Vanishing forests: Why is the Philippines failing at reforestation?
An investigation by 101 East and Lighthouse Reports reveals that the Philippines' National Greening Program, launched in 2011 to restore forests through community tree-planting initiatives, has failed to achieve most of its targets after 15 years. Satellite data indicates forest destruction in some areas, and Indigenous communities report concerns about land rights.
The Philippines government initiated an ambitious reforestation effort in 2011 designed to address deforestation through a community-based approach. The National Greening Program offered payment to local residents who would plant and maintain trees across degraded forest areas and barren land, representing one of the world's most comprehensive regreening initiatives at the time.
However, a joint investigation conducted by 101 East and Lighthouse Reports found that the program has substantially underperformed relative to its stated objectives over the past 15 years. Satellite imagery analysis revealed a troubling pattern: rather than achieving forest protection and expansion, some forested areas have experienced continued degradation and loss.
Beyond environmental metrics, the investigation documented concerns raised by Indigenous communities whose traditional territories overlap with program areas. These communities expressed anxiety about potential loss of land access and the livelihoods that depend on forest resources, suggesting the program's implementation has created social tensions alongside its environmental shortcomings.
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