Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND)

The IKI Interface Project in the Philippines

The TRANSCEND (Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development) Project, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), targets integrated solutions in climate adaptation, emissions mitigation, and biodiversity conservation across three distinct landscapes within the Philippines. In applying a “whole-of-society” and “whole-of-government” strategy, the project pilots a comprehensive transition to a society that is resilient to climate impacts, lowers carbon emissions, and fosters biodiversity. This is done through components, such as, biodiversity, urban ecosystem-based adaptation, energy efficiency in the small and medium enterprises, transport, and governance, working with various partners.

As part of the TRANSCEND’s components, the transport sector in the Philippines is at a crucial point, ready for major progress in resilient and low-carbon development. With this, the project centers on strengthening and expanding climate mitigation actions within this sector. This strategic and gender-transformative approach involves policy and institutional support, capacity development, advocacy and stakeholder engagement, and living labs that promote sustainable mobility options.

TRANSCEND’s transport activities cut across various transport topics such as climate, urban mobility, and just transition.

Climate. TRANSCEND is working with the national government to review and assess the existing implementation of policies and measures (PAMs) aligned with the transport sector commitments in the Philippine Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The project is also supporting the development of a long-term strategy (LTS) for the transport sector’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Urban Mobility. TRANSCEND collaborates with the national government, sub-national governments, and implementing partners to promote active and public transport modes and strengthen the transition to energy efficiency and electric mobility.

Gender. TRANSCEND advances gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) into transport institutions and decision-making processes in the Philippines. The project empowers women in the transport sector to connect, lead, and influence decisions to ensure that mobility solutions work for everyone.

Just Transition. TRANSCEND fosters representation of women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable sectors across its various activities. The project engages local organizations and communities that strengthen sustainable transport in its landscapes.

Project Information

Ongoing Bilateral

Contact: René Freytag, rene.freytag@giz.de

Countries: Philippines

Duration: 2024 – 2029

Funder: The International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Government of Germany. Within the Federal Government, the IKI is anchored in the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).

Implementation:

  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
  • International Philippines (CI)
  • Rare
  • United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
  • United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Implementing Partners: 

  • International Council on Clean Transport (ICCT)
  • Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie GmbH (WI)
  • Clean Air Asia (CAA)
  • Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC)
  • Climate Analytics, University of the Philippines – Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UP-CWGS)

Political Partners: 

  • Climate Change Commission (CCC)
  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
  • Department of Transportation (DOTr)
  • Department of Energy (DOE)
  • Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)
  • Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Further Links:

Team

Portrait image of Justine Beatrice Apolinario

Justine Beatrice Apolinario

Climate Policy Advisor
Manila