One of the largest remaining blocks of tropical lowland rainforest in the Philippines is found along the eastern part of the island of Mindanao. CI is helping build capacity among local governments, NGOs, and communities in Eastern Mindanao to manage their valuable natural resources. Since logging and mining concessions continue to be granted in the region for political and economic reasons, we have established a working group made up of key representatives from public, private, and non-profit sectors to address the critical policy issues. 

We are also implementing a conservation financing program that uses trust funds to finance sustainable watershed management. This brings a continuous flow of ecosystem resources, such as water, to local communities downstream, as well as alternative livelihoods for upland indigenous communities that live inside watershed reserves.