A Climate Resilient Leyte through Integrated River Basin Governance in Flood Risk Management

Leyte Province is one of the most climate-vulnerable areas in the Philippines, facing frequent typhoon-induced flooding and increasing extreme rainfall risks. This project strengthens flood resilience across 2,129 km², benefiting approximately 1.1 million people through integrated flood planning, ecosystem restoration, and nature-based solutions.

​

The project supports the restoration of 3,786 ha of degraded ecosystems, including peatland and riparian forests, using Assisted Natural Regeneration and native species planting. These activities aim to enhance biodiversity, improve water retention, and reduce flood risks naturally.

​

It also strengthens river basin governance through River Basin Councils and capacity-building for national, local, and barangay-level stakeholders. An AI-based Flood and Flash-Flood Early Warning System was developed across 97 sub-basins to provide real-time alerts, flood forecasting, and risk mapping.

​

JHSUSTAIN supported KOICA-funded project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and gender-responsive disaster risk reduction planning. The project promoted inclusive participation, particularly of women and vulnerable groups, in community-level flood resilience and adaptation planning.