project, partners aim to integrate forest rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and community development into a long-term effort to protect and restore Samar's natural resources.