28 Sep 2015 San Isidro, Philippines, Asia Communities | Education
Recently proclaimed UNESCO world heritage site, Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary’s (MHRWS) biodiversity needs a strong education-connection between local villagers, Local Government Unit, and environmental groups. Education is still a key to raise conservation initiative in protecting and conserving dwindling Philippine biodiversity.
Much of the recent biodiversity programs in the Philippines are focused on discovery and expeditions with very little emphasis in conducting direct conservation initiatives specifically in educating our people in understanding our local biodiversity. What seems to be lacking is the availability of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and the initiative to bring these materials to the grassroots which could help empower stakeholders especially our youth to act towards Philippine biodiversity conservation.
The recent death of Pithecophaga jefferyi (Philippine Eagle) locally known as ‘Pamana’ in San Isidro, Davao Oriental on August 16, 2015 signify the need to intensify our efforts in educating local villagers and policy makers and collaborating with environmental groups towards protecting and conserving natural treasures in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. This project aims to bridge the gap between scientific findings and grassroots communities, especially our youth, our hope.