Forest Fest 2024: Igniting Sustainable Futures in Mindanao
From April 18 to 20, 2024, the Ayala Malls Centrio’s Activity Center will transform into a vibrant hub for environmental innovation and enterprise in the heart of Cagayan de Oro City. The Forest Fest 2024 emerges as a premier event, coalesced by Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) and The Spark Project, heralding a new era of sustainable forest-based enterprises and conservation efforts in Mindanao.
A Convocation for Conservation
Forest Fest 2024 is more than an event; it’s a movement. Atty. Jose Andres Canivel, Executive Director of FFP, emphasizes social enterprises’ critical role in forest conservation. These enterprises bolster forest conservation efforts by embedding environmental stewardship into their business models and stimulate inclusive economic growth, uplifting local communities.
A Spectrum of Sustainable Solutions
Spanning three days, the festival will include a plethora of activities, including workshops, talks, and an exhibit fair, all designed to spotlight the inspiring endeavors advocating for the protection of forests in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.
Funding Futures: The Grant & Partnership Forum
A cornerstone feature of the festival, the Grant & Partnership Forum, is a unique opportunity for attendees to delve into potential grants and collaborative prospects offered by the Forest Foundation Philippines. This forum aims to catalyze funding access for emerging enterprises devoted to nurturing a sustainable future for Mindanao’s forests.
Entrepreneurship at the Edge of Innovation
Patch Dulay, the founder and CEO of The Spark Project, reinforces the festival’s mission to ignite potential and passion within entrepreneurs focused on forest conservation. By connecting them with grants and funding resources, Forest Fest seeks to kindle entrepreneurial ventures that align with the vision of a sustainable, forest-friendly future.
The Local and Global Impact
The timing of Forest Fest 2024 is imperative, as it converges against a backdrop of ecological challenges threatening the biodiversity and ecosystems of the region. Known for its verdant forests, the Cagayan de Oro River Basin — a life source for surrounding cities and provinces — is a testament to the region’s natural wealth and the urgent need for its preservation.
Championing Nature-Based Enterprises
The festival underscores the concept of nature-based enterprises as defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): businesses that derive value from and coexist harmoniously with natural resources, fostering conservation and community development.
Networking for Nature
Beyond exhibitions and forums, Forest Fest 2024 is a nexus for creating lasting partnerships crucial to advancing sustainable forest management. It’s an avenue for stakeholders to weave a network of alliances in support of the environment.
Join the Green Movement
An initiative backed by a consortium of eco-centric organizations, including AYEJ and the Talarak and Xavier Science Foundations, Forest Fest 2024 extends a heartfelt invitation to individuals and groups to participate in this sustainability celebration.
Your Call to Action
Supporting Mindanao’s forests goes beyond advocacy; it’s about active participation. Embrace homegrown products, engage in solution-driven pitch fests, and unite for a cause that secures a thriving future for our forests and succeeding generations. Make your mark on the environmental canvas at Forest Fest 2024.
For more information and to actualize your visions for conservation, visit bit.ly/ForestFest2024.
About Forest Foundation Philippines
At the forefront of environmental grant-giving, Forest Foundation Philippines stands as a beacon of support for those dedicated to forest conservation. The foundation empowers individuals and organizations to make tangible strides in forest protection through grants and technical assistance.
