COMBATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF HUMANITARIAN CRISES IN THE PHILIPPINES: EARTH PROJECT
As climate change intensifies the frequency of environmental calamities and human-driven conflicts force entire populations to be displaced, vulnerable communities in the Philippines regularly face humanitarian crises. Despite good intentions, emergency interventions by different actors have sometimes unintentionally worsened ecological damage, posing long-term challenges for recovery and resilience. The Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) project seeks to reverse this impact by combining nature-based solutions with community-led actions to restore the environmental ecosystems damaged in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon. This replicable model aims to pave the way for more ecologically sustainable practices in humanitarian responses.
In the Philippines, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have exposed vulnerable communities to a heightened risk of displacement, leading to environmental degradation and ecosystem damage. These events have left lasting scars on the well-being and livelihoods of some communities.
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS
In addressing these crises, sometimes, well-meaning humanitarian interventions have paradoxically contributed to environmental degradation. Relief efforts following disasters have sometimes led to an influx of non-biodegradable materials. Without a comprehensive waste management strategy, these materials accumulate in vulnerable ecosystems, straining natural resources and compromising long-term recovery efforts. Additionally, degraded environments—such as deforested coastal areas and clogged waterways—exacerbate disaster risks, making communities even more vulnerable to future hazards.
Mangrove ecosystems, essential for coastal protection and biodiversity, have particularly suffered due to poor waste management in emergency shelters and resettlement areas. These challenges highlight the urgent need to integrate ecologically sustainable practices into humanitarian responses to ensure they do not inadvertently harm the ecosystems and populations they aim to protect.
Recognizing these challenges, Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines and ACCORD Inc. through the support of the European Union Humanitarian Aid, launched the Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) Project.
This project aims to restore environmental ecosystems damaged in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon and to promote sustainable livelihoods to strengthen community resilience, reducing both environmental degradation and the risks associated with climate-induced disasters.
CLOSER LOOK: THE CASES OF ZAMBOANGA AND MALABON
The cities of Zamboanga and Malabon exemplify the link between humanitarian crises and their environmental repercussions. In these locations, vital coastal mangroves, crucial for storm protection and biodiversity, have been destroyed by urbanization and human activities. Rivers and waterways have turned into dumping grounds for waste, increasing the risk of flooding and waterborne diseases.
ZAMBOANGA CITY: ENVIRONMENTAL AFTERSHOCKS OF CONFLICT
In photo : Assessment in Zamboanga where mangrove ecosystems are degraded and heavily polluted. (Photo by Juan Blenn Huelgas for Action Against Hunger)
In Zamboanga City, the aftermath of the 2013 siege highlighted how poor waste management planning during large-scale humanitarian interventions can exacerbate environmental damage. In fact, the displacement of thousands led to deforestation of mangrove ecosystems near shelters and an accumulation of single-use plastics from relief materials.
“The relocation site is now livable, but challenges are still here,” – Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, Head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
This not only harmed the environment but also increased community vulnerability to future disasters. Degraded mangrove ecosystems in these areas make them more susceptible to severe impacts from hazards such as floods and typhoons.
The decline of mangrove vegetation, coupled with inadequate sanitation and water shortages, left resettled families struggling to rebuild their lives sustainably.
MALABON CITY: AN URBAN LANDSCAPE PRONE TO FLOODING
In photo: Assessment in Malabon City – Tullahan River separating residential houses and factory – (Photo courtesy of ACCORD)
Meanwhile, Malabon City, a densely populated area, faces a different but equally crucial set of challenges. The Tullahan and Batasan rivers, vital waterways for the community, have become heavily polluted due to unregulated waste disposal.
Waste bins installed along the rivers collect up to 16 cubic meters of garbage daily, underscoring the impact of human activity. However, during the monsoon season, these bins are regularly removed to prevent obstruction of water flow, causing a massive overflow of waste into mangrove ecosystems and Manila Bay, contributing to the coastal pollution.
Despite efforts to mitigate these issues, the absence of coordinated waste management plans in barangays has not only compounded environmental challenges but also increased potential public health risks, such as waterborne diseases.
INTRODUCING THE EARTH PROJECT
Launched on December 2024, the Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) Project represents a transformative approach to addressing the crosscutting challenges of humanitarian crises and environmental degradation. Rooted in the vision of community resilience, the project employs a people-centered, multisectoral, nature-based solutions (NBS) model to drive meaningful change, piloted in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon.
The EARTH Project merges advocacy with practical interventions in areas such as mangrove reforestation, solid waste management, water conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. By restoring critical ecosystems, the project aims at the end, to mitigate environmental risks while empowering local communities.
“We want to engage local organizations and universities to see what models we can replicate and improve the living conditions of the people,” – Suresanathan Murugesu, Country Director of Action Against Hunger Philippines.
COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION THROUGH SAVINGS GROUPS
In coordination with the City Agriculture Office, City Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Community Savings Groups (CSG) will be established as a mechanism to manage the activities.
Composed of “waste/eco warriors”, CSGs members will participate in the ecosystem restoration efforts while cultivating economic resilience. Members will be trained in financial literacy, mangrove nursery management, waste segregation, and sustainable livelihoods, equipping them with the skills needed to enact long-term change.
MANGROVE REFORESTATION AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION
In coordination with local government units, the project targets six hectares of land for mangrove reforestation—three hectares each in Zamboanga and Malabon.
Mangrove nurseries equipped with rainwater harvesting systems will play a pivotal role in the project’s success. These nurseries will cultivate 15,000 indigenous mangrove propagules, including Bakauan Bangkaw, Bakauan Babae, and Bakauan Lalake varieties.
Harvested rainwater will ensure a steady water supply, even during dry spells, supporting the healthy growth of seedlings before their transplantation into coastal areas. The nurseries will also serve as hubs for community engagement, fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS
To start the planting of mangroves, these currently polluted sites will be prepared and completely cleaned to ensure that the propagules thrive.
In addition to ecosystem restoration, the EARTH Project will promote sustainable waste management practices. In line with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003), waste reduction and environmental sustainability will be emphasized, focusing on the implementation of ecological solid waste management strategies, including Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), to reduce pollution and improve urban living conditions.
Households and local communities will encourage waste recycling and composting, transforming biodegradable waste into valuable fertilizer to create urban gardening initiatives.
Ultimately, the EARTH Project will not only reduce contributions to landfills but also support local food security.
AWARENESS-RAISING AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGE
To ensure the long-term impact of these interventions, the EARTH Project emphasizes awareness-raising and behavioral change. Through multi-stakeholder meetings, community assemblies, and targeted educational campaigns, the project fosters a culture of environmental responsibility. Households will be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, while advocacy efforts address gaps in waste management coordination and resource allocation.
ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMANITARIAN CHALLENGES
The EARTH Project ultimately aspires to pave the way for a future where vulnerable populations can thrive in harmony with their environment by blending ecological restoration with community-driven risk reduction strategies, and advocacy. This initiative underscores the vital role of nature-based solutions in resilience-building. Over time, it will serve as a replicable model to minimize the ecological impact of humanitarian responses while strengthening communities’ ability to recover and prepare for future hazards.
To know more about our project, check out the The Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions briefer
