RFA Biodiversity and Resilience Activity.pdf

Issue Date: June 4, 2024 Deadline for Questions: June 25, 2024. 1:00 PM (Manila Time) Closing Date: August 16, 2024 Closing Time: 1:00 PM (Manila Time)

Subject: Request for Applications (RFA) Number: 72049224RFA00003

Program Title: Biodiversity and Resilience Activity

Federal Assistance Listing Number: 98.001

To Prospective Applicants:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement the Biodiversity and Resilience Activity. Eligibility for this award is not restricted.

USAID intends to make an award to the applicant(s) who best meets the objectives of this funding opportunity based on the merit review criteria described in this RFA subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in applying are encouraged to read this RFA thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements and selection process.

To be eligible for award, the applicant must provide all information as required in this RFA and meet eligibility standards in Section C of this RFA. This funding opportunity is posted on www.grants.gov, and may be amended. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check the website to ensure they have the latest information pertaining to this notice of funding opportunity and to ensure that the RFA has been received from the internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion process. If you have difficulty registering on www.grants.gov or accessing the RFA, please contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or via email at support@grants.gov for technical assistance.

USAID may not award to an applicant unless the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements detailed in Section C.2. The registration process may take many weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin registration early in the process.

http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov

Biodiversity and Resilience Activity

RFA No: 72049224RFA00003

Please send any questions to the point(s) of contact identified in Section G. The deadline for questions is shown above. Responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential applicants through an amendment to this notice posted to www.grants.gov.

Issuance of this notice of funding opportunity does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of comments/suggestions or an application. Applications are submitted at the risk of the applicant. All preparation and submission costs are at the applicant’s expense.

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, Howard Weston Agreement Officer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section A – Program Description 4

Section B – Federal Award Information 31

Section C – Eligibility Information 34

Section D – Application and Submission Information 36

Section E – Application Review Information 40

Section F – Federal Award Administration Information 43

Section G – Federal Awarding Agency Contacts 46

Section H – Other Information 47

Annexes 48

SECTION A: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This funding opportunity is authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961, as amended. The resulting award will be subject to 2 CFR 200 – Uniform Administrative

Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and USAID’s supplement, 2 CFR 700, as well as the additional requirements found in Section F.

I. TITLE OF ACTIVITY: Biodiversity and Resilience

II. BACKGROUND

The Philippines is one of 17 mega-biodiverse countries of the world which, collectively, contain two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal species. However, the country’s rich biodiversity faces significant threats, even ranking among the top ten countries in the world in terms of species threatened with extinction.1

Forests have played a key role in the economic history of the Philippines. Until the 1980s, forests provided a consistent revenue stream from timber sales for the government. Forests also provide ecosystem-related services such as generating water for electric power, agriculture, and household use; mitigating climate change impacts; and recreation. Collectively, these benefits enhance human well-being, and improve economic development. However, in

2022, the Philippines lost 62.9Kha of tree cover, equivalent to 38.8Mt of carbon dioxide emissions.2 Key threats to the Philippines’ biodiversity include habitat loss and conversion, unsustainable utilization of the country’s forests and fishery resources, poaching and illegal trade of wildlife, overfishing, and pollution.3

The Philippines is located within the Coral Triangle, the global center for marine biodiversity. It is also one of the world’s longest coastlines, and its marine and coastal resources yield $3.5 billion annually in goods and services.4 Fish and fish products provide more than 50% of

Filipinos’ dietary protein.5 Overfishing and overcapacity have resulted in major overexploitation of Philippine reef fisheries. Only four percent of coral reefs were in excellent condition by 1997, drifting down to two percent by 2010 and continuing to decline overtime. A study published in

2019 found that a third of the country’s coral cover has been lost in the last decade.6

1 https://chm.cbd.int/database/record?documentID=243371 2 https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/PHL/

3 USAID. 118/119

4 ADB-WB Climate Risk Country Profile (Philippines) 5 https://sustainablefish.org/impact-initiatives/supporting-small-scale-fisheries/better-seafood-philippines 6 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.013. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X19302747) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.013

The Philippines is also a source, transshipment point, and consumer of internationally trafficked natural resources, especially wildlife. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) estimated that the total cost of the illegal trade is around P50 billion per year in the

Philippines alone. This amount includes the losses to damaged habitats from poaching and the loss in potential ecotourism revenues.

