Nature2Nurture: Transforming Communities Through Nature-Based Solutions in Palawan

Nature2Nurture (N2N) is an innovative program dedicated to fostering sustainable development through nature-based solutions. Co-created by SPF and Villgro Philippines, N2N aims to address environmental challenges, enhance biodiversity, and create economic opportunities by empowering local communities and promoting eco-friendly practices. The program focuses on supporting women-led and women-owned enterprises, recognizing their crucial role in driving sustainable change. Through a combination of mentorship, technical assistance, and financial support, Nature2Nurture is paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive future, where nature and communities thrive together. 

Nature-based solutions are crucial for Palawan due to its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, which face threats from climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable practices. These solutions help protect and restore ecosystems, ensuring biodiversity preservation. They also provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities through eco-friendly practices like sustainable tourism, organic farming, and conservation efforts. Additionally, nature-based solutions enhance community resilience to climate impacts, such as typhoons and rising sea levels, by promoting natural defenses like mangrove restoration and watershed management. Prioritizing these solutions ensures a sustainable and resilient future for Palawan and its people. 

The program focuses on women-led and women-owned enterprises because empowering women is essential for sustainable development and gender equality. Women play a crucial role in their communities, often managing natural resources and being primary caregivers. Supporting women-led enterprises promotes economic empowerment and leverages their unique perspectives in sustainable practices. Women-led businesses tend to reinvest significantly in their families and communities, creating positive social and economic impacts. This focus helps break down gender barriers, promote inclusiveness, and drive holistic and sustainable growth in the region.

Here are the three enterprises participating in the program, each championing sustainable development in their unique ways. Let's take a closer look at how they are making a difference in their communities:

Eco Sanctuaries, a regenerative eco resort located in the biodiverse haven of El Nido, Palawan, stands as a beacon of wellness, sustainability, and community engagement. This unique resort collaborates closely with the Dewil Ecosystem Mangrove Association and the local community to protect and preserve the vital mangrove ecosystems. Through the N2N program, Eco Sanctuaries aims to enhance the kayaking tour experience, showcasing the rich diversity of the mangroves in the area.

During a recent site visit to the Dewil Mangrove Association, we observed the remarkable transformation of the local community. Historically, the mangroves were exploited for charcoal production, a practice that severely threatened the ecosystem. However, the community has since transitioned to become ‘bantay dagat’ or guardians of the seas, effectively halting this destructive activity. This shift underscores the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

Eco Sanctuaries, in partnership with the local community, is spearheading an initiative to replace motorboats with kayaks for tours of the mangrove area. This change aims to reduce noise pollution and minimize disruption to the underwater ecosystem. The kayaking tours will not only offer a serene and immersive experience for tourists but also serve as an educational platform. Visitors will learn about the significance of biodiversity and the crucial role of mangrove ecosystems in maintaining ecological balance.

Moreover, this initiative will empower local women by involving them in providing food services for the tours. This new livelihood stream supports both the community and the environment, fostering economic growth while promoting sustainable practices.

In conclusion, Eco Sanctuaries exemplifies how regenerative tourism can harmonize with environmental conservation and community development. By fostering sustainable practices, empowering local communities, and promoting environmental education, Eco Sanctuaries is paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future in El Nido, Palawan.

Kebyagan Teyo, an enterprise created by the indigenous people of Palawan, primarily the Tau’t Bato and Palaw’an tribes resided in Rizal city, represents a significant shift in the livelihood strategies of these communities. Traditionally, these tribes relied on ‘kaingin,’ a slash-and-burn farming method, for their sustenance. However, Kebyagan Teyo offers a sustainable alternative, providing new opportunities for community members.

To address this, Kebyagan Teyo aims to expand and create a larger revenue stream to support the community. By utilizing the grant and mentorship opportunities from N2N, they plan to focus on product development and test the market with a new line of products. This strategic move is expected to enhance their market position and drive growth.

During our community visit, the indigenous community members expressed a strong desire to learn and create different varieties of products. This enthusiasm for innovation and development is a promising sign for the future of Kebyagan Teyo.

In conclusion, Kebyagan Teyo is more than just an enterprise; it is a beacon of hope and progress for the indigenous people of Palawan. By embracing sustainable practices, inclusivity, and innovation, Kebyagan Teyo is paving the way for a brighter future for these communities.

Angkat Palawan is an innovative island-based food manufacturing facility dedicated to bringing the unique identity of Palawan into every household through food innovation. By utilizing community-sourced raw materials that are unique to the island and harvested through sustainable means, Angkat Palawan creates products that not only reflect the rich culture of Palawan but also support local communities.

The entrepreneurs from Angkat Palawan have expressed a keen interest in obtaining FDA-approved certificates for their products. To achieve this, they need to secure an FDA license for their production facilities. Villgro Philippines suggested to connect Angkat Palawan with Impact Pioneers Network, a company of impact investing based in Manila. The company is interested in supporting social enteprises, especially with direct impact to the community. Meanwhile, a deeper analysis of the company’s financial situation revealed that their highest-margin product is the sambago-ong, a fusion of ‘sambal’ and bagoong, made from Palawan’s anchovies (dilis) and locally sourced spices.

Ultimately, through the N2N program, Angkat Palawan aspires to expand its market presence both within and beyond the province, bringing the flavors of Palawan to a wider audience. By doing so, they aim to not only showcase the island’s culinary heritage but also support and uplift the local communities that are integral to their success.

As we look forward to the Impact Showcase on February 28, 2025, in the Philippines, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Eco Sanctuaries, Angkat Palawan, and Kebyagan Teyo. These enterprises exemplify the power of nature-based solutions and the transformative impact they can have on local communities. The showcase will provide a platform for these inspiring ventures to share their stories, highlight their successes, and demonstrate the tangible benefits of sustainable development. Join us in recognizing and supporting these trailblazers as they continue to pave the way for a more resilient and inclusive future.