The Masungi Geopark Project (MGP) has won the National Energy Globe Award 2024 for the Philippines, earning global recognition for its groundbreaking conservation and reforestation efforts in the Upper Marikina Watershed.
The Energy Globe Award is one of the world’s most prestigious environmental honors, with over 2,000 global applications in 2024. More than 180 countries participated, highlighting innovative solutions that protect the environment through sustainable projects, personal action, and awareness campaigns.
Masungi’s Climate Resilience Efforts Recognized
Masungi stood out for its impactful environmental strategies, which have safeguarded 2,700 hectares of degraded land, sequestered carbon, and strengthened climate resilience in vulnerable communities. The initiative employs up to 100 local rangers, finances conservation through sustainable geotourism, and protects over 800 documented species of plants and animals.
In a ceremony at Masungi Georeserve’s Discovery Trail on February 19, 2025, Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Johann Brieger and Commercial Counsellor Arnulf Gressel presented the award to the Masungi Georeserve Foundation.
“I am happy that we have champions in the Philippines who are leading the charge for environmental preservation. Masungi’s dedication to conservation, education, sustainable development, and positive environmental impact aligns with the values we also hold dear in Austria. I’m delighted that the remarkable efforts of Masungi Georeserve, whose work in protecting and restoring natural habitats has made a lasting impact on the country’s biodiversity and the global movement for conservation, is being recognized at this level,” said Ambassador Brieger.
“This award not only confirms the dedication and hard work of Masungi Georeserve but also highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in the fight against environmental degradation,” he added.
Call for Greater Action Against Climate Change
Masungi Georeserve Foundation’s Managing Trustee, Ann Dumaliang, expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the urgent need for environmental protection.
“We are deeply grateful to the Austrian Embassy, Advantage Austria, and the Energy Globe Awards committee for recognizing the Masungi Geopark Project and for their support of frontline conservation efforts. This award affirms the urgent need to protect our forests, support environmental defenders, and take large, decisive actions against the climate crisis. As part of the Austrian Government’s Leadership Program, we have seen the values of sustainability, innovation, and love for nature at work—principles that also guide our work at Masungi and we hope to see nurtured in the Philippines,” said Dumaliang.
“Now, more than ever, we must work together to safeguard our earth’s life-giving ecosystems, choosing action and bravery especially when it seems difficult. All of us have a role to play in enabling a solution and the future our countrymen and future generations deserve,” she added.
Masungi’s Impact on Sustainability and Local Communities
Officials from the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Baras, media representatives, and a youth delegate from Rizal attended the awarding ceremony, which included a short trail experience at the georeserve.
The global awards ceremony, organized by the Energy Globe Foundation and ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, is set to take place in a few months, further celebrating the world’s top environmental initiatives.
MGP continues to be a model for locally driven environmental solutions. It generates sustainable livelihoods, strengthens local economies, and improves access to clean water while raising awareness about biodiversity conservation. Since its establishment, more than 20,000 Filipinos have participated in its educational programs, inspiring greater action for environmental protection.
Find the Masungi announcement and more photos here:
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