The Philippines consistently ranks among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world and is highly susceptible to seismic and volcanic risks. On average, the country experiences 20 typhoons every year. The immense impacts from these disasters include annual losses in GDP, droughts, food and biodiversity loss, sea level rise, public health risks, and endangerment of livelihoods and vulnerable groups such as farmers, fisherfolks, women, and indigenous people. A key priority for the Philippines is to strengthen the country’s adaptation capabilities, especially its poorest of the poor. In December 2021, for example, the super typhoon “Odette” (Rai) killed over 400 people and caused over 1 billion dollars in damages, including to terrestrial and marine biodiversity. In northern Palawan, Odette destroyed 60 percent of the area’s tree cover7 and damaged key marine sanctuaries, shallow reefs, coral colonies, and key tourism spots like snorkeling areas.

The Government of the Philippines has committed to the conservation and sustainable management of its natural resources. The Philippines is a member of the High Ambition

Coalition for Nature and People, which advocated for the adoption of a target to conserve at least 30 percent of the planet’s land and at least 30 percent of the planet’s ocean by 2030 in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Since the target’s adoption, the

Coalition is focusing on supporting members to achieve the 30x30 goal.

However, the Government of the Philippines also faces significant financing gaps, which hinder its ability to achieve its biodiversity and climate goals. To implement the 2015-2028 Philippine

Biodiversity and Strategy Action Plan, PHP 24 billion (US$530 million) is required annually.

However, biodiversity spending averages only PhP 5 billion (US$110 million) per year, leaving an

80 percent financing gap. On the other hand, the Philippines has set a Nationally Determined

Contribution goal of 75 percent GHG emissions reductions and avoidance, which is estimated to cost US$4.12 billion.

USAID recognizes that climate change and biodiversity loss are closely connected. Biodiversity and climate conditions share common drivers through human activities and result in a myriad

7 USAID-SIBOL Green Assessment, Jan-May 2022 of negative impacts on the state and availability of natural resources. These impacts put strains on ecosystem goods & services such as food sources, energy and water resources, air quality, etc. which are essential for human wellbeing. Biodiversity and Resilience (hereinafter referred to as The Activity) will address the interrelated issues of biodiversity loss and climate change by improving the policy and enabling environment, building the capacities of local actors, strengthening key institutions, and leveraging private sector investments and financing for nature-based solutions.

III. GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE/ FOCUS

The Activity will conserve biodiversity and advance climate adaptation and mitigation at the national and subnational levels. To enable the sustainability of activity outcomes and capture the diversity of potential conservation and climate actions at different scales, this activity will support actions at three levels: (a) the national level to support policy development, institutional capacity and replication; (b) the sub-national level to support strategic programming and implementation of conservation actions at the provincial level; and, (c ) the sub-national level in selected geographies to demonstrate innovative conservation and climate actions in landscapes and seascapes.

The Activity is expected to work with national government agencies such as but not limited to, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Climate Change Commission (CCC), Department of Finance (DoF), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of

Agriculture (DA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Justice (DoJ), in areas of developing policies, plans, incentive mechanisms, livelihood support, knowledge management, capacity building, implementing and monitoring national and sub-national level nature-based solutions.

In Luzon, Palawan is the focus of this activity for strategic programming in consideration of

USAID’s long-term partnership with its provincial government, the presence of a strong environmental civil society network, the ecological significance of the province to the

Philippines and Southeast Asia region, and its climate mitigation potential. In Visayas and

Mindanao, Bohol and Siargao Island are also strategic areas for programming because of

USAID’s past and recent successful partnerships and programs which Biodiversity and Resilience can build on.

Site-based demonstration work will be in Cagayan Valley, Eastern Visayas, and Tawi-Tawi, based on their high biological significance, socio-economic vulnerability, high exposure to climate-induced disasters and other natural hazards, and promise for reducing land-based emissions.

Geographic Profiles

Palawan

Palawan is dubbed as the Philippines’ “Last Ecological Frontier” which harbors vast tracts of tropical rainforests and a huge expanse of marine wilderness. Palawan is the habitat of 232 endemic species. Some of these unique creatures are the metallic-colored peacock pheasant and the reclusive scaly anteater. In the forests and grasslands, the air resonates with the songs of more than 200 kinds of birds. Endangered sea turtles nest on white sand beaches, and the gentle dugong feed on the seagrass that abounds in Palawan’s waters. Palawan has nearly

11,000 square kilometers of coral reefs, representing more than 35% of the country’s coral reefs. However, nature in Palawan can be considered fragile from its attributes such as its narrow mainland, being composed of small islands, having steep topography and highly erodible soils with small watersheds and short rivers, and impermeable soil. Palawan, which for many years did not experience super typhoons in the past, was severely hit by a strong typhoon in December 2021 which caused huge damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and ecosystems and habitats.

