The Foundation for the Philippine Environment was established on January 15, 1992 to help mitigate the destruction of Philippine's natural resources. FPE was created through a process of nationwide consultations with 334 Philippine non-government organizations (NGOs) and people's organizations (POs) and 24 academic institutions. The Philippine NGOs and POs took the lead in conceptualizing and organizing FPE and its subsequent program directions. The collective efforts of the Philippine and the United States government agencies and NGOs paved the way for the funding of FPE, making it the first grant-making institution for the environment in the Philippines.
The initial financial base of FPE is an endowment fund established through a debt-for-nature swap. Start-up financing came from the United States Agency for International Development or USAID, which, through the Natural Resources Management Program of the Philippines, provided the grants that established an endowment worth US$ 21.8 million, given in Philippine Peso.
As a catalyst for cooperation, FPE promotes and encourages international and local cooperation among NGOs, business groups and government agencies, and communities towards developing policies and effective programs for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
As a grant-maker, FPE provides financial, technical and other resources needed to strengthen and support different organizations and communities in biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation programs.
As a fund facilitator, FPE generates additional financial resources and provides linkages between proponents and donors for qualified projects in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
VISION
FPE envisions itself as a dynamic, relevant and growing organization leading actions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development (BCSD) towards healthy ecosystems and resilient communities.
MISSION
FPE commits to build constituencies and capacities for the environment, promote responsive policies and actions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, and effectively manage the endowment fund.
GOALS
A. To improve key conservation sites through community approaches and actions;
B. To establish local and international cooperation and constituencies for BCSD;
C. To increase awareness, knowledge on and support for BCSD toward improved conservation actions;
D. To promote responsive policies and mechanisms for BCSD;
E. To preserve the capital and generate more resources;
F. To strengthen FPE as a high performing organization through a flexible and efficient system, structure and processes.
