ACB trains Scientific Experts and Researchers on writing effective Policy Briefs

To help build the capacity of researchers, representatives from the academe, and scientific experts in writing policy briefs, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) conduct a Policy Brief Writing Workshop from 6-8 October 2016 at the NRCP Headquarters, Taguig City, Philippines.

The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is a collegial body of scientists and researchers with a commitment to promote and support basic and problem-oriented researches, to identify and provide solutions to national issues and problems, and to generate new knowledge in preparation for the future.

The event was graced by the presence of Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, ACB Executive Director; Dr. Marieta B. Sumagaysay, NRCP Executive Director; and Mr. Geraldo S. Petilla, NRCP Finance and Administration Division Chief.

Executive Director Oliva introduced ACB and its advocacies to the participants and encouraged them to become “champions” of biodiversity. “We give so much value to all the hard work that you exert in crafting your extensive scientific research studies. Recommendations backed up by concrete evidences from your research should be communicated to policy makers for them to come up with informed decisions, and science-based laws, and policies. To convince lawmakers, possible partners, and other intended audiences, translating your lengthy studies into crisp and concise policy briefs can be the first step,” said Executive Director Oliva.

“We do not want to keep excellent research studies conducted by our member researchers and scientific experts in our shelves. Translating these researches into excellent policy briefs can help us communicate the results of such studies to policy makers, prospective donors, other organizations, institutions, and to our fellow researchers,” said Executive Director Sumagaysay. “On behalf of NRCP, I would like to thank ACB for providing the much needed technical support in popularizing scientific publications to promote our advocacies,” she added.

Representatives from ACB provided lectures on the following: Introduction to Policy Briefs; Clear and Effective Writing; and Policy Brief Layout and Design. The facilitators then assisted the participants in writing and designing policy briefs on their research topics which include: Nanomaterials for Biology, Industry, and Research Applications; Holistic Approaches in the Diagnosis, Prevention, Control and Treatment of Animal Pest and Diseases; Education Models for Inclusive Development and Innovation Towards Social Transformation; and The Status of Philippine Lakes.

The writing workshop participants are officials, professors, researchers, and staff from the following: Caraga State University; Far Eastern University; Mindanao State University; Philippine Normal University; St. Paul University; University of the Philippines Diliman; University of the Philippines Los Banos; University of the Philippines Manila; Visayas State University; and the NRCP.

Way Kambas launched as an ASEAN Heritage Park

One of the oldest reserves, and one of the remaining wetlands and lowland rainforests in Indonesia, Way Kambas National Park (WKNP) joins the network of ASEAN Heritage Parks, the best of the best protected areas in the ASEAN region. Located in Lampung Province, Southern Sumatra, Indonesia, the 1,300 sq km park, consists of a lowland forest ecosystem with freshwater swamp forest, grassland, and forest on the coast of Sumatra.

The official launch of WKNP will be held at the Elephant Conservation Center, WKNP, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia on 27 July 2016. The Assistant Director and Head of Environment Division,
Sustainable Development Directorate, ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Department Saroj Srisai, and ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Executive Director Roberto V. Oliva, are expected to attend this momentous event.

WKNP still has “the big five” or Mega Fauna of the Sumatran forest which include the Sumatran tiger, Sumatran elephant, Sumatran rhinoceros, Malayan Tapir and Sun bear. It is also home for Sumatran wildcats which include clouded leopard, fishing cat, flat headed cat, golden cat and leopard cat. It is home to Indonesia’s first Elephant Training Center, a center established to domesticate and train wild elephants translocated from other areas of Sumatra. The park has fifty (50) species of mammals and many of them are threatened.

“On behalf of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, I would like to congratulate Indonesia for officially launching its fourth ASEAN Heritage Park. The other three are Gunung Leuser National Park, Kerinci Seblat National Park, and Lorentz National Park,” said Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, ACB Executive Director.

