UNDP and Villgro Philippines launch NatureNest to Accelerate Nature-Based Enterprises in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines - May 14, 2025 - In a significant push toward climate resilience and inclusive green growth, the NatureNest Accelerator officially launched on May 5, 2025, at Marco Polo, Ortigas, to support early-stage Nature-based Enterprises (NbEs) across the Philippines.

The initiative is part of the Accelerating Green and Climate Finance in the Philippines: Nature-based Solutions (AGCF) Project, funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Department of Finance (DoF) and other national government agencies.

 “Communities are at the forefront of climate change, and directly depend on thriving ecosystems for their livelihood. Strengthening their ability to lead enterprises that harness nature-based solutions can build our communities’ resilience to climate change, ensure the sustainable use of natural resources, and provide for their economic well-being. We all must do what we can to support them”, said UNDP Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran.

Villgro Philippines has been commissioned by UNDP Philippines to develop and implement the NatureNest Accelerator. The NatureNest Accelerator is designed to support Nature-based Enterprises (NbEs) that are reshaping how we care for people and the planet.

“NatureNest is built on the belief that the most powerful climate solutions are rooted in nature and driven by local communities. Through this accelerator, we join hands with UNDP and AGCF to connect grassroots innovators to the tools, networks, and capital they need to create nature-positive impact.”, says Villgro Philippines CEO and Co-Founder Priya Thachadi. 

Catalyzing Green Enterprise for Climate Resilience

The Philippines ranks among the most vulnerable countries globally to the impacts of climate change. While the government has led efforts to integrate climate risk into policy and planning, bridging the climate finance gap requires mobilizing the private sector. The AGCF Project responds to this need by increasing private investments in gender-responsive, nature-based solutions. The Nature Nest Accelerator is a key component of this strategy, enabling local entrepreneurs to build and scale businesses with climate and environmental benefits.

The NatureNest Accelerator is designed to unlock the potential of locally rooted solutions that harness natural systems to address pressing climate and environmental challenges, while creating sustainable livelihoods. The six-month program will support ten high-potential enterprises working in or near forest, marine, or agricultural ecosystems, aiming to scale businesses that address environmental and climate challenges while fostering sustainable livelihoods of the communities involved.

What Participants Receive

Participants selected into the NatureNest Accelerator will gain access to technical assistance, tailored mentoring and coaching, investment readiness training, funding and network access, and more. The program is free of charge and will run from May to September 2025, culminating in an Impact Showcase in September.

Who Can Apply

The accelerator is open to early-stage enterprises operating for at least one year in the Philippines and working in sectors such as but not limited to:

• Environment, natural resources, and biodiversity restoration
• Sustainable agriculture and biodiversity-friendly food production
• Forestry and biomaterials
• Ecotourism and community wellbeing

Enterprises must demonstrate a clear environmental impact, sustainable business potential, and community engagement. We encourage applications from Indigenous- and women-led enterprises.

Applications close on June 13, 2025. Apply at: villgrophilippines.org/naturenest

Join the Nationwide Caravan

As part of its nationwide rollout, the NatureNest Accelerator will host regional learning sessions and ecosystem gatherings to connect with Nature-based Enterprises (NbEs) across the country on the following dates and locations:

• May 16 – Virtual Learning Session

• May 22 – Occidental Mindoro

• May 28 – Surigao del Norte

• June 3 – Aurora

• June 9 – Ortigas, Pasig City

• June 10 – Final Virtual Session

Join the caravan: https://bit.ly/NatureNestLearningCaravan