Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Programme

This project aims to improve the condition of watersheds and the livelihoods of poor rural people in four priority river basins, selected on the basis of their biophysical condition, socioeconomic and conservation values and state of degradation.

The project is targeting 23 watersheds in nine provinces, comprising over 1.13 million hectares with an estimated population of around 2.7 million. In the selected watersheds, it will reduce degradation caused by deforestation and unsustainable farming practices, while generating tangible economic benefits.

Mechanisms to achieve these objectives include:

• Payments for water regulation, soil conservation, carbon offsets and biodiversity
• Income-generation from sustainable use and management, and value-added processing, of forest products
• Improved natural resource productivity and climate resilience.

The project will benefit approximately 220,000 people – the majority from vulnerable and marginalized sectors – with a particular focus on indigenous peoples and resource-poor communities.