Bohol

USAID’s close partnership with the province goes back to 1995 when, with USAID’s technical assistance, the local government was able to craft the Bohol Environment Code of 1998, the first environment code prepared by any local government in the country, that would help the province to sustain growth while protecting its natural resources. Through the Cities

Development Initiative that started in 2014, USAID partnered with Tagbilaran City and provided cross-cutting assistance on economic growth, health, energy, environment, governance, and education.

Bohol is also home to the country’s only double barrier reef, the Danajon Reef in the northwestern part of the province. The Danajon Reef LGUs are among USAID's key partners in advancing the ecosystems approach to fisheries and management under 2 USAID Activities: The

Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest Project (FISH) from 2003 to 2010 and the

Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries Project (ECOFISH) from 2012 to 2017. While in the southwest lies the Bohol Marine Triangle comprising the Panglao Island Protected Seascape and the Balicasag and Pamilacan Fish Sanctuaries. These marine key biodiversity areas host a rich mangrove reserve, and are a thriving home to sea turtles, barracudas, dolphins, seahorses, and whales.

Bohol's climate is generally dry, with maximum rainfall between the months of June and

October. However, Bohol is also among the provinces most impacted by the major typhoons

Yolanda (2013) and Odette (2021).

Siargao Island

Siargao Island has an area of 283,975 hectares and is declared as protected landscape and seascape through RA 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018. It is located within the

Mindanao Biogeographic Zone, which is one of the 128 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the

Philippines. The total mangrove cover of the Siargao group of islands is 9,370 hectares, and it features more than 4,000 hectares of contiguous mangrove stand which was nominated as

Wetlands of International Importance in 2022. Destructive resource extraction, unsustainable fishing and farming practices, conversion of mangroves and forests into agricultural lands and settlements, and inappropriate development directions, are the identified threats in the area.

Due to its relatively low elevation, the majority of SIPLAS areas are vulnerable to floods.

Particularly vulnerable to storm surges triggered by more severe typhoons are the settlements in coastal areas and low-lying communities. In December 2021, Siargao was one of the areas severely hit by super typhoon Odette. This caused damage to the natural resources of SIPLAS.

The habitat assessment done by USAID revealed a decline in coral reef condition particularly in the eastern side of Siargao Island, where the typhoon made its first landfall.

Cagayan Valley (Region 2)

The Cagayan region’s total forest cover is 1,077,999 hectares with 47% considered closed canopy forest. It has 14 nationally proclaimed protected areas covering 997,466 hectares.

However, it is faced with continued forest and habitat degradation, mainly caused by illegal tree cutting, slash and burn farming, fuel-wood collection, illegal hunting, and residential expansion. Located at the Eastern seaboard, the five provinces in this region are areas most exposed to the impacts of tropical cyclones. Cagayan Valley is also rich in coastal resources. It has a total of 5,640 hectares of mangrove, 15,437 hectares corals and 4,089 hectares of seagrasses8.

8 https://r2.denr.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/red-s-corner/9-about-us

Eastern Visayas (Region 8)

The Eastern Visayas region has a total forest cover of 538,847 hectares, and 67% of which are found in Samar and Northern Samar. It is in this region where the largest unfragmented tracts of lowland rainforest in the Philippines can be found. Over half of its biodiversity is unique to the region, which includes 38 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, 51 species of reptiles, and 26 species of amphibians. The forests also serve as a habitat to over 1,000 species of plants, 53% of which are endemic. In Eastern Visayas, there are seven (7) protected areas legislated under the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018 covering a total area of 441,765 hectares (terrestrial and marine).

Mangroves are among Eastern Visayas’ greatest assets because they act as added protection against severe weather conditions. Its coastline experienced storm surges as high as 7.5 meters, during Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013. With 31% of the region currently classified as living in poverty, mangroves are becoming increasingly important in protecting low-lying communities from the effects of climate change.

Tawi-Tawi

As part of Sulu Archipelago, Tawi-Tawi is a complex province with about 307 islands, 88 of which are characterized by extensive coral reefs which comprises about 25% of the coral reef cover in all of the Philippines. The sea around Tawi-Tawi is very rich in marine biodiversity, but it is also threatened by dynamite and cyanide fishing.

IV. Target partners and beneficiaries:

● Government agencies at the national and sub-national levels (e.g. DOF, DBM, DTI, SEC, DENR, DA, CCC)

● Private sector

● Civil Society organizations

● Communities and vulnerable groups, including small farmers and fisherfolk, women and youth, and Indigenous Peoples

V. DEVELOPMENT HYPOTHESIS (THEORY OF CHANGE)

If the capacity government institutions and partner stakeholder groups to effectively manage landscapes and seascapes is improved, If government and partners enable increased investments, access to, and use of financing for biodiversity conservation and climate action, and

If vulnerable and marginalized populations are actively engaged and equipped with leadership capacities to participate in decision making, and implement actions for biodiversity conservation and management with climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits, Then, threats and impacts of biodiversity loss and climate risks will be reduced, And ecosystem goods and services essential for human well-being will be sustained.

