Ruby Candano

Sharing knowledge and best practices between countries and engaging stakeholders at all levels – national to local – is key to achieving sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from food systems. Image Source: IFPRI As food loss and waste (FLW) contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reducing FLW is essential for improving …

Addressing climate change by reducing food loss and waste Read More »

A valuable strategy involves implementing natural capital accounting, which assigns a monetary value to nature’s direct and indirect benefits to economies and human well-being. This data can be utilized to establish the economic case for  preserving and restoring natural ecosystems. Image Source: WorldBank Nature, encompassing biodiversity and essential services for human well-being, is at the …

Incorporating nature at the core of economic decision making Read More »

Human activities that harm marine life, undermine coastal communities, and negatively impact human health are degrading the ocean. In response, the United Nations has formally adopted a historic treaty to protect life in the high seas. Image Source: UNEP Coastal areas, where 40% of the world’s people live, and 12 of the 15 biggest cities …

High Seas Treaty: A Lifeline for Marine Biodiversity Read More »

FAO, along with ADB, EBRD, CAF, and IOC/UNESCO is leading the Clean and Healthy Oceans Integrated Program, an initiative to reduce land-based pollution that affects coastal environments and large marine ecosystems. Image Source: UNESCO Oxygen levels in the oceans have dropped by almost 2 percent since the 1950s, leading to dead zones or hypoxic areas, …

Building partnerships for sustainable agri-food systems and the environment Read More »

The Senate approved the Blue Economy Act on its third and final reading, reflecting a commitment to the sustainable use of the Philippines’ oceanic resources for economic growth, enhanced livelihoods, and the health of ocean ecosystems. Image Source: Senate of the Philippines In a significant move toward sustainable development, the Senate has approved the Blue …

Senate enacts the Blue Economy Act Read More »

House Bill No. 5702 aims to alleviate the financial burdens of hundreds of thousands of agricultural land tillers and fisherfolks by writing off millions in accumulated interest, penalties, and surcharges on their loans. The House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 5702, or the Agrarian and Agricultural Loan Restructuring and Condonation Act, with 271 votes. …

House approves bill on agrarian and agricultural loan restructuring and condonation of interests Read More »

Destructive activities such as large-scale mining and infrastructure activities have left more than half of the key basins in the Philippines unprotected, posing severe threats to watersheds. Image Source: Philippine Star Watersheds play a crucial role in regulating floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events, as well as in managing water resources, and providing habitats …

Current state of watershed in the Philippines Read More »

The agricultural sector, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Given its crucial role, urgent action is necessary to reduce its environmental impacts and protect it from the worst effects of global warming. Image Source: Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) …

Empowering smallholders farmers for climate resilience Read More »

The online panel discussion conducted by DOST-PCAARRD during National Women’s Month underscores both the enduring struggles and progress in the journey towards women’s empowerment in the Philippines. The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) through the Gender and Development and Special Projects Unit …

Current struggles for women empowerment in the Philippines Read More »