The ACB serves as the Secretariat of the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme. Protected areas benefit from being declared as an AHP through capacity building activities for park managers and stakeholders in the form of various learning events, such as trainings and workshops. AHPs also receive technical assistance from the AHP Secretariat, through ACB in-house experts and network of partners. Being an AHP also increases its visibility as a prime ecotourism destination and model for effective protected area management through the Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) Programme of ACB. Participation of and collaboration among AHP stakeholders in the implementation of research and development programmes and projects are also maximized and strengthened when a protected area is declared as an AHP. The AHP Programme also provides a regional platform for information sharing among AHPs by way of AHP Committee Meetings and AHP Conferences. Parks declared as AHPs are first in line for available funding through ACB programmes and projects.

Orientation Workshop on Mobilizing Biodiversity Data from ASEAN Protected Areas

Experts from the Biodiversity Information Facility nodes from Taiwan and Norway, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), and various ASEAN Member States convened to capture the wildlife of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR), the 33rd ASEAN Heritage Park– on film, that is.

ACB, in partnership with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), organized an Orientation Workshop on Mobilizing Biodiversity Data from ASEAN Protected Areas which was held on 4 – 8 July 2016 in the SAS Hall of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research (SEARCA), Los Baños, Laguna.

The workshop, which aimed to hone the capabilities of managers and staff of ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) to serve as partners in biodiversity information management, was led by Dr. Dag Endresen, Node Manager for GBIF Norway; Dr. Yu-Huang Wang, Node Manager for Taiwan Biodiversity Information Facility (TaiBIF); Dr. Po-Jen Chiang and Mr. Guan-Shuo Mai, both from TaiBIF; Dr. Sheila V. Vergara, Director of the ACB Biodiversity Information Management (BIM) unit; and ACB-BIM officers and staff.

One of the highlights of the workshop is the hands on training on the use of camera traps in capturing species in the MMFR through videos and photographs. The team also demonstrated how a recording device that can capture the amplified sounds of wildlife works.

“The effective and efficient management of biodiversity information is a crucial step towards better planning, development, and implementation of conservation programmes and initiatives,” said ACB Executive Director Roberto V. Oliva. “It is always a must to know what you still have, and what needs to be saved to come up with science-based and informed decisions,” he added.

To substantiate the demos and hands-on, lectures on species data collection, processing, harvesting, encoding, mapping and analysis were conducted. Dr. Yu-Huang and Dr. Po-Jen familiarized the participants on various software tools needed for proper storage and classification of images obtained from camera traps, which were installed and eventually retrieved from the field. Dr. Endresen introduced the Integrated Publishing Toolkit (IPT), a tool developed by GBIF to organize and publish species datasets. ACB_BIM provided an orientation on the use of the species encoding interface to facilitate encoding species data into a globally accepted format such as the Darwin Core (DwC) and mapping species information through online mapping tools. The importance of encoding species data into standard structures like the DwC was stressed during the workshop. This will provide ease in data analysis and sharing among the ASEAN Member States, which could result to effective biodiversity conservation efforts in the Region,” said Dr. Sheila Vergara.

At the end of the workshop, the participants presented the current biodiversity information management setups in their respective countries and indicated their need for further training, additional equipment, additional staff, and funds to enhance their existing biodiversity information management systems.

Exploring Collaborations

To discuss possible areas of collaboration with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), and to know about the Centre’s programmes and activities, Dr. Lily Eurwilaichitr, Deputy Executive Director  of Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), and Dr. Supawadee Ingsriswang, Laboratory Head, Information Systems Laboratory, Bioresources Technology Unit, BIOTEC, visited the ACB headquarters in the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna on 6 July 2017. Dr. Eurwilaichitr proposed the following areas where ACB and BIOTEC can work together on:

1. initiatives in sustainable management of microbial diversity;
2. information systems and web services; and
3. capacity building activities and training programmes.

ACB Trains AHP Managers as Biodiversity Information Partners

To facilitate a more effective and efficient mobilization of information through the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) and to hone the skills of AHP managers as effective partners in biodiversity information, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) national nodes of Taiwan and Norway, are conducting an “Orientation Workshop on Mobilizing Biodiversity Data from ASEAN Protected Areas,” on 4-8 July 2016 in Los Baños, Laguna.

This workshop implements the project entitled “Mobilizing Biodiversity Data from ASEAN Heritage Parks”, funded under GBIF’s Biodiversity Information Fund for Asia (BIFA).