VI. RESULTS FRAMEWORK AND INTENDED RESULTS/OUTCOMES

Interventions under this Activity will primarily be funded through biodiversity and sustainable landscapes program areas. Adaptation funds will also be used in instances where conservation or restoration directly supports climate adaptation for vulnerable communities. See Section X for the definition of earmarked funding types. Other funds such as but not limited to non-earmarked incentive funds (e.g. Gender Equity and Equality Action (GEEA), Disability- Inclusive Climate Action Funds, or the Enterprises for Development, Growth, and Empowerment (EDGE) Funds) may also be used, as available and appropriate.

The Situation Model (Annex 1 - Biodiversity and Resilience RFA: Situation Model) shows the context, challenges and opportunities this Activity will address. It shows the relationships among the main drivers and direct threats that impact ecosystems and human well-being. The specific outcomes depicted in the situation model are further explained below.

USAID anticipates finalizing a results framework through co-development. Applicants are encouraged to build upon this framework in their response, including by proposing revisions or innovations.

Activity Goal and Purpose: The goal of Biodiversity and Resilience is to address the related issues of biodiversity loss and climate change impacts by advancing the conservation and management of terrestrial and marine resources, to ensure the sustainable provision of ecosystem services, contributing to improved ecological and community resilience and well-being.

This activity also aims to: 1) incentivize and enhance the capacity of private sector actors to invest in terrestrial and marine biodiversity conservation that will catalyze climate mitigation and adaptation actions; 2) build the leadership capacity and engagement of marginalized and vulnerable groups in deciding and implementing actions in adapting to climate stresses and shocks; and 3) implement biodiversity and climate actions at local and national levels through equitable institutional partnerships of government, private sector, and other stakeholders.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UM6LzRomcNYlQzFH1wadqejh66ArfVAbv06dtvbyCV4/edit

Activity Outcome 1: Relevant policies developed and enhanced to support and increase investments in nature-based solutions at the national and sub-national levels.

The Government of the Philippines is well placed to set regulatory frameworks to ensure that there are policy bases to support and scale up efforts related to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Government can provide incentives to generate more investment and leverage support from the private sector, other donors and development partners in resilience building. However, issues of insufficient capacity, overlapping mandates, and conflicting policies continue to be a challenge in the natural resources management and climate change sector.

This Activity will support enabling conditions for improved biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. This includes capacity building to further strengthen monitoring, enforcement and implementation of existing rules and regulations and policy protocols that will help increase stakeholder engagement. It will also help analyze policy and regulatory frameworks, identify gaps, and work with key government agencies at the national and local levels to institute policy reforms to strengthen natural resource governance and increase investments and financing for nature-based solutions. Interventions could include the development of a national investment plan outlining a portfolio of projects that are ready for investment by public or private entities or international donors.

This activity will also help the government to facilitate access to localized biodiversity, climate risk, and vulnerability data to help key stakeholders, especially the private sector, integrate climate risks in their planning, policy, and decision-making processes.

Illustrative Activities

● Institutional and policy analysis to identify and address gaps and barriers for private sector participation in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

● Private sector landscape analysis to identify potential actors and business opportunities in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

● Development of incentive mechanisms for private sector engagement in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

● Building capacity in developing regulations, standards, and metrics for climate-resilient and biodiversity-friendly investments.

● Enhancing information systems and other decision support tools for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Illustrative Indicators

● Number of laws, policies, or regulations that address biodiversity conservation and/or other environmental themes officially proposed, adopted, or implemented because of USG assistance.

● Number of laws, policies, regulations, or standards addressing climate change adaptation/sustainable landscapes formally proposed, adopted, or implemented as supported by USG assistance.

● Number of policy, regulatory, and governance frameworks drafted that fundamentally affect the viability of investments in low carbon and climate resilient approaches by the private sector.

● Number of new partnerships with private sector

● Number of incentive schemes for increased investments in biodiversity conservation, climate change and nature-based solutions developed, pilot-tested and adopted.

● Number of institutions with improved capacity to assess or address climate change risks supported by USG assistance.

● Projected greenhouse gas emissions reduced or avoided from adopted laws, policies, regulations, or technologies related to sustainable landscapes as supported by USG assistance.

Note: Interventions and indicators are neither restrictive nor comprehensive and are for illustration purposes only

Activity Outcome 2: Biodiversity and climate financing mobilized and access and use increased.

