Final performance evaluation of USAID/Philippines’ biodiversity and watersheds improved for stronger economy and ecosystems resilience project : final report

B+WISER was expected to achieve the following results: (a) 5,000,000 hectares (ha) of biologically significant areas under improved NRM; (b) 584,000 ha of such areas showing improved biologicalphysical conditions; (c) 8,778,278 metric tons (mt) of greenhouse gas emissions reduced, sequestered, and avoided; (d) US$41 million worth of investments mobilized for NRM; (e) 166,000 people trained in sustainable NRM and biodiversity conservation; and (f) 4,400 days of technical assistance provided to DENR and other local NRM stakeholders. USAID Philippines commissioned Pacific Rim Innovation and Management Exponents, Inc. (PRIMEX) to perform the Final Performance Evaluation (FPE) to assess B+WISER results and verify the lessons reported. PRIMEX undertook the FPE in three regions and two project sites from July 23 to December 22, 2018 using as guide the following four key evaluation questions: (a) extent of program performance, (b) efficiency in achieving results, (c) validity of lessons reported, and (d) extent of contributions of B+WISER strategies in achieving the results. PRIMEX gathered data via: (a) desk review of B+WISER documents; (b) focus group discussions (FGDs) with Bantay Gubat (Forest Patrol) groups, women, indigenous peoples, farmer groups, and Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) members; (c) key informant interviews (KIIs) with those familiar with and involved in B+WISER; and (d) direct observations, including photo documentation of B+WISER activities. Overall, B+WISER had achieved all its six performance targets as well as assisted in the institutionalization of the Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System (LAWIN) within DENR. The Program also created a pool of trained DENR and local government units (LGUs) personnel, as well as community people, capable of applying LAWIN. All six B+WISER strategies functioned effectively, thus enabling the Program to achieve its expected results. Based on the FPE, the following two sets of recommendations are put forward: For DENR to strengthen LAWIN, it has to: regularize the LAWIN Command Center within DENR with personnel and funding complement; expand the its indicators in assessing and monitoring forest protection and biodiversity conservation; design and implement field validation sites for more accurate and reliable estimates of improvements in patrol activities, forest regeneration, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, and biodiversity conservation; improve data integrity with real-time data transmission from patrol teams to the Command Center; roll out Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme to support LAWIN implementation; increase participation of LGUs in LAWIN; and mobilize state universities and colleges (SUCs) for information, education, and communication (IEC) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of LAWIN implementation. For USAID in implementing similar programs in the future, it has to: require implementors to establish actual field validation sites for more reliable monitoring of improvements in forest conservation and biodiversity conservation; revise the definition of results indicators to capture data that reflect actual accomplishments; and ensure the consistent and active engagement of the Program proponent throughout the project implementation period