Filipino, European experts to collaborate on biodiversity conservation efforts
GLOBAL Biodiversity Conservation Conference participants. (PEF)
DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) is looking forward to a collaboration among Filipino and European experts in the field of conservation and research following the recent three-day Global Biodiversity Conservation Conference (GBCC) here.
PEF Director of Operations Dr. Jayson Ibañez said the GBCC gathered biodiversity researchers from the Philippines and Europe and shared knowledge and approaches on how to study and conserve biodiversity.
Ibañez added that the gathering also provided a venue for Filipino researchers to share their own research work either through poster or paper presentations.
“While at the same time earn insights and inspiration from the work of more senior practitioners and experts, creating an intergenerational learning opportunity,” he said.
The event, which culminated on Oct. 3, gathered scientists, conservationists, policymakers, private sector leaders, and advocates and exchanged knowledge, research, and best practices to address urgent biodiversity challenges.
GBCC is co-hosted by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), Liberec Zoo, the Czech University of Life Sciences, the Czech Coalition for Biodiversity Conservation, and the University of the Philippines Mindanao, with the support of the Czech Embassy in the Philippines.
The conference coincided with the 30th anniversary of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, which has served as a vital hub of higher education, research, and training in Mindanao.
It underscored UP Mindanao’s pivotal role in advancing science and policy for biodiversity conservation across the island.
Moreover, Ibañez also emphasized that the conference also gave a platform for international partnership building for the benefit of Philippine biodiversity conservation while also acknowledging best practices and programs that are models for meaningful conservation initiatives.
As for the Philippine Eagle conservation efforts, the conference was also a kick-off of a growing PEF and Czech Republic collaboration to save the critically-endangered national bird, Ibañez said
“Beyond funding this conference, the Embassy of Czech Republic, the Liberec Zoo and their network of zoo partners, are also supporting the conservation breeding program for the Philippine Eagles,” the seasoned conservationist added.
The Liberec Zoo and the Raptor Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of the European Association and Zoos and Aquaria have collaborated with the PEF since last year to modernize conservation breeding techniques for the critically endangered Philippine Eagles through cooperative artificial insemination (CAI) and semen cryopreservation and optimization techniques.
The experts imparted game changer tools and techniques with PEF’s staff to further enhance their capabilities in breeding and conservation programs.