“Information is an important resource to make the right kind of decisions. Biodiversity information must be shared so that all sectors involved in conservation, especially our leaders, can come up science-based policies and decisions. AHP managers are primary biodiversity data sources. They must be equipped with knowledge and skills in encoding data in common and globally agreed formats,” said Atty. Roberto Oliva, ACB Executive Director.

“Having sufficient availability of biodiversity information mobilized from AHPs will provide for unhampered progress in conservation efforts being mobilized in the Region. The enhanced capacity, skills, and institutional support to regularly update information on the status of biodiversity will expedite the development and reform of biodiversity-related policies and call-for-actions, and subsequently reduce threats to the ASEAN Region’s rich biodiversity, said Dr. Sheila G. Vergara, Director of the Biodiversity Information Management  of ACB.

At current, biodiversity data collected from park surveys are documented through various means but may not always conform to globally agreed standards. A structured methodology that aligns survey methods with data curation and having curated data consistent with global standards would best serve the AHPs’ managers and staff needs to be well oriented in the relevance, use and application of – sourced data in common and interoperable formats.  As a result, data acquired from ASEAN Heritage Parks will be readily available for geographically relevant analysis, decision making and policy development and reform

SGBioAtlas: Crowdsourcing Biodiversity Sightings from the Community

Smartphones are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in our society. A survey conducted in 2015 showed that Singapore ranked highest globally for smartphone usage, with about 90% of respondents owning a smartphone (Deloitte Southeast Asia 2015). These devices can utilise a wide range of mobile apps that provide an assortment of functions, including mobile games, GPS and location-based services and tracking functions. Mobile apps can also provide an avenue for members of the community to contribute towards biodiversity monitoring and conservation.

In 2015, the National Parks Board (NParks), Singapore, launched a new mobile app to encourage members of the public to become citizen scientists. These are amateur or non-professional scientists who participate in and contribute towards organised research endeavours.

The mobile app, known as SGBioAtlas, provides a platform to encourage members of the public to take an interest in the rich biodiversity within our City in a Garden and collect useful data to help manage and conserve wildlife in Singapore.

Collecting Data using SGBioAtlas

SGBioAtlas is a citizen science-based app for members of the community to share biodiversity sightings. It uses crowd-sourced information to map the distribution of flora and fauna throughout Singapore. All uploaded sightings are plotted out on the SGBioAtlas map via our online database, BIOME.

The primary function of the app is to geo-tag biodiversity sightings. When individuals submit a record, the date, time and GPS coordinates are immediately captured by the mobile app.

In addition, the app has various interactive functions that make biodiversity exploration more fun. Users are able to view other recently submitted sightings near to their current location. The app also allows users to participate in biodiversity monitoring projects that are organised by other members of the public. These public projects typically target specific animal or plant species, or are focused on collecting data in a particular area. Regular users are rewarded with achievement badges for their contributions.

For individuals who are new to distinguishing plants and animals, the app comes with easy-to-use identification guides. Currently, the app offers extensive species guides covering over 380 birds, more than 300 butterflies, 100 dragonflies and 29 amphibians. The guides include photographs, species descriptions and a filtering function that helps narrow down options based on the characteristics of the species in question.

An Atlas of Singapore’s Biodiversity

The data collected through the app goes into BIOME, Singapore’s national biodiversity database. This database serves as a single repository of biodiversity and environment-related data, contributed by government agencies, educational institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) among others. One of its key aims is to inform policy-makers about matters relating to biodiversity and the environment to develop long-term management strategies.

With the SGBioAtlas app, citizen scientists can contribute biodiversity occurrence data directly to the database, allowing government agencies and the community to view the distribution of flora and fauna within Singapore.

The app not only facilitates the compilation of important scientific data, but also serves as a bridge to the community, engaging the public about our native biodiversity and enlisting their support for conservation efforts. To date, over 200 users have contributed more than 1,200 sightings, and with a range of public projects on the horizon, we are hopeful that the SGBioAtlas app will encourage more members of the community to become citizen scientists.

