Wovoka

The key to safeguarding the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems—whether in the Mabira Forest of Uganda or Bicol National Park in the Philippines—is simple: create more value for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). By empowering communities to earn a sustainable income from nature, we give them every incentive to keep trees standing and ecosystems thriving. Ignitius Bwoogi has shown how it can be done for Bwoogi Vanilla . Get in touch if you want to be the 3rd workplace in Santa Cruz county to carry it! The vast majority of people do not realize that the vanilla products they are consuming are filled with fillers, additives, and a chemical derived from wood pulp or guaiacol (a petro-chemical precursor)---that's actually how they make the vanillin flavor. There is a better way. #SustainableVanilla #BujiVanilla #Biodiversity #SantaCruzBusinesses

Are carbon markets ready for accountability? The finalized rules for Article 6 carbon markets at COP29 bring both promise and peril. While designed to facilitate international carbon credit trading, these rules risk opening the door to “carbon cowboys” at a time when strong enforcement is needed more than ever. Without stringent measures, the integrity of these markets hangs in the balance.  🟢 Having weak oversight could flood the market, undermining legitimate emissions reductions.   🟢 Unvetted legacy projects risk having outdated Clean Development Mechanism projects transition without scrutiny, rewarding non-additional efforts.  🟢 Inadequate guidelines for carbon storage could compromise long-term climate commitments. Rules alone won’t suffice. The global community must demand enforcement, transparency, and adherence to science-backed standards. Carbon markets should be a tool for real, measurable climate action—not a loophole for polluters to evade responsibility.  How do we balance innovation with accountability in carbon markets? Let’s discuss. 💬  #cop29 #climateaction #carbonmarkets #article6 #accountability #sustainability #climatejustice

💡 LATEST on carbon markets in the wake of COP29 With the finalization of rules for international carbon credit trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, countries and companies now have a structured pathway to collaborate on meeting their targets. What’s New Under Article 6? 🟢 COP29 delegates agreed on clear rules for carbon markets, enabling nations to trade emission reductions. This is expected to unlock substantial investments in emission-reducing initiatives. 🟢 The agreement includes systems to verify and track carbon credits, ensuring environmental integrity and preventing double-counting. Clear rules are already building confidence among investors and participants, with expectations of increased trading volumes and more funding for projects that support global climate goals. ⬆️ 🍃 The finalized Article 6 framework lays a pathway for global carbon markets to drive climate action. But to truly make an impact, implementation must be transparent, effective, and equitable. #cop29 #carbonmarkets #climateaction #sustainability #parisagreement #climatefinance #globalcollaboration #emissionreduction #sustainableinvestment #environmentalpolicy

COP29 — a missed opportunity for climate justice?   As COP29 wraps up in Azerbaijan, the $300 billion climate finance goal set for 2035 has left many climate-vulnerable nations disheartened. For countries like the Philippines, this falls drastically short of what’s needed to address the escalating impacts of the climate crisis. In 2024 alone, a single super typhoon caused over ₱25 billion in damages. Many affected areas were left without aid as damaged roads and infrastructure cut off access. Climate justice begins with acknowledging historical responsibility. Developed nations and fossil fuel companies must step up, providing grants, not loans, to fund recovery and adaptation efforts.  For true climate justice, there is a need for: ✅ Meaningful financial commitments from developed countries.   ✅ Corporate accountability for fossil fuel-driven climate impacts.  ✅ Equitable solutions that prioritize frontline communities. Keep the conversation alive and support projects genuinely creating real impact and empowering communities most affected by the climate crisis! #COP29 #climatejustice #sustainability #climateaction #climateleaders #Philippines #resilience #globalsouth

We’re #hiring a new Community Coordinator in Northern Mindanao. Apply today or share this post with your network!

We’re seeking a dedicated Community Coordinator to join our environmental restoration initiatives in Northern Mindanao. This remote senior-level role offers the chance to engage with communities, support environmental projects, and handle essential administrative tasks with government agencies. If you're passionate about conservation, community engagement, and have the skills to make an impact, apply by November 30, 2024! 🌍 Check out the application form in the comments below 🔽 #careers #jobs #startup

🌱 Bringing Mangroves Back to Life in Capalonga, Philippines! 🌱 We’re thrilled to be backing Wovoka and the Capalonga Mangrove Development Association as one of our Pilot Projects in their work to restore 932 hectares of mangroves and breathe new life into abandoned fish ponds. Mangroves do it all—they capture carbon, protect coastlines, and support local communities. But they’re up against threats like deforestation and illegal fishing, making it hard to reap those benefits.. The team is moving forward with plans to design high-quality blue carbon projects and secure carbon credits that help local communities better manage their lands. Catch Ginny Tiongson in the video below to hear more about this amazing project! 👇 Let’s keep building a future where people and nature thrive together. 💪🌊 #FairCarbon #BlueCarbon #MangroveRestoration

Ignitius sharing business insights with a client for Bwoogivanilla at VERGE 24 Conference, San Jose Convention Center.

💡 LOOK: Wovoka is currently participating in the 15th Training of Trainers (ToT) on Mangrove and Beach Forest Rehabilitation and Conservation, organized by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) - Phillippines. Our COO Tin Dalida, farmer organization leader Ramil Raviz, and academic researcher Jeffrey Peregrino from Bicol University are joining experts and advocates to deepen their understanding of mangrove and beach forest ecosystems and enhance their skills in community-based conservation practices. 💚🌳 Stay tuned for updates from the field! 🌍 #mangroves #bluecarbon #biodiversity #climateinaction #ecosystems #community

LATEST: Newest member of our Scientific Advisory Board! We are thrilled to welcome Sabira Alloo to Wovoka’s Scientific Advisory Board! As the Head of Private Equity Partnerships at Google Cloud and Advisor at Google Startups for Sustainable Development, Sabira brings a wealth of experience in investment strategy, portfolio management, and scaling innovative startups. We are excited to have her expertise on board and look forward to the impact we’ll achieve together! 🚀 * * * Read our interview with her found in the comments! #technology #financing #startups #sustainability #leadership #investment