LocationsPhilippines Launches Roadmap to Build Readiness for Voluntary Forest Carbon Markets
March 10, 2026
Metro Manila, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has officially adopted the Philippines’ Roadmap to Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market (2026–2030) through a newly signed Department Administrative Order (DAO).
Developed by the DENR with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Accelerating Green and Climate Finance (AGCF) Project funded by the Government of Canada, the Roadmap seeks to establish a strategic framework for policy development, data analytics, institutional mechanisms, and sustainable financing for forest carbon.
Recognizing the country’s rich forest ecosystems as vital assets for absorbing carbon dioxide while promoting sustainable land use and socio-economic development, the Roadmap identifies and addresses key gaps in policy, institutional capacity, data infrastructure, and financing mechanisms. It outlines a clear approach to strengthen the country's readiness for forest carbon initiatives, centered around four priority areas:
- Policy Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) Engagement
- Data Analytics, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), and Carbon Registry Systems
- Institutional Mechanisms and Capacity Building
- Sustainable Financing and Market Development
“We must view our carbon forestry projects not as simple ventures, but as initiatives with profound implications for climate action, environmental stewardship, and natural resource governance,” said Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change. “The indigenous groups will play a crucial role in the carbon market as stewards of our forests and wetlands. We need to ensure that their rights and participation are central to the discussion of the carbon trading policy.”
Atty. Rebuelta-Teh further underscored that the goal is to help shape carbon markets that not only contribute to climate mitigation but also advance sustainable forest landscapes that benefit everyone. “This is a call to action for us to maximize and unleash the opportunities and potential of our resources and be part of the global action and commitment in accelerating climate action," she added.
The Roadmap was developed through a series of extensive consultations held from 2023 to 2025, bringing together government agencies, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, academe, and private-sector partners. These efforts were led by the DENR with support from UNDP.
This initiative is part of UNDP’s broader commitment to supporting a just transition to a low-carbon, climate‑resilient development in the Philippines, further strengthening the country’s capacity to mobilize climate finance and advance nature-based solutions (NbS).
UNDP Resident Representative Christopher Bahuet emphasized the initiative’s broader impact: “UNDP works closely with the Government of the Philippines to strengthen the country’s response to the escalating challenges of the climate crisis. With support from Canada, we are mobilizing greater resources for climate actions, not only from public finance but also by unlocking private sector investment. Forest carbon projects offer climate, economic, and community benefits. They can enhance sustainable resource management, strengthen local economies, and deliver tangible gains for communities and local governments.”
The AGCF Project aims to increase public and private sector investments into gender-responsive NbS for climate resilient technologies, innovations, practices, and approaches; supporting a just transition to resilient and low emission development that sustains nature and ecosystems and protects the rights of all who are affected and at risk. The Project is funded by the Government of Canada and conducted in partnership with the Department of Finance (DoF) with other key national government agencies, including the DENR. [E]
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