The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany, is boosting local climate action and protecting biodiversity through the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project.

The project aims to support the country’s efforts to translate national climate and biodiversity commitments into definite actions, all while prioritizing resilience across communities.

During the second National Technical Working Group (TWG) conference, stakeholders, local government units (LGUs), development partners, and implementing organizations assembled to strengthen their coordination across project components.

Meanwhile, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert Borje underscored the importance of concrete results at the local level, following the issuance of a special authority from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“We are gathered here, united by a common purpose: turning our climate and biodiversity commitments into action that lasts for people, communities, and ecosystems,” Borje said.

TRANSCEND also intends to reinforce coordinated action across sectors, including biodiversity, urban ecosystem-based adaptation, energy efficiency in micro, small, and medium enterprises, transport, and governance.

Borje further emphasized that it reflects a significant priority, emphasizing the need for strong collaboration across sectors to address interconnected climate and biodiversity challenges.

Over the past year, implementation has moved from planning to action, with LGUs beginning to align development plans with national climate and biodiversity strategies.

Furthermore, initial progress across project sites has demonstrated the value of coordinated efforts, while also surfacing key challenges that require sustained collaboration.

The TRANSCEND Project is a joint initiative of the Philippines and Germany through termany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI), which aims at targeting solutions in climate adaptation, emissions mitigation, and biodiversity conservation in the Philippines.