Businesses and investors increasingly recognize the business and investment risks associated with biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and climate change impacts. In November 2022, the Philippine government and private sector agreed to turn climate commitments into actions.9 To implement the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan, the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, and the Nationally Determined Contributions of the Philippines and achieve biodiversity and climate goals, increased investments and financing for biodiversity conservation and climate change are critical.

The Activity will harness private capital to help finance national and local priorities, which include conserving and restoring forests, mangroves and seagrasses, and coral reefs; advancing climate-smart agriculture and watershed rehabilitation; and boosting the resilience of agricultural supply chains and smallholder farmers. Opportunities for engaging the private sector include developing, piloting, and implementing a range of economic and business/investment models, such as impact investment, blended finance, performance bonds, carbon markets, payments for ecosystem services, and blue carbon financing. Interventions could be in the form of designing, developing and promoting financial incentives or risk and cost reduction schemes such as credit enhancement, tax benefits, guarantees, and other risk reduction or revenue-boosting measures.

Financial and banking institutions can also play a role in catalyzing investments and financing for biodiversity and climate change. This Activity will develop or strengthen incentive systems and mechanisms to better engage, promote, and increase private sector investment. The Activity will explore partnerships with financial and banking institutions in enhancing or integrating climate and biodiversity considerations including environmental, social and governance safeguards in their investment or loan portfolios. It may also explore the potential of expanding their portfolios to support companies or micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that deliver clear biodiversity and climate change co-benefits. Additional opportunities include technical assistance to and capacity building of key stakeholders in the development of project proposals for bilateral or multilateral funding (e.g., People’s Survival Fund, Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, Adaptation Fund).

9 Agreement made during the 15th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, which took place on November 21, 2022.

● Capacity building and technical assistance to local government units (LGUs), CSOs and POs in developing project proposals.

● Capacity building and technical assistance in developing business models on innovative financing/investment solutions.

● Partner with banking and financial institutions to catalyze biodiversity and climate investments.

● Pilot implementation of innovative financing mechanisms.

Illustrative Indicators

● Amount of investment mobilized (in USD) for sustainable landscapes as supported by USG assistance.

● Amount of investment mobilized (in USD) for biodiversity conservation and/or other natural resources management as supported by USG assistance.

● Amount of investment or financing accessed and used (in USD) for nature-based solutions.

● Number of project proposals on nature-based solutions developed, submitted and approved for financing.

● Number of business models or initiatives developed with private sector integrating conservation and climate change mitigation or adaptation.

Note: Interventions and indicators are neither restrictive nor comprehensive and are for illustration purposes only

Activity Outcome 3: Implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS) scaled-up.

Globally, there is a recognition of the benefits of NbS, including natural climate solutions10, in sustaining the provision of ecosystem goods and services, reducing vulnerabilities, and addressing complexities in managing the compounding and cascading risks posed by climate change across the forestry, biodiversity, and other sectors. Similarly, the Philippines Development Plan explicitly articulates the implementation of NbS to adapt and increase climate resilience. However, some barriers to scaling investment in NbS for climate resilience are the limited understanding of its benefits, and insufficient capacity and resources in implementing NbS.

This Activity will strengthen the capacity of government, LGUs, CSOs, and CBOs to implement evidence-based national and local biodiversity and climate solutions that will increase conservation values, ecosystem and community resilience, and adaptive capacity. Examples include conserving and restoring mangroves; planting indigenous, climate-resilient and multi-use species; promoting, agroforestry, adaptive fisheries management, climate-ready fisheries, 10 https://www.climatelinks.org/sector/natural-climate-solutions and climate-resilient agriculture; and establishing sustainable forest management and marine protected areas and networks of reserves.

Scaling up nature-based solutions will also contribute towards progress on the Government of the Philippine's commitments on biodiversity and climate action (e.g. Philippines Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan, Nationally Determined Contribution and National Adaptation Plan). It will also contribute to ecosystem services, such as food security, non-timber products (e.g., forest, medicine), timber products (e.g., fuel, housing, building materials), coastal protection and disaster risk reduction, carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and water filtration services. Nature-based solutions also support ecosystem services related to cultural values and tourism opportunities, such as availability of wildlife viewing.

● Co-management of protected areas or conserved areas

● Conserving and restoring mangroves.

● Scaling up existing NBS across multiple ecosystem types.

● Development of guidelines, standards, criteria, and measures of NbS quality to guide project selection.

● Capacity building in developing, implementing, and managing NbS

Illustrative Indicators

● Number of hectares of biologically significant areas under improved natural resource management because of USG assistance.

● Greenhouse gas emissions, estimated in metric tons of CO2 equivalent, reduced, sequestered, or avoided through sustainable landscapes activities supported by USG assistance.

