Siargao, a world-renowned island in the Philippines famous for its heavenly beaches, is more than just a paradise for surfers and travelers. It is home to many communities facing significant environmental and economic challenges. Climate change, unsustainable waste management, and socio-economic vulnerabilities threaten the livelihoods of its residents. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, Action Against Hunger, with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has launched the Resilient and Sustainable Green Economy Project, also known as the Siargao Green Economy Project. 

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Siargao, located within the Caraga region (Region XIII) of Mindanao, is no exception. The island faces multiple threats due to climate change, including rising sea levels, intensifying tropical storms, and the degradation of its marine ecosystems. 

These environmental risks are not only catastrophic for ecosystems but also have a direct impact on the local population, particularly fisherfolks who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.  

In December 2021, Super Typhoon Odette (internationally known as Rai) made landfall in Siargao, bringing catastrophic damage to the island. Nationwide, the typhoon affected almost 8 million people across 11 regions. In Siargao alone, Odette displaced around 14,000 families and generally affected more 130,000 people.

The devastation extended beyond the tourism sector, severely impacting local communities: homes were destroyed, livelihoods — particularly those dependent on agriculture and fishing — were disrupted, and essential services such as education and healthcare were interrupted. The recovery process was arduous; while the initial restoration of power and communications occurred within a month, it took residents a year or more to rebuild their homes and reestablish their livelihoods.  

Additionally, the rapid increase in tourism has placed significant stress on Siargao’s limited natural resources and fragile ecosystems. While tourism is an important source of income for the island, it also presents serious environmental challenges. One of the most pressing being the surge in municipal solid waste production. 

According to a study by the United Nations Environment Programme, tourism is expected to generate a 251% increase in solid waste disposal by 2050. 

Without sustainable waste management solutions and green economic alternatives, the long-term health of Siargao’s environment and communities remains at risk.

THE SIARGAO GREEN ECONOMY PROJECT 

Since 2020, Action Against Hunger Philippines has been actively working in Siargao, supporting communities affected by Typhoon Odette through emergency response, recovery, and resilience programs. Since the devastating storm, we have helped rebuild livelihoods, improve food security, and strengthen disaster preparedness in the island. 

As Siargao continues to face environmental and socio-economic challenges, we are expanding our efforts to promote sustainable development and climate resilience – ensuring that communities are not only recovering but thriving in the long term.

Recognizing these challenges, the Siargao Green Economy Project, implemented by Action Against Hunger with funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), aims to improve solid waste management and promote green economic initiatives across the island.

By enhancing community resilience and environmental sustainability in four municipalities  : General Luna, San Isidro, Del Carmen, and Burgos. There, we are working to improve waste reduction, promote sustainable economic practices, foster climate resilience, and strengthen disaster risk reduction. Our approach is community-driven and gender-inclusive, ensuring that solutions are both sustainable and equitable.

The success of the Siargao Green Economy Project relies on strong partnerships. We are collaborating closely with local government units (LGUs), private sector stakeholders, and local communities to develop locally driven, long-term solutions. By integrating environmental sustainability into economic development and governance, we aim to create a resilient, self-sustaining green economy in Siargao.

Through this initiative, we are not just addressing immediate concerns — we are investing in a greener, more resilient future for Siargao and its people.

KEY COMPONENTS FOR A LASTING IMPACT 

Building a sustainable future for island communities requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both environmental and socio-economic challenges. The Siargao Green Economy Project focuses on practical, community-driven solutions that not only protect natural resources but also create long-term opportunities for local residents. 

From improving waste management to promoting inclusive economic growth, the project is built on four key components that work together in building a resilient, thriving, and sustainable Siargao: 

Sustainable Solid Waste Management plan 

Proper waste management is essential for both environmental conservation and disaster resilience. The Siargao Green Economy Project actively supports communities by improving waste reduction, recycling, and safe disposal methods through the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs). These initiatives not only curb pollution but also raise public awareness, encouraging long-term behavioral shifts toward responsible waste management. 

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) 

To further strengthen these initiatives, our project integrates waste management strategies into disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs. Indeed, it remains crucial to develop contingency plans for waste management during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. The objective? To enable communities to significantly reduce the effects of disasters, better prevent damage and impacts on the environment.  

In parallel, educational programs and awareness campaigns are conducted to encourage responsible waste disposal practices and climate change mitigation. 

Trade and rural development  

A thriving green economy depends on sustainable livelihoods. The Siargao Green Economy Project promotes circular economy practices by supporting community-led recycling initiatives and repurposing waste materials into livelihood opportunities. Additionally, the project encourages the development of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic-based packaging, providing sustainable income sources for local businesses. 

Public awareness platforms also play a key role in promoting green initiatives, ensuring that residents, businesses, and tourists actively participate and commit to a collective action toward a greener economy. 

Gender-inclusive climate resilience and governance 

A truly sustainable future must be inclusive. The Siargao Green Economy Project ensures that women, persons with disabilities, and older people have meaningful participation in solid waste management, DRR, and climate change adaptation efforts. By fostering inclusive governance, the project not only promotes gender equality but also ensures that all sectors of society not only benefit from but also contribute to shaping a resilient, greener and sustainable community. 

At Action Against Hunger, we believe that addressing environmental challenges is key to breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty. Through the Siargao Green Economy Project, we are paving the way for a future where communities are empowered to thrive despite climate and economic challenges. 

To know more about the Siargao Green Economy project,  click here to consult the

Project Briefer 

This publication was produced with the support of the Spanish Cooperation through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). The content is the sole responsibility of Action Against Hunger and does not necessarily reflect the views of AECID.