Researchers and staff present papers in the 7th ICOPHIL

Researchers and staff of the BