International Conference on Biodiversity calls for sustainability

The Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM), one of the research centers of CMU, celebrated its 12th anniversary and spearheaded the Conference for International Biodiversity at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Auditorium on November 15–16, 2023.

The event gathered different stakeholders from different parts of the globe, such as researchers, faculty members, administrators, students, and policymakers, to raise awareness about the varied challenges found in the environment that affect biodiversity and ecosystem services as a whole and to take concrete steps to strengthen biodiversity as stated in the rationale of the program.

This year’s theme of the conference is “Navigating Environmental Challenges for Sustainable Biodiversity,” featured an oral presentation, poster competition, exhibits, and Young Minds Biodiversity Reports (Students Category), which served as platforms for researchers and stakeholders to discuss individual roles as biodiversity stewards.

Furthermore, the event was envisioned to offer fruitful insights into the sustainable use of biodiversity, not only for the present generation but for future generations. “We deeply care for our planet and the biodiversity contained therein. Man’s action is the primary factor that determines the sustainability of our resource,” CEBREM Director Dr. Florfe M. Acma asserted in her message.

Moreover, Dr. Vanessa Handley, a botanist and conservation biologist working in biodiversity hotspots worldwide, graced the event as a keynote speaker. She talked about Championing Plants: Pathways to Accelerated Conservation Action. “So here in Mindanao, I have a lovely history; I’ve been working with the team at Central Mindanao University and other local universities on a biodiversity project,” she said in an interview.

Also, seven plenary speakers presented their research outputs anchored to this year’s theme:

Dr. Delia C. Catacutan, “Biodiversity for a Sustainable Future: Nexus Challenges and the Roles of Education and Research,”

Dr. Aditya Yudhana, “A Novel Artificial Incubator for Sea Turtle Eggs: Increasing the Hatching Success and Improving the Temperature-dependent Sex Determination,”

Mgr. Dominik Vondráček, Ph.D., “The Educational and Popularizing Role of the National Museum (Czech Republic) to Biodiversity Conservation”

Dr. Victor B. Amoroso, “From Biodiversity Research to Product Development and Conservation,”

Dr. April Hari Wardhana, SKH, MSi, “Surra: The Threats of Extinction of Indigenous Horses and Their Potential for Zoonosis in Sumba Island, Indonesia”

Dr. Fulgent P. Coritico, “Unveiling Mindanao’s Ferns and Lycophytes: Diversity, New Species, Records, and Rediscoveries,”

RnDr. Lukáš Sekerka, Ph.D., “Biodiversity of Tortoise Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae of the Philippines”)

In addition, researchers from different parts of the Philippines also presented their papers during the parallel sessions.

The Natural Products Research and Development Center (NPRDC), the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and the Central Mindanao University Faculty Association Incorporated (CMUFAI) collaborated to organize the event. A closing program and award ceremony marked the end of the event. _{[Mary Jane D. Bravo with reports from CEBREM]}