The Philippines’ marine biodiversity has long been a key source of food security and economic activity, underpinning Philippine economic and social development for the 60% of Filipinos that live within the coastal zone, 40% of whom live in poverty (World Bank 2005).
The Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project in the Philippines is a four-year activity that seeks to promote good governance and build capacity for long-term water security, improve access to water and wastewater treatment services, and build more resilient communities.
The project, also known as the Bicol Agri-Water Project (BAWP) seeks to improve water security thus, enhancing agricultural development under climate variability and change. With Php 61.5 million funding ($1.5 million) support from USAID, the project is implemented by the University of the Philippines Los Banos Foundation, Inc. for five (5) years, starting in September 2012.
Globally known for its rich biodiversity, the Philippines has more than 20,000 endemic species of plants and animals. Many of these are found in the country's forests that are being depleted at an alarming rate, threatening the Philippine economy and human well-being.
The Agusan Marsh covers an area of 110,069 hectares comprising of lakes, freshwater swamp forest, secondary scrub, herbaceous swamp, pools and rivers, rice paddies and other agricultural land and small settlements. 80% of the 117,683 people (2000) living in the marsh are Indigenous People and mostly belong to the Manobo tribe.
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