Greenseed
Women creating a sustainable future
WePhili - Conservation and Leadership Training for Women in the Quezon Region, Philippines
In response to the environmental and gender equality challenges in the Philippines, Greenseed is committed to implementing a program that addresses both dimensions effectively.
The creation of women's groups within the conservation context has proven successful in combating gender discrimination while promoting environmental protection. The WePhili program is designed to harness this success by establishing a network of women trained in conservation and leadership, ensuring empowerment and sustainability in the region.
To achieve this goal, a training program led by women specializing in conservation and leadership is implemented. Accommodation and meals are provided for program participants. Over the course of one year, they will receive training enabling them to launch their own conservation programs or integrate into existing structures. It's important to note that the conservation training and leadership curriculum has been co-created with our implementing partner, Haribon Foundation, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in addressing local challenges.
Key points
General objective
Specific objectives
Activities
Improve the socio-economic conditions of women through the implementation of conservation projects.
The participating women have achieved financial independence through the integration of conservation projects.
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One-year training on conservation and leadership for women in the Quezon region.
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One-year follow-up to support women integrating local initiatives in conservation or decision-making institutions on local resource management.
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Development of eco-tourism activities led by women beneficiaries.
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Conferences, workshops, and webinars to inspire women and strengthen the knowledge and skills acquired during the classes.
Location
Northern Quezon, Municipality of Real, in four different barangays: Ungos, Capalong, Kiloloron, Maragondon.
Direct beneficiaries
Women from these different barangays (rural areas) and with low level of education.
Implementation Partner
Haribon Foundation, our implementing partner, has played a pivotal role in the creation and execution of the WePhili Programme. With their extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation in the Philippines, Haribon Foundation has been instrumental in shaping the program to effectively address the unique challenges faced in the Quezon Region. Their expertise and insights have enriched the curriculum, ensuring its alignment with local needs and realities.
Moreover, as the program's direct implementer on the ground, Haribon Foundation will be responsible for overseeing its successful execution, including the delivery of training, facilitation of women's groups, and integration of conservation initiatives. With their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions, Haribon Foundation stands as a cornerstone in the realization of the WePhili Programme's objectives.
Project Progress
FIRST PHASE (July 2024 to December 2024) : PREPARATION FOR THE TRAINING
Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholder engagement began with a series of meetings involving KALIPI group leaders, municipal authorities, and government representatives. These discussions led to formal commitments from key partners, including three barangay resolutions in support of the project. The municipality of Real also appointed a dedicated focal person to facilitate coordination.
Participatory workshops were held with community members to identify socio-economic and environmental challenges. These sessions enabled the co-creation of action plans focused on two key objectives: the conservation of natural resources and the empowerment of women within the community.
Challenges
The project faced several challenges during implementation of the first three months. Weather-related disruptions and scheduling conflicts required a reorganization of activities. Flexible training modules and the establishment of childcare services were introduced to facilitate consistent participation from women. In the community of Capalong, political tensions were eased through a mediation process that helped shift the focus back to the collective goals of the project.
Training Needs Assessment Summary
A training needs assessment highlighted critical gaps in knowledge related to environmental and governance issues. A large majority—86% of surveyed women—were unfamiliar with environmental laws, and key technical concepts such as greenhouse gases and disaster risk management were not well understood. Although environmental threats like deforestation, illegal fishing, and coral reef degradation were widely recognized, their connection to climate change remained unclear for many participants.
Despite these knowledge gaps, the potential for engagement is strong. An encouraging 97% of the women expressed a willingness to be actively involved in the protection of the PP1636 protected area. However, a gap persists between existing governance structures and women’s effective participation. This underscores the need to strengthen their role in decision-making processes and environmental leadership.
Basic knowledge of relevant concepts
© Haribon Foundation – used with permission
SECOND PHASE (January 2025 to March 2026) : DELIVERY OF THE TRAINING
To address the identified challenges, the training program is currently being delivered to turn the willingness to engage into concrete action. The program aims to bridge knowledge gaps, strengthen women's leadership, and promote a sustainable approach to conservation and community development.
It is built around four key pillars: Governance, Action, Inclusion, and Nature (G.A.I.N.):
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Governance: Enhance community capacities in managing protected areas, with a focus on legal frameworks, decision-making structures, and the role of environmental management councils.
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Action: Support sustainable entrepreneurship and promote environmentally friendly economic solutions.
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Inclusion: Strengthen the involvement of women and marginalized groups in decision-making processes, while improving their access to training and economic opportunities.
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Nature: Raise awareness of good conservation practices, integrate climate change adaptation strategies, and build resilience to natural disasters.
Delivery of the training
The training program has officially begun, with the first module successfully delivered to women leaders from local women's organizations. This initial session marks a key step in building their knowledge and skills, setting the foundation for stronger participation in community development and environmental governance.
Welcoming remarks by COO, Arlie Endonila during the "Gender and Development in Environmental Governance" training
Field Trip to the Philippines by Greenseed Co-Founders, Anna and Esther
In April 2025, a field trip was organized with Haribon Foundation, who led the visit to the project implementation sites in Quezon Province. The trip included a series of insightful meetings, beginning with Haribon Foundation, followed by discussions with barangay representatives and officials from the Local Government Unit of Real. These meetings provided a deeper understanding of the project’s integration into the local governance structures and community.
A key part of the visit was engaging with the women beneficiaries who are actively involved in the project. They shared their perspectives on the project's impact and their personal growth through the initiatives.
The trip also involved visits to various potential sites for eco-tourism development, including a promising eco-park and potential permaculture fields, which could contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and community development.
However, the standout moments of the trip were the training sessions on Gender and Development in Environmental Governance and Gender-Based Violence. These training sessions marked a significant step in empowering women with the skills and knowledge needed to take leadership roles in both environmental governance and advocating for gender equality. The active participation of the women beneficiaries during these sessions underscored the positive impact of the program in fostering meaningful change in the community.
Mangroves restoration area in Ungos barangays
Mangroves Nursery
Partners
And a private foundation
