Bohol Aims to be the First Regenerative Island in the Philippines

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), led by Governor Aris Aumentado, conducted a Regenerative Convergence Workshop on September 1, 2023, at the PPDO Conference Hall at the Capitol.

The workshop was part of a 10-year multi-sectoral project that aims to restore the ecosystems of Bohol and make it the first regenerative island in the Philippines.

The concept of ecosystem restoration guides the project’s planning workshop through appropriate Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to address various concerns in water, environmental, and agricultural sustainability.

The workshop consisted of four phases: data stock-taking, SWAT modelling parameters, pilot site identification, and outlining watershed management.

SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) is a hydrological model that can simulate the impact of land use and management practices on water resources and quality. The model can help identify the most suitable NbS for each watershed in Bohol, such as rainwater harvesting, agroforestry, soil conservation, and wetland restoration.

The project also aligns with Bohol’s recent designation as the First Global Geopark in the Philippines by UNESCO. A geopark is a territory that promotes and protects its geological heritage, biodiversity, culture, and local development. Bohol has a rich and diverse geology, with features such as the Chocolate Hills, Panglao Island, Anda Peninsula, and Loboc River.

The workshop was facilitated by Marianne Amores of The Regenesis Project, a non-government organization that advocates for regenerative development in the Philippines. The activity was attended by municipal representatives, national government agencies, and provincial offices.

Governor Aumentado expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders for their support and cooperation in making Bohol a model of regenerative development. He said that the project will not only benefit the environment but also the people of Bohol, especially in terms of livelihood, tourism, and disaster resilience. He also urged everyone to continue working together to achieve Bohol’s vision of becoming the first regenerative island in the Philippines.