Representatives from non-government organizations, civil society, social enterprises, and coalitions in Southeast Asia talked about transportation challenges experienced by cities across the region and tackled ways to promote safe, inclusive, and sustainable mobility. 

Following their first gathering in Chiang Mai, Thailand last year, the Clean Mobility Collective (CMC) Southeast Asia convened in Danao City, Cebu, Philippines last September 4-6, 2024, and engaged in learning sessions and group discussions to explore opportunities for regional collaboration in ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable path for transportation. This event was jointly organized by the Philippine-based climate and energy policy group Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) and the CMC global network. ICSC currently serves as the Southeast Asia Coordinator for CMC. 

Citing findings from the Asian Transport Outlook, ICSC Director for Urban Development Maria Golda Hilario said that Southeast Asia will be taking a different path for decarbonization compared to the world, since populations continue to rise in the region, especially in emerging economies such as the Philippines.

“The region experiences rapid urbanization and presents many opportunities to be more adaptive and innovative. Hence, we can seek more ways to carve a path that is more sustainable and addresses our own mobility needs,” she added.

Mayor Thomas Mark Durano of Danao City welcomed the members of CMC SEA in their locality, highlighting their efforts to develop a safer and more sustainable city. “Looking at transportation, it is indeed a problem, not just in Danao, but the entirety of Cebu. We are initiating our own transportation system, and our priority is to become a green, smart city,” said Mayor Durano.

During the three-day convening, the participants delved on the roles each of the member organizations can play in advancing this campaign and identified immediate and long-term priorities for the collective. 

Initiated by the city government of Danao, the gathering culminated with a tour across the city, exploring important, historical sights in their locality using resilient and reliable modes of community transport – walking and by riding trisikads or bicycle taxis. Through this learning excursion, participants learned about Danao City’s past as a coal mining center and as a transportation hub of the province through rails and port.

This was followed by an experiential journey to the Tawsan Mangrove Forest Ecopark in Danao City, where the CMC SEA learned about species of mangroves found in the ecopark and the importance of clean air to allow the flora and fauna found within the mangrove ecosystem to flourish. Some participants also rode boats and kayaks to see the mangroves up close. 

These initiatives highlight how the city government of Danao integrated sustainable practices – such as active mobility and biodiversity conservation and protection –  in local tourism programs, presenting how prioritizing decarbonization can also lead to economic development.

Editor’s Note: The Clean Mobility Collective (CMC) Southeast Asia is composed of 16 groups of advocates, campaigners, and innovators advancing inclusive, accessible, and sustainable mobility solutions to help curb Southeast Asian cities’ worsening air pollution and climate change challenges.

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