The Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) is a comprehensive framework aimed at conserving and sustainably managing the Philippines’ rich biodiversity. It aligns with the global Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and serves as the country’s principal instrument for implementing the CBD at the national level.
The PBSAP 2015-2028 builds on previous efforts and integrates biodiversity conservation into the national development agenda. It includes measurable targets that align with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, which are global goals for biodiversity conservation. The plan emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in achieving sustainable development and improving the well-being of Filipino communities.
Key features of the PBSAP include:
- Assessment of Biodiversity Status: It provides an overview of the current state of biodiversity in the Philippines, including trends and challenges.
- Integration with National Development: The PBSAP is anchored in the Philippine Development Plan, ensuring that biodiversity conservation is part of the country’s economic growth strategy.
- Policy and Governance: It outlines policies, governance structures, and financing mechanisms to support biodiversity conservation.
- Strategic Actions: The plan identifies nine priority strategies, such as protecting ecosystems, promoting sustainable use of resources, and enhancing public awareness.
- Stakeholder Involvement: It emphasizes the role of local governments, communities, and various stakeholders in biodiversity conservation efforts.
The PBSAP also addresses emerging issues like urban biodiversity and agrobiodiversity, making it a dynamic and forward-looking plan.
Regional Consultations
The Visayas Cluster Consultation Workshop, held from August 15-17, 2023, at Bai Hotel, Mandaue City, Cebu, focused on updating the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) in alignment with the Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The primary objectives of the consultation were to review the accomplishments of the PBSAP 2015-2028, discuss the 4th edition PBSAP 2024-2030 targets, and identify local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (LBSAP) indicators, implementation partners, and capacity-building needs. Additionally, the participants aimed to develop immediate (2024-2026) and medium-term (2027- 2030) work plans and indicative budgets.
A total of 114 participants, including representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and non-government organizations, attended the workshop. Key innovations introduced included using biogeographic regions for group discussions and threat mapping exercises to identify priority landscapes and seascapes. The consultation emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach across multiple stakeholders and the need for scientific research to guide biodiversity conservation decisions. The workshop concluded with a commitment to continue refining the local and regional outputs and to engage further with stakeholders who were unable to attend
The Northeastern Mindanao Regional Consultation, held on October 3-5, 2023, at Dust D2 Davao Hotel, aimed to align the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The consultation focused on identifying biodiversity threats, mapping priority landscapes and seascapes for 2024-2030, and developing Regional Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (RBSAP). With 140 participants from government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector, the workshop emphasized a collaborative, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach to address biodiversity conservation challenges.
Key objectives included aligning PBSAP with global biodiversity targets, specifying regional commitments, and preparing a biodiversity finance plan. The consultation highlighted critical regional biodiversity threats such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change impacts, and invasive alien species, particularly in mining -affected areas and biodiversity hotspots. Workshop outputs included regional threat maps and initial drafts of the RBSAP, which will guide future conservation efforts and financing strategies. Participants stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge, improving coordination between government agencies, and addressing infrastructure development impacts on biodiversity. Moving forward, the outputs from this consultation will be refined through further discussions, with a focus on enhancing biodiversity governance and ensuring effective implementation of the updated PBSAP.
The Southwestern Mindanao Regional Consultation on the assessment and updating of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) was held on December 5-7, 2023, in Pagadian City. This consultation aimed to align the PBSAP with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) by identifying biodiversity threats, mapping priority landscapes and seascapes for 2024-2030, and formulating Regional Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (RBSAPs). The event gathered 169 participants from government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector, focusing on a collaborative approach to address regional biodiversity challenges and align local actions with global biodiversity targets. Key outcomes included biodiversity threat maps highlighting critical conservation areas, initial drafts of RBSAPs, and discussions on biodiversity financing mechanisms. Significant concerns raised involved habitat degradation, invasive alien species, and the urgent need for sustainable resource management in areas like the Liguasan Marsh. The consultation underscored the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge, improving technical capacity, and enhancing multi-sectoral cooperation. Participants committed to refining the RBSAP outputs, fostering biodiversity-friendly policies, and mobilizing resources to bridge the financing gap for biodiversity conservation. The consultation concluded with a call for ongoing collaboration and the adoption of innovative strategies to ensure the effective implementation of the updated PBSAP.
The Northern Luzon Regional Consultation on the assessment and updating of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) was held on February 6-8, 2024, at Widus Hotel, Clark City, Pampanga. This consultation aimed to align the PBSAP with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and focused on identifying biodiversity threats, mapping priority landscapes and seascapes for 2024-2030, and formulating Regional Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (RBSAPs). With 213 participants from government agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector, the workshop highlighted a collaborative approach to addressing biodiversity conservation challenges. Discussions covered ecosystem conservation, wildlife protection, pollution control, climate change, and resource mobilization, with a strong emphasis on integrating indigenous knowledge and sustainable development practices.
Key outputs included biodiversity threat maps for each region, initial drafts of the RBSAPs, and proposed financing mechanisms to address biodiversity challenges. Presentations covered critical topics such as the impact of climate change on biodiversity, the importance of spatial planning, and the need for stronger policy implementation. The consultation underscored the urgency of aligning national and regional actions with global biodiversity targets, particularly the 30×30 conservation goal. Participants committed to refining RBSAP outputs, fostering stronger partnerships across sectors, and developing a biodiversity finance plan to bridge the funding gap. The event concluded with a call for continuous collaboration, improved biodiversity governance, and the adoption of innovative solutions to ensure the successful implementation of the updated PBSAP.
The Southern Luzon Regional Consultation on the assessment and updating of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) was held on April 16-18, 2024, at The Marison Hotel in Legazpi City, Albay. This consultation aimed to align the PBSAP with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and focused on reviewing biodiversity conservation strategies and identifying local biodiversity threats.
The event brought together 168 participants from government agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector. The consultation was divided into workshops, where participants were grouped according to biogeographical realms to conduct threat mapping and develop local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (LBSAPs). These workshops emphasized the identification of priority species, habitat management, and conservation measures to achieve the 30×30 target under KMGBF. Key issues addressed included habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and the need for stronger policy implementation and financing. Presentations highlighted critical conservation areas such as Mindoro and Palawan and the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge in biodiversity governance. The consultation underscored the urgency of updating Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and improving coordination with local governments to ensure biodiversity protection. The participants committed to refining their outputs and integrating biodiversity plans into local governance frameworks. The consultation concluded with a call for continuous stakeholder engagement, enhanced technical capacity, and J, purce mobilization to implement the updated PBSAP effectively.