Philippines Issues Administrative Order to Integrate NbS principles into Government Policies 
In the Philippines, DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-30 “Adoption of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Mainstreaming and Institutionalization of NbS into the Policies, Plans, and Programs of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)” was issued on June 29, 2026. The order provides guidance for applying the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) within the Philippines. Specifically, it requires the integration of the NbS concept into various national policies, plans, and programs to be developed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The specific policies and plans covered by the order are listed in Annex A.
The order takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and after three certified copies of the order have been filed with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) at the University of the Philippines Law Center. It was published in the Manila Times on August 25, 2026, and filed with ONAR on the same date.
Establishment of the NbS Technical Working Group
Pursuant to the order, an NbS Technical Working Group (NbS TWG) has been established. The Director of the Climate Change Service (CCS) under the DENR serves as Chair of the NbS TWG. Representatives from relevant DENR offices and agencies, including the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), Forest Management Bureau (FMB), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), are members of the group.
The NbS TWG is responsible for:
- Developing roadmaps and implementation plans for the application of NbS;
- Creating a scoring matrix to evaluate the alignment of policies and projects with NbS principles;
- Identifying pilot sites;
- Establishing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks; and
- Preparing nationwide reports on implementation outcomes across the Philippines.
About Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
NbS stands for Nature-based Solutions. The order defines NbS as:
“Actions to protect, sustainably use, manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems, which address societal challenges, effectively and adaptively, providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.”
This definition is based on the definition established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The IUCN has established eight criteria for NbS, all of which are cited in the order and reproduced in Annex B:
- NbS should address societal challenges.
- NbS should incorporate ecological, economic, social, and cultural perspectives.
- NbS should result in positive outcomes for biodiversity and enhance ecosystem integrity, including ecological connectivity.
- NbS should be financially viable and economically justified.
- NbS should be based on inclusive, transparent, and empowering governance processes.
- NbS should seek a fair balance between achieving their primary objectives and managing both intended and unintended impacts associated with the continued delivery of multiple benefits.
- NbS should be managed adaptively and based on scientific evidence.
- NbS should contribute to strengthening the enabling conditions required for their implementation, long-term sustainability, and mainstreaming.
EnviX Comment
This order does not immediately impose any direct requirements on businesses. Rather, it serves as a policy declaration by the Philippine government to incorporate NbS into future government policies, plans, and programs. However, as indicated in Section 5.1 of the order, the government is expected to move forward with integrating NbS criteria into guidelines concerning permitting, monitoring, and enforcement activities. As a result, related laws and regulations may be amended incrementally over time. Depending on the nature of such amendments, they could affect environmental compliance obligations and activities.
Related documents
- DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-30: Adoption of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Mainstreaming and Institutionalization of NbS into the Policies, Plans, and Programs of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
https://apidb.denr.gov.ph/infores/uploads/DAO-2026-30.pdf - IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions: Second Edition
https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2020-020-En-2nd.pdf