● Number of hectares under improved management expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions because of USG assistance.

Note: Interventions and indicators are neither restrictive nor comprehensive and are for illustration purposes only

Activity Outcome 4: Reduced barriers to sustained positive environmental behavior of key stakeholders.

Several challenges hinder the uptake of pro-conservation behavior and actions. Both the public and the private sector often perceive biodiversity loss and climate risks as unreal and intangible. A challenge in combating illegal trade in wildlife is that the current response is predominantly enforcement and regulatory rather than focused on changing the behaviors of consumers to discourage illegal wildlife trade or identifying alternative livelihood options to encourage illegal wildlife traders to pursue other economic opportunities.

The Activity will endeavor to understand the motivational and contextual environment facilitating or impeding social and behavior change of key stakeholders, especially at the community level. The interventions will focus on social and behavior campaigns that promote sustainable and positive actions towards natural resources access, use, and management and will reduce demand for illicit products. Interventions will contribute to changing the behavior of key stakeholders to adopt more positive behaviors towards the environment and use of natural resources.

● Analyze the beliefs, social norms, and lifestyles among target groups.

● Produce information, education, and communication materials on biodiversity conservation and climate change actions, including nature-based solutions and combating wildlife trafficking.

● Conduct communication, advocacy, and awareness raising campaigns, including through digital and social media.

● Engage communities in co-management of coastal areas, forests, and fisheries.

● Capacity building of organizations to implement and manage social and behavior campaigns (SBC) interventions.

Illustrative Indicators

● Percent of target audience that demonstrates desired behavior.

● Number of people trained in sustainable natural resources management and/or biodiversity conservation because of USG assistance.

● Percent reduction in the sales of illegal wildlife products.

Note: Interventions and indicators are neither restrictive nor comprehensive and are for illustration purposes only

Activity Outcome 5: Access of vulnerable communities to diversified, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable livelihood options increased.

Adapting to climate variability has long been a way of life for many Filipino communities, especially farmers, fisherfolk, and indigenous peoples who are often among the most impoverished in the country. However, the fast-changing climate is now outpacing their coping mechanisms, with significant impacts on their lives and livelihoods. Poor communities living on fragile and degraded lands are the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, which further undermine their source of livelihoods and capacity to cope with disasters and climate risks.

This Activity will ensure that livelihood options are available and accessible to the most vulnerable communities in the priority sites. This Activity will also support entrepreneurs and MSMEs, with a special emphasis on women entrepreneurs, to build market resilience, promote income diversification, and improve productivity while at the same, contribute towards conservation and climate outcomes.

This Activity will explore opportunities to increase opportunities for diverse, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable livelihoods. Opportunities may differ based on the local economy, the characteristics of specific local communities, and the portfolio of existing livelihood options in the area but will focus on biodiversity-friendly, climate resilient livelihoods and enterprises.

Priority interventions may include actions to ensure that sustainable livelihoods will also maintain food and income security. Interventions may include capacity development for CBOs in organizational development and strengthening leadership and negotiation. Discussions around sustainable livelihoods will include the full engagement of local communities to ensure their voices are heard.

● Supply or value chain analysis for specific industries, e.g., Non-Timber Forest Product, ecotourism.

● Capacity building for organizational development and enterprise development and management.

● Identification of climate-resilient and biodiversity-friendly livelihoods and enterprises.

● Linkage with government agencies and private sector for market access and support

● Linkage with formal financial institutions to support community-based conservation enterprises.

● Development of government policies in support of conservation enterprises.

● Capacity building for MSMEs in analyzing climate-related hazards and risks and its impacts to their business operations.

● Livelihood risk assessment and planning.

● Facilitate provision of livelihood assets to establish community enterprise.

Illustrative Indicators

● Number of micro-enterprises supported by USG.

● Number of small and medium-sized enterprises supported by USG assistance.

● Number of people with improved economic benefits derived from sustainable natural resource management and/or biodiversity conservation because of USG assistance.

● Number of women with access to livelihoods supported by USG.

Note: Interventions and indicators are neither restrictive nor comprehensive and are for illustration purposes only

Within 90 days after award, the Applicant will hold a workshop that includes USAID staff and relevant partners to review most recent and relevant assessments. The workshop will define the format and requirements for deliverables and reporting. An objective of the workshop is to provide a dedicated forum for the activity consortium, USAID staff, and other relevant partners to collaborate to create a year-one annual work plan, and refine the technical approach, theory of change, and MEL Plan based on the latest information and context analysis.

