THE GREEN TEA

As the echoes of the 28th Conference of Parties of the UN Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) fade, I find myself contemplating the essence of genuine civil society involvement in the realms of nature, climate, and governance. This introspection stems from my organization's inaugural participation as an official observer at these pivotal international climate discussions.

Admittedly, I am far from an expert in these complex negotiations, but our modest delegation embarked on this journey with dual goals: to absorb knowledge and to amplify our commitment to environmental stewardship and nature-based climate solutions, notably through the Masungi Geopark reforestation initiative in Rizal province.

Our involvement began on a disheartening note. Various civil society organizations, dismayed by the perceived exclusion from the Philippine delegation's activities, voiced their concerns.

A coalition, including the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Caritas Philippines, and the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), issued a statement at the summit's commencement. They urged the Philippine delegation, under the leadership of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ma. Antonia “Toni”

Yulo-loyzaga, to embody the spirit of solidarity characteristic of the Filipino community. The statement emphasized the imperative of climate justice and sustainable development, rooted in current realities and pivoting toward a just energy transition that centralizes the in a fruitful dialogue in “The Climate Era” session we hosted together with Reboot Philippines at the Civil Society Climate Justice Hub. Representatives Anna Velosotuason, Ferdinand "Didi" Cabredo, and Jose Manuel Alba from the Climate Change Committee, alongside Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel, demonstrated com