Reference:

Deloitte Southeast Asia (2015). Mobile multiplies Global Mobile Consumer Survey, Infographics, Southeast Asia edition. Retrieved December 16, 2015, from here.

About the Author:

Zhou Boyi is a manager at the National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board of Singapore. He is currently involved in various Community in Nature programmes to raise awareness of biodiversity and conservation issues in Singapore. He was awarded the NParks Undergraduate Scholarship and graduated from Imperial College London with a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology.

Guidebook to nature destinations launched at Protected Areas Conference

Hon. Loren Legarda, Senate of the Philippines; Atty. Jonas R. Leones, Undersecretary for Environment and International Environmental Affairs, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); ASEC Corazon C. Davis, Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance, DENR; Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, Director, Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR; and Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity led guests and participants at the 2nd National Protected Areas Conference in launching the Guidebook to Protected Areas in the Philippines.

The guidebook highlights biological and cultural values and ecotourism destinations found in selected protected areas. It aims to attract more visitors to the country’s fragile nature areas, to bring attention and generate greater support and participation in biodiversity conservation efforts. Envisioned as the first in the series, the Guidebook to Protected Areas in the Philippines will eventually cover all 240 protected areas of the country.

The guidebook was launched at the 2nd Philippine National Protected Areas Conference organized by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The three-day conference aims to address significant protected areas concerns under the theme Sustaining Ecosystem Services and Benefits from Protected Areas. The conference aims to highlight the contributions of protected areas to sustaining ecosystem services and benefits; share new paradigms and good practices in protected area management; strengthen partnerships to scale-up effective protected area management; build consensus on targets and plan for the next six years for protected area management; and recommend future directions to improve the integrated protected areas system in the Philippines.

Sen. Legarda spurs environmental stewards to do more for the country’s fragile environment

Fresh from the historic signing of the Paris Climate Agreement in New York, staunch environmental champion Hon. Loren B. Legarda, Senator of the Philippines, delivered an impassioned call for increased environmental protection at the opening ceremony of the Second National Protected Areas Conference being held at the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Ortigas City, Philippines.

Speaking in front of more than 300 representatives of the Department of Environment Natural Resources (DENR), Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), key national, regional and international conservation organizations, businesses and people’s organizations, Sen. Legarda stated “Why is it so important for us to conserve our protected areas? A 1.5ᴼC increase in global temperature is possible, and increasingly vulnerable countries such as the Philippines are experiencing stronger extreme weather events and longer droughts. Climate injustice is happening in all parts of the world, particularly to at risk communities such as indigenous peoples. Wars will be fought because of the scarcity of water. Deaths and loss of livelihoods are happening because of natural disasters. All of these issues are immediate, urgent and important.”

She stressed that as stewards of the country’s natural resources, the DENR should work with various partners and stakeholders in environmental protection; work beyond legislated protected areas (PAs); and continue to enforce environmental laws in PAs. “We cannot afford to be business as usual because environmental degradation and pressures are threats to our human survival.  This drives home the point that protected areas are essential. They are not solely for academics, scientists, researchers, or the DENR. The protection of protected areas and fragile ecosystems must be at the core of national and local governments since they are source of our food and livelihood.”

Sen. Legarda emphasized that she will continue to provide full support to the DENR. “I am here to provide you with full moral and financial support, particularly in efforts to increase protected areas. We should in fact make the whole country a protected area because, after all, we are at the center of marine shorefish diversity, and part of the coral triangle. Billions of lives depend on our natural resources. If we do not protect the source of our sustenance we will remain a poor and hungry nation.”

Organized by the Biodiversity Management Bureau, the Second Philippine National Protected Areas Conference aims to address significant protected area concerns under the theme Sustaining Ecosystem Services and Benefits from Protected Areas.  The conference will have plenary and breakout sessions focusing on harnessing benefits; enhancing governance; and improving advocacy and enforcement in protected areas.  The conference also marked the launch of the Guidebook to Protected Areas of the Philippines, the first in a series of ecotourism guides to the country’s 240 protected areas.

