DOF, UNDP Launch NatureNest to Boost Green Enterprises

The Department of Finance (DOF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with backing from the Government of Canada, have launched a new accelerator program aimed at scaling nature-based enterprises to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.

Dubbed NatureNest, the six-month accelerator is a key component of the larger initiative Accelerating Green and Climate Finance in the Philippines: Nature-based Solutions (AGCF-NbS).

The initiative was officially launched on May 5, 2025, and seeks to strengthen the capacity of Filipino enterprises in delivering measurable environmental impact while building climate-resilient communities.

“NatureNest is a vehicle of transformation, serving as an avenue to enhance the capacity of enterprises in developing and implementing NbS projects allowing participants to transform innovative ideas into scalable projects that will create jobs, restore and protect ecosystems, and shield vulnerable communities from the risks of climate change,” the DOF Climate Finance Policy Group said during the launch.

Co-chaired by the DOF and co-implemented by Villgro Philippines, the program will identify 10 high-potential nature-based enterprises and support them through capacity-building, targeted coaching, and specialized technical assistance.

Private sector funding will be mobilized by connecting these enterprises with mission-aligned investors to unlock capital for growth and scale impact.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrie emphasized the value of nature-based solutions (NbS) in addressing climate risks while promoting sustainable development.

“With NbS, we are not just mitigating climate change—we are building resilient economies and empowering local communities,” Carrie said.

Backed by an approved AGCF grant of USD 4.5 million (approximately PHP 257 million), the initiative will fund the creation of a climate finance lab and climate data platforms for Nature-based Solutions finance.

It will also design gender-responsive and climate-aligned lending policies and develop systems to monitor Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) impacts from private-sector green investments.

“The NatureNest allows us to tap into the potential of NbS as cost-effective and sustainable means to build climate resilient communities and incentivize private sector investment,” the DOF added.

The DOF also confirmed that the NatureNest program is among the pioneer projects of the Interagency Task Force on Sustainable Finance’s (ITSF) Center of Excellence.

The ITSF facility will serve as a hub for policy development, market support, and technical training in green finance.

Canadian Embassy Head of Cooperation John Lok expressed strong support for the initiative, noting Canada’s commitment to climate financing and innovation-driven development.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Analiza Teh and Biodiversity Management Bureau Assistant Director Mariglo Rosaida Laririt also joined the event, reaffirming DENR’s commitment to scaling NbS across ecosystems.

Villgro Philippines Co-founder and CEO Priya Thachadi said that by investing in early-stage enterprises, the country can unlock climate solutions that are community-led and deeply rooted in local ecosystems.

The event featured insights from representatives across government, civil society, and impact investing circles, highlighting the increasing role of nature-based enterprises in achieving the country’s climate targets.

NatureNest is expected to not only scale local green ventures but also set the foundation for longer-term private-sector engagement in climate adaptation and biodiversity restoration.