Masungi Georeserve Receives Prestigious Austrian ‘Energy Globe Award’ for Environmental Excellence

BARAS, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES – The Masungi Geopark Project (MGP) has been awarded the National Energy Globe Award 2024 for the Philippines, highlighting its groundbreaking work in water conservation, reforestation, and environmental sustainability in the Upper Marikina Watershed. The Energy Globe Award is one of the world’s most prestigious environmental honors, founded in 1999 by Austrian energy pioneer Wolfgang Neumann and attracting over 2,000 global applications in 2024. Masungi emerged as a standout for its innovative climate resilience strategies, including forest protection and reforestation efforts that have protected 2,700 hectares of degraded land from various threats, sequestering carbon and increasing resilience of climate-vulnerable communities. The initiative also employs up to 100 local rangers, self-finances conservation efforts through sustainable geotourism, and supports over 800 documented species of plants and animals.

H.E. Ambassador Johann Brieger and Mr. Arnul Gressel, Commercial Counsellor awards Energy Globe Award to Masungi Georeserve Team

In a ceremony held 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. The global awards ceremony is set to take place in March 2025, organized by the Energy Globe Foundation and ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA.

“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 Ann Dumaliang, National Geographic Explorer, Ashoka Fellow, 1t.org Advisory Board Member, and Managing Trustee of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation. MGP is a leading example of how locally-driven solutions can address pressing environmental challenges. It creates sustainable livelihoods, supports local economies, and improves access to clean water while raising awareness on biodiversity protection and conservation. Since its inception, over 20,000 Filipinos have participated in its educational programs.