Dr. Dixon T. Gevaña is a highly respected Professor in the College of Forest Financial Resources and a leading figure in the fields of social forestry, forest policy, and climate change mitigation. With over two decades of experience documenting carbon stocks in forests, he has been at the forefront of research on nature-based climate solutions. As Chair of the Agriculture and Forestry Division of the National Research Council of the Philippines and Director of the Forestry Development Center, Dr. Gevaña’s expertise is widely sought for policy advice on forest management and climate change.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gevaña has collaborated with civil society groups, NGOs, private sector, and local communities on forest conservation and climate action, emphasizing research-based recommendations that inform policy decisions. His work is primarily funded by international academic institutions and nonprofits, ensuring a global perspective in his research.
Read our interview with Dr. Gevaña in the article below!
In our interview, Dr. Gevaña shared his thoughts on the evolving challenges of climate change and his vision for nature-based solutions. With a career deeply rooted in forest management, Dr. Gevaña has focused much of his research on carbon stocks and blue carbon, documenting the crucial role forests play in mitigating climate change.
“I’ve always preferred focusing on mitigation,” he explained, “because while adaptation is important, reducing carbon emissions at the source—through projects like reforestation and forest protection—is key to slowing down climate change.”
His work extends beyond academia, where he collaborates with a range of stakeholders, from NGOs to local communities, to find sustainable solutions. “One of the biggest challenges we face is making carbon projects not only ecologically and economically feasible but also socially acceptable. It’s essential to engage communities from the start to ensure the success of these projects,” Dr. Gevaña noted.
A major aspect of Dr. Gevaña’s work is the integration of community development with forestry. He believes that community involvement is at the heart of sustainable conservation efforts, particularly in carbon projects. “When communities feel a sense of ownership, they are more committed to conservation efforts,” he said. Dr. Gevaña emphasized that carbon projects should not be viewed purely as business ventures but as opportunities to support both climate mitigation and local livelihoods.
He explained that successful carbon projects require thorough site assessments and recognition of local rights and cultural practices. “We need to balance scientific knowledge with the cultural beliefs and practices of the communities we work with,” Dr. Gevaña said. “That’s where you find the true success of these projects—when both science and tradition are respected.”
His work in this area highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, particularly in remote and indigenous communities. “Building trust and gaining the community’s commitment can take time, but it’s absolutely essential for long-term success.”
When asked about the challenges facing carbon projects, Dr. Gevaña highlighted the difficulties in finding suitable and sufficient land for high-quality carbon initiatives. “There’s now a subtle competition over limited spaces for a forest carbon project between the government and non-government or private sector target reforestation. We need more proactive policies and a roadmap to assure enough lands to accommodate good carbon projects without adding unnecessary regulatory layers.”
Despite criticisms that carbon credit projects can sometimes be seen as greenwashing, Dr. Gevaña is optimistic about their potential to drive real change. “There’s always criticism, but carbon credits, when done transparently, aligned with local community needs and aspirations, and with strong community involvement, are powerful tools for climate mitigation. The private sector can really push these projects forward, helping us reach net-zero targets while demonstrating corporate responsibility.”
Dr. Gevaña is excited to bring his expertise to Wovoka’s Scientific Advisory Board, particularly in developing projects that focus on nature-based solutions, such as mangrove conservation and carbon credit initiatives. “I’m thrilled to be part of a team that shares my vision for climate action,” he said. “Mangroves, in particular, offer incredible opportunities for carbon sequestration, but they also face unique challenges. It’s a complex, but rewarding area to work in.”
His final thoughts were centered on the need for community-driven conservation projects. “Comprehensive site assessments and strong community engagement are crucial to the success of any carbon project. We need to demonstrate that these projects work—not just for the environment, but for the people who depend on these ecosystems.”
Dr. Gevaña’s extensive experience and commitment to sustainable forestry make him an invaluable addition to Wovoka’s advisory board. His vision for socially responsible, community-centered carbon projects offers a pathway for meaningful climate action and long-term ecological balance.
