Philippines – (FP) Flood Risk Mitigation

This creation care project is proposed as a contribution to the solution for forest denudation and flooding in the province of Capiz. It will focus on Reforestation, Environmental Protection & Management and Disaster Preparedness – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Deforestation has been a major concern in the highlands, because hills and mountains were transformed into corn and other cash crop plantations. It has been common over the past years for low land areas to experience flooding when there is typhoon and torrential rains that hit the province.It is expected that through this project the church can at least contribute towards reforestation of denuded forests in the highlands, and provide people with necessary knowledge, tools and equipment to mitigate the impact of calamities and disasters.
This project will train community members in environmental protection and disaster preparedness, establish communal reforestation areas, tree nurseries and seed banks and support backyard tree planting. The project will also establish 4 disaster risk management centres equipped with the necessary supplies and trained volunteers to respond in the event of a natural disaster. Additionally, 50 churches will be provided with First Aid kits and church leaders will be trained in basic First Aid to respond as quickly as possible in the case of disaster. Local churches are involved in this project at every level including planning, hosting the training sessions, acting as sites for the disasters risk management centres, and encouraging church members to participate in the tree planting and reforestation activities.