Haribon's ROAD to 2020 forest restoration movement was esteemed as the best environmental project in the Philippines by the Energy Globe from out of more than 2,000 submissions coming from over 170 countries on June 5, World Environment Day.
14,000 volunteers planted trees under the ROAD to 2020 campaign, but more work must be done to bring forests back to level's last seen in the 1900's
The Rainforestation Organizations and Advocates or ROAD to 2020 is an environmental conservation movement that aims to bring back the lost Philippine rainforests in the country by 2020.
It unifies the efforts of different groups that use rainforestation including local governments, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, private organizations, schools and individuals.
Rainforestation is a technology that uses native trees in forest restoration, which builds better resilience against climate change impacts.
"Through the help of our partner communities, more than 600 hectares of native trees are steadfastly thriving and are now benefitting families and communities," shared Haribon’s ROAD to 2020 program coordinator Thaddeus Martinez.
Martinez added that when in full growth, the replenished forests will provide these areas with cleaner air, water supply and protection from flashfloods.
The environmental group has also conducted trainings that taught how to identify local tree species and has established local tree nurseries for over 50 species, including trees in danger of being lost to the world.
The campaign is more than just tree planting, seedings adopted under the program provide additional livlihood to communities living near the forests
"Our work continues as more needs to be done to regain the Philippine forests’ status in the early 1900s," said Martinez.
Hailed as one of today's ‘most prestigious environmental prize’ worldwide, the Energy Globe Award aims to recognize and raise awareness on sustainable solutions that tackle the pressing environmental problems that face our world today.
Haribon's winning project is automatically evaluated on the international level and awaits potential nomination for the Energy Globe World Award toward the end of the year.
Energy Globe Award continues its global call for participation of efforts focusing on saving resources, improving air, soil, or water quality, increasing energy efficiency, using renewables and mitigating climate change effects.
This campaign is approved by UNESCO, in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Help bring back Philippine rainforests today! Choose your best option at bit.ly/roadto2020.