Philippine ASEAN Heritage Parks managers discuss accomplishments and plans for conserving the region’s best protected areas

Key officials of the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (BMB-DENR), ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and representatives of the eight ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) of the Philippines gathered to discuss accomplishments and plans for conserving the region’s best protected areas. The meeting was a prelude to 2nd National Protected Areas Conference from 26-28 April 2016

ASEAN Heritage Parks are designated protected areas that best represent the unique and valuable species, ecosystems and cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. They provide significant contributions to the reduction of regional and global biodiversity loss and provide habitats for some of the most rare and iconic species of the region. As Secretariat of the AHP programme, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity oversees sharing of best practices and capacity building to enhance effective AHP management. The AHP Programme counts 37 AHPs, including eight from the Philippines.

Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, ACB Executive Director, discussed best practices in AHP management and cited Philippine AHPs as models among AHPs. “The eight AHPs of the Philippines are at the forefront of effective protected area management and strive to remain an example to the other AHPs.” The meeting also heard accomplishment reports from the Protected Area Superintendents (PASus) of Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park, Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Mts. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Ms. Clarissa C. Arida, Director for Programme Development and Implementation of ACB, described the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme and the AHP Regional Action Plan, as well as programs and activities that benefit AHPs.  She encouraged the Biodiversity Management Bureau and the Protected Area Superintendents of the AHPs to identify priority needs which may be addressed by upcoming AHP projects.

ASEC Corazon Davis, Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance, DENR, encouraged the PASUs to emphasize the importance of their respective AHPs to their regional directors to enhance regional and local government support for programs and activities.

Next steps for Philippine AHPs include updating of general management plans and development of AHP masterplan, and preparation for the next AHP Committee Meeting in May 2016, as well as the 5th AHP Conference in October in Myanmar.

For more information on ASEAN Heritage Parks and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, log on to www.aseanbiodiversity.org

Environmentalists gather for 2nd Philippine National Protected Areas Conference

More than 300 representatives from national government agencies, non-government organizations, peoples’ organizations, regional and international conservation organizations and other stakeholders gathered in Manila for the 2nd Philippine National Protected Areas Conference.  Organized by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the three-day conference aims to address significant protected areas concerns under the theme Sustaining Ecosystem Services and Benefits from Protected Areas.

The Philippines is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world that collectively host 60-70% of the earth’s biodiversity. Conversely, it is also among the 25 global biodiversity hotspots. Managing and protecting the biological resources in the country are extremely challenging due to various pressures and threats brought about by unsustainable human activities and in recent years by the changing climate. To address this alarming situation, the Philippine Government, pursuant to the mandate under Republic Act 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, sets aside portions of the country’s land and water with unique physical and biological significance for establishment as protected areas. These areas are managed to enhance the country’s biodiversity and protect them from destructive human activities.

The conference aims to highlight the contributions of protected areas to sustaining ecosystem services and benefits; share new paradigms and good practices in protected area management; strengthen partnerships to scale-up effective protected area management; build consensus on targets and plan for the next six years for protected area management; and recommend future directions to improve the integrated protected areas system in the Philippines.

The opening program was graced by Atty. Jonas R. Leones, Undersecretary for Environment and International Environmental Affairs, DENR; ASEC Corazon C. Davis, Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance, DENR; Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, Director, Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR; and Atty. Roberto V. Oliva, Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

According to BMB Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim, the conference is an opportunity to create awareness among multiple stakeholders of significant benefits from effective protected area management.  “Protected areas still do not get the attention they deserve despite the numerous benefits derived from biodiversity conservation.”

Atty. Roberto V. Oliva reiterated the importance of protected areas, particularly to regional and global conservation efforts.  He described best practices in protected area management that are reflected in national protected areas, as well as in the eight ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) in the Philippines.  AHPs are protected areas that best represent the unique species and ecosystems of the region.  ACB serves as the Secretariat of the AHP Programme, which counts 37 AHPs in the region, with Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park, Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Mts. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park from the Philippines.  “Please continue to be champions of biodiversity to protect these wonderful areas,” encouraged Atty. Oliva.

The opening program was also marked by the launching of the Guidebook to Protected Areas of the Philippines, the first in a series of ecotourism guides to country’s 240 protected areas.

The conference will have plenary breakout sessions focusing on harnessing benefits; enhancing governance; and improving advocacy and enforcement in protected areas.