VII. SPECIAL COMPONENTS OF THE ACTIVITY

A. Emergency Response Provision

The Philippines is vulnerable to natural hazards, epidemics, and sociopolitical instability. These challenges, whether natural or human made, can quickly and significantly set back development gains in the Philippines. Hence, implementing partners should have the capacity to respond to these challenges by mobilizing resources, redirecting funds, or supporting new activities, which may include construction, at the request of USAID/Philippines that may vary considerably from those activities in the approved award. Responses may include cooperating with other U.S. government departments, agencies or personnel, or assistance to Philippine government and other key stakeholders, and revision of geographic focus.

Accordingly, awards resulting from this APS and addenda will allow redirection of the Program Description or funds to support activities to address unknown and unanticipated challenges and disaster events. Any use of this provision must be mutually agreed upon by USAID and the Recipient. Prior to any use of this provision, the Recipient and USAID shall identify activities to be carried out and the cost of such activities, and obtain written concurrence from the AOR, with specific reporting instructions, and approval from the Agreement Officer.

The scope and deliverables expected from the realignment of activity resources will be mutually agreed upon by USAID/Philippines and the Recipient.

B. Nature-based Solution (NbS) Innovation Facility

Under this Activity, the Applicant will establish an NbS Innovation Facility to issue subawards that support and build the capacities of local organizations especially community-based organizations. Implementation of innovative NbS should include natural climate solutions in priority sites. The Applicant will allocate $8 million for this facility and will ensure that subawards are issued during its second year of implementation. The subaward issuing policy and procedures should be developed during the inception phase of the Activity and must have written approval from USAID. Each NbS subaward will be approximately $300,000 with a period of performance from 1-3 years depending on the scope of the subaward and the capability of the subrecipient. Any additional funding for this facility must be approved by USAID. Initiatives to be funded under this facility should be locally led by which a diverse group of local actors set their own biodiversity and climate goals and objectives; develop and implement solutions; use their capacities and leadership and ensure positive outcomes can be sustained by local actors for local actors.

Though details of each NbS subaward will be determined during implementation of the prime award, the Applicant, in its application must describe how it will identify potential subrecipients, the process by which subawards will be issued, and how the Applicant will manage such a significant number of concurrent awards. This last point should be well referenced in the Management and Staffing Plan section of the application discussed in the application instructions later in this RFA.

C. Transition Awards

During implementation of the award, the Applicant must identify up to four of the most promising local partners receiving any subaward under this Activity and build their capability sufficient to allow them to manage a USAID award as a prime recipient. Final standards and requirements for what constitutes such capability will be determined mutually with USAID and the Applicant during implementation of the prime award. The applicant, in its application, must clearly describe 1) how it will identify the most promising subrecipients, 2) how the applicant will train the subrecipients, and 3) requirements for graduating the training. It is USAID’s intent that upon graduating from the training, local subrecipients with sufficient capability, in consultation with USAID and the recipient, will be able to design and implement a new award to augment the prime award subject to continued need and availability of funds. Any subsequent transition award(s) if issued at USAID's discretion will be funded separately from this award. Applicants may choose to reserve some funds for continued collaboration, learning and adapting or serving as a continued mentor for transitioned sub-partners depending on implementation approach.

D. Other Subawards and Contracts

The Applicant may issue contracts and subawards, other than NbS subawards, in furtherance of its programming objectives. The use of the contracts and subawards should be clearly described in its Technical Approach and management and staffing plan.

Note on all Subawards and Contracts - Applicants are permitted to name proposed subrecipients and contractors particularly with reference to Teaming Agreements discussed in Section C of this RFA. This does not ensure that the proposed subrecipients and contractors will be approved. Approval will only be conferred after the applicant submits a request for approval after issuance of an award.

VIII. PROGRAMMATIC AND STRATEGIC LINKAGES

U.S. Government Policies and Frameworks

● Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States (2022)11: The Indo-Pacific Strategy states the United States’ commitment to “an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient.” To realize this future, the Strategy outlines five objectives to: advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, build connections within and beyond the region, drive Indo-Pacific prosperity, bolster Indo-Pacific security, and build regional resilience to 21st century transnational threats. This last objective recognizes

11 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/U.S.-Indo-Pacific-Strategy.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/U.S.-Indo-Pacific-Strategy.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/U.S.-Indo-Pacific-Strategy.pdf the Indo-Pacific as both the epicenter of the climate crisis and essential to climate solutions. In the Strategy, the United States commits to work with partners to reduce their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation and to safeguard the health and sustainable use of the region’s vast oceans.

● USAID Biodiversity Policy12: USAID aims to shape a future in which both people and nature thrive. The Agency’s Biodiversity Policy builds on a long history of conserving biodiversity and reflects the critical role of natural systems in achieving development goals. USAID’s biodiversity programs support partner countries in their goals to conserve biodiversity in priority places and integrate biodiversity as an essential component of human development. The Policy recognizes the critical role of ecosystems in addressing climate change and supporting priority development outcomes such as food security, health, and economic development.

