The poor are the most dependent on natural resources to meet their daily needs.  With limited know how and hardly any option, they also contribute substantially to environmental degradation - through slash and burn farming, cutting of wood including mangroves for charcoal-making, disposal of wastewater and solid waste direct to water bodies, and the like.  Unfortunately, they are also the most adversely affected and the least capable in coping with the consequences of this environmental degradation. To help the poor in a sustainable manner and to provide for their needs for the long term, we must help them save the environment. To truly save the environment, we must engage and mobilize the poor to make them active partners in its protection and rehabilitation.

Green Kalinga is the environment program of Gawad Kalinga that seeks to ensure the continued access of clean air and water and productive lands and seas for all GK communities.  Anchored in the vision and mission of GK, Green Kalinga seeks to not only address the social consequences brought about by massive poverty, but also to empower the poor to become active partners in the fight to address rapid environmental degradation and climate change which threatens their lives and livelihood.