Indigenous peoples as stewards of Philippine biodiversity

AS one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries in the world, safeguarding its rich biodiversity is important for the Philippines. Nearly half the plants and animals found in the country exist nowhere else on earth. The country is home to two-thirds of the earth's biodiversity and between 70 percent and 80 percent of the world's plant and animal species. These wonders thrive within 228 identified Key Biodiversity Areas.

Thus, the Philippines has committed to the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which aims to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and protect indigenous peoples' rights. It includes the protection and conservation of at least 30 percent of the world's land, fresh water and sea by 2030 (also known as the 30x30 targets).