MANILA, PHILIPPINES – An ambitious reforestation initiative launched by the Philippine government in 2011, aimed at paying locals to restore forests and cultivate barren land, has largely failed to meet its objectives 15 years later. A joint investigation by 101 East and Lighthouse Reports reveals that the National Greening Program (NGP) has not only fallen short of its targets but has also led to the destruction of existing forests in some areas.

The NGP was conceived as one of the world's most extensive regreening projects, designed to address deforestation and land degradation by engaging local communities in planting and tending millions of trees. The program's premise was to provide economic incentives for forest restoration, thereby improving environmental conditions and supporting rural livelihoods.

However, the investigation found significant discrepancies between the program's stated goals and its actual outcomes. Satellite imagery indicates that instead of increasing forest cover, some regions have experienced further forest loss. Furthermore, Indigenous communities have raised concerns about the program's impact on their ancestral lands, fearing the loss of territories vital for their sustenance and cultural heritage.

The findings raise serious questions about the effectiveness and implementation of large-scale environmental programs in the Philippines. Experts suggest that a lack of proper oversight, potential corruption, and a focus on quantity over quality in tree planting may have contributed to the program's shortcomings. The implications extend beyond environmental damage, potentially exacerbating land disputes and undermining the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Launched with considerable fanfare, the NGP promised to plant billions of trees across the archipelago. The program's stated aim was to reforest millions of hectares of land by 2026. However, the investigative report highlights that many of the planted trees did not survive, and in some cases, the land designated for planting was already forested, leading to its clearing.

Reports from the ground suggest that local participants were often paid for planting saplings, but there was insufficient monitoring to ensure the trees were tended and survived. This has resulted in vast areas being planted with trees that ultimately failed to mature, leaving the land barren once again or, worse, cleared for other purposes.

Indigenous leaders have voiced their distress, explaining that their communities have traditionally managed these forest lands sustainably. They report being excluded from the planning process and are concerned that the NGP's activities have disrupted their traditional practices and threatened their land tenure security. Some communities fear that the program has inadvertently facilitated the encroachment of external interests into their territories.

As the Philippines grapples with the consequences of this failed initiative, there are calls for a more transparent, community-led approach to reforestation. The investigation underscores the need for robust monitoring mechanisms, genuine engagement with Indigenous peoples, and a focus on long-term forest health rather than short-term planting targets to ensure the success of future environmental conservation efforts.