PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The 2023 International Conference for Biosphere and Sustainability highlighted sustainable development plans for the province of Palawan and attracted a larger audience from academicians and researchers in the country.
Jovic Fabello, spokesperson of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), said that the increase in participants will allow the council to gather applicable research and information for crafting policies. All studies presented by participants are aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However, there is no matrix yet to measure if awareness of the importance of biosphere reserves like Palawan has increased among grassroot communities.
“Basically, nasa UN 17 Sustainable Goals, kasi ang SEP is not only an environmental plan. SEP Law is also a sustainable development plan for Palawan. That’s why gusto natin marinig, makita at malaman kung ano-ano ang researches na applicable sa Palawan. Kung hindi naman applicable ay baka may mapulot din kaming aral sa research na yon,” he said.
Aside from plenary sessions, participants from academic institutions and various organizations presented studies aligned with this year’s theme, “Going Beyond the Boundaries: Appreciating the Intricacies of Climate Resiliency and Sustainable Development.”
Plenary session during the first day of International Conference for Biosphere and Sustainability. (Photo by Rachel Ganancial)
Since 2019, the International Conference for Biosphere and Sustainability has been conducted every two years. Hosting such activities will help PCSD meet its goal as the highest scientific body in Palawan and create science-based decisions.
PCSD is the council implementing the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan through RA 7611.
Aside from hosting the third international conference from November 3 to 6, PCSD also celebrated the second International Day of Biosphere Reserves to highlight the significance of Palawan as one of the three biosphere reserves in the country.
PCSD added discussions on policies about live fish trade and enforcement related to the Wildlife Act in the second year of celebration. Fabello said that it is important to understand the complete cycle of protection and enforcement.
“It’s not enough na mag-identify ka lang among the list kung sino ‘yong huhulihin mo, dapat target-based, dapat kumpleto ang ebidensya. Dahil pagdating niyan sa court, sayang lang kung hindi kumpleto at madi-dismiss lang ng judge,” he said.
The council is assisting local government units with mechanisms on how the system of marine protected areas works efficiently and sustainably.
The Australian government is also helping PCSD with technology to evaluate and assess underwater conditions such as corals, seagrass, and fish in a particular area.
“Lahat ng information na magi-generate through our partnerships and this event, magagamit namin first sa marine and coastal ECAN zoning, next is policy formulation pertaining to marine ecosystems, and of course sa land-based or terrestrial ecosystems,” he said. (RG/ PIA Mimaropa – Palawan)
