Germany, Phl celebrate cooperation on climate protection, biodiversity conservation
German Ambassador Dr. Gordon Kricke hosts at his residence a dinner reception to celebrate 10 years of cooperation between the Philippines and Germany in the common fight against climate change and for the preservation of biodiversity.
Since 2008, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) has provided support of at least 62 million Euros for technical cooperation projects in the Philippines.
Considering that the Philippines remains one of the focus countries under IKI in Southeast Asia, the BMU is now committing additional funds of up to 35 million Euros based on priorities that are defined by the Philippine government consistent with IKI’s areas of support.
Kricke recognizes the important achievements of IKI in the Philippines with improved management and livelihood in 60 out of the total 240 protected areas and the establishment of 57 new protected areas which cover a total area of 183,277 hectares. Coastal and wildlife protection, ambitious climate actions and a national REDD+ strategy have also been put in place. Impressed by the diversity of projects in the country, Kricke wishes for the continued success of IKI implementation in the Philippines and strengthened cooperation between the two countries.
The main IKI implementing organizations in the country are the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Habitat, Plan International, Renewables Academy AG (RENAC), Rare Inc., International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) – Local Governments for Sustainability, and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) – Philippines.
The IKI is a key element of Germany’s climate financing mechanism and the funding commitments made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The initiative’s focus areas are on climate change mitigation, adaption to the impacts of climate change and the protection of biological diversity. These efforts provide various co-benefits, particularly the improvement of living conditions in partner countries.
For more information about the IKI, visit: https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/ en/about-the-iki/.
For an example of IKI projects in the Philippines, visit “Protected Area Management Enhancement in the Philippines” through this link: http://t1p.de/f3kg.