On June 5th, the world recognises World Environment Day and at Dana Asia, we want to recognise the heroes working among us to address two pressing challenges: poverty and environmental degradation. We believe that environmental responsibility and poverty alleviation can go hand in hand, and across the countries we work in, we’re empowering communities to build eco-enterprises, adopt organic farming practices, reduce plastic waste, and thrive through sustainable models that protect both people and the planet.
Environmental challenges on the ground: the Philippines and Cambodia
In the Philippines, an estimated 164 million plastic sachets are used daily (GAIA, 2019), contributing to the country’s ranking as a top source of ocean plastic pollution (World Bank, 2022). The Philippines ranks first globally in the World Risk Index for natural disasters, with millions of Filipinos at risk from flooding, typhoons, and rising sea levels, threatening homes and livelihoods. Meanwhile, over 75% of Cambodians live in rural areas and many rely on subsistence farming. Environmental degradation directly impacts their food security and incomes (World Bank). Both countries are highly vulnerable to climate change, with livelihoods threatened by extreme weather, environmental degradation, and lack of access to sustainable infrastructure.
Through social business and green microfinance initiatives, we proactively tackle these environmental challenges by turning local problems into opportunities for lasting impact.
Green microfinance for climate-resilient livelihoods, Philippines
In partnership with Grameen Pilipinas Microfinance Inc, Dana Asia facilitates green microfinance to support the setup and growth of environmentally-focused microenterprises. Loans and training programs are designed for low-income individuals, especially women, who are starting or expanding green businesses:
- Eco sari-sari store loans for sari-sari store owners to transition to a zero-waste business model, replacing common sachet items with refill alternatives promoting a bring-your-own-container initiative.
- Eco agri loans to give farmers access to capital for sustainable and organic agri businesses.
- Ongoing mentorship to ensure financial and environmental sustainability.
This approach ensures that entrepreneurship does not come at the cost of environmental harm and opens the door to new opportunities for green businesses.
Eco Stores: Waste reduction through social business, Philippines
Dana Asia’s Eco Store Social Business Model is a practical solution to urban plastic pollution and consumer waste. These zero-waste stores are set up in low socioeconomic communities and offer:
- Refills for basic goods and household products to reduce single-use plastic, serving both individual customers and acting as wholesalers for the eco sari-sari store network.
- Reduced cost of basic goods for low income consumers compared to those bought in sachets or plastics and a higher profit margin for the store owner.
- Community education on waste reduction and sustainable consumption.
Each store is locally owned and operated, providing a livelihood while promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).
Waste to Resource Hub: Circular economy practices, Philippines
In partnership with GA Nexus, the Waste to Resource Hub is a recycling facility that transforms plastic waste into sustainable building materials like eco-bricks and pavers. This innovation:
- Mobilises communities, local governments, and businesses to proactively manage waste effectively, reducing plastic waste in local landfills and waterways.
- Creates new income streams through waste collection and processing, producing sustainable building materials from plastic collected.
- Demonstrates scalable circular economy practices for urban communities.
More than just waste management, the Hub demonstrates economic empowerment with environmental innovation.
Sustainable agri-business: Regenerating land and livelihoods, Philippines
Dana Asia works with small-scale organic farmers to help them transition from subsistence to viable agri-businesses. Support includes:
- Adoption of regenerative agriculture practices that build soil health and reduce emissions while also increasing productivity.
- Organic certification assistance.
- Access to capital to grow agri businesses as well as markets and training.
By strengthening the business side of organic farming, Dana Asia ensures long-term income generation while protecting biodiversity and reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
KJC Farm & outgrower model: Sustainable poultry farming, Cambodia
In rural Cambodia, Dana Asia partners with KJC Farm, a registered local non-profit, to implement a village-level poultry farming model. Through training, access to capital, and international-standard breeding, hatchery, and processing facilities, rural women and smallholder farmers are empowered to:
- Raise poultry in their backyards in biosecure facilities with solar panels to produce water and electricity.
- Improve household food security and income stability.
- Promote other environmentally-friendly practices like organic fertiliser production using farm waste.
This model empowers women as community leaders and supports a closed-loop, environmentally sound rural economy.
Impact in 2025
- 33 eco stores established or supported in Manila as community refill stores
- 200,000 pieces of plastic avoided through refill
- 40 farmers trained in sustainable agriculture practices
- 1,000 eco bricks produced using waste plastics
- 24 poultry microenterprises in Cambodia producing chicken as a sustainable livelihood
- 20% increase in household income through sustainable business operation
Final words
This World Environment Day, Dana Asia celebrates the growing movement of eco-entrepreneurs and sustainable farmers rising from some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Together, we are cultivating not only livelihoods but also lasting change.