BAGUIO CITY — Baguio has been chosen as a beneficiary of the Green and Resilient Cities Project, a global initiative promoting biodiversity conservation and low-carbon urban development.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong confirmed the selection following an announcement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB). The project, approved by the Global Environment Facility Council under its 8th Replenishment Cycle, has a budget of around $13 million. It will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed locally by the BMB.

City officials said Baguio’s inclusion came after a series of consultations to ensure the project aligns with local priorities and environmental needs.

Magalong said the project will help tackle biodiversity challenges and environmental degradation while improving the city’s capacity to handle climate risks.

The City Environment and Parks Management Office, together with the City Planning Development and Sustainability Office and the City Administrator’s Office, will coordinate with international partners to bring the project to life. The funding aims to support initiatives addressing land degradation, climate change, and other pressing environmental concerns.