● The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity13: The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity features a trade pillar that seeks to build high-standard, inclusive, free, and fair-trade commitments, and develop new and creative approaches to trade and technology cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and the United States.

The Framework recognizes trade as an indispensable tool in protecting the environment, addressing the climate crisis, and creating a more sustainable global economy, and seeks to advance commitments on agriculture that protect the planet, help people have continued secure access to food, and enable farmers to succeed.

● President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE)14: The President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE) serves as the United States framework to help developing countries adapt to and manage the impacts of climate change by 2030, keeping with the timeline of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. Through PREPARE, the United States will respond to partner countries’ priorities, strengthen cooperation with other donors, integrate climate risk considerations into multilateral efforts, and strive to mobilize significant private sector capital for adaptation. As a result, PREPARE will help save lives and livelihoods, support sustainable and healthy communities and ecosystems, and reduce the impacts of climate change.

● Plan to Conserve Global Forests: Critical Carbon Sinks15: This decade-long, whole-of-government Plan sets forth the U.S. approach to conserving critical global terrestrial carbon sinks, deploying a range of diplomatic, policy, and financing tools. The Plan seeks to catalyze the global effort to conserve and restore the forests and other ecosystems that serve as critical carbon sinks, recognizing that without halting deforestation and restoring forests at scale, we cannot reach net zero emissions by 2050. The Plan focuses

12https://www.usaid.gov/policy/biodiversity#:~:text=USAID%20aims%20to%20shape%20a,systems%20in%20achieving%20dev elopment%20goals.

13 https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/agreements-under-negotiation/indo-pacific-economic-framework-prosperity-ipef 14https://www.usaid.gov/climate/progress-on-prepare#:~:text=The%20President's%20Emergency%20Plan%20for,impacts%20of%20the%20climate%20crisis.

15 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Plan_to_Conserve_Global_Forests_final.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/policy/biodiversity#:~:text=USAID%20aims%20to%20shape%20a,systems%20in%20achieving%20development%20goals.

https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/agreements-under-negotiation/indo-pacific-economic-framework-prosperity-ipef https://www.usaid.gov/climate/progress-on-prepare#:~:text=The%20President's%20Emergency%20Plan%20for,impacts%20of%20the%20climate%20crisis.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Plan_to_Conserve_Global_Forests_final.pdf https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/agreements-under-negotiation/indo-pacific-economic-framework-prosperity-ipef https://www.usaid.gov/climate/progress-on-prepare#:~:text=The%20President's%20Emergency%20Plan%20for,impacts%20of%20the%20climate%20crisis https://www.usaid.gov/climate/progress-on-prepare#:~:text=The%20President's%20Emergency%20Plan%20for,impacts%20of%20the%20climate%20crisis https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Plan_to_Conserve_Global_Forests_final.pdf on a number of geographies including critical ecosystems in the Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, and the forests of Southeast Asia.

● USAID Climate Strategy (2022-2030)16: USAID’s new Strategy takes an unprecedented whole-of-Agency approach organized around two main strategic objectives. (1) Targeted Direct Action, which will target climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts to the highest priority communities and locations—those with the most urgent needs or most immediate opportunities—to maximize impact. (2) Systems Change, which will take a systems approach to these larger transformations—such as transforming food systems to be more resilient, less wasteful and less environmentally destructive, or transitioning economic systems to be less carbon-intensive—in ways that are comprehensive, equitable, and locally led.

● USAID Local Capacity Strengthening Policy.17 The Agency's localization efforts aim to put local actors in the lead, strengthen local systems, and be responsive to local communities. Under this commitment, USAID will strengthen local capacities, shift power to local actors, and ensure that diverse local voices are integrated throughout all aspects of development works. The shift also entails channeling a larger portion of assistance directly to credible local partners while ensuring accountability for the appropriate use of funds and achievement of development and humanitarian results.

The Local Capacity Strengthening Policy advances the strategic and intentional investment in the process of partnering with local actors—individuals, organizations, and networks—to jointly improve the performance of a local system to produce locally valued and sustainable development outcomes.

● USAID Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan (2021-2024).18 USAID’s DEI Strategic Plan sets forth the framework towards creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring accessibility across all workforces, promoting equitable access to opportunities, and strengthening accountability in all development pathways.

USAID promotes the rights and inclusion of marginalized and underrepresented populations in the development process, including but not limited to indigenous and tribal peoples, the LGBTIQ+ community, women and girls, youth, and persons with disabilities.

● USAID Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PRO-IP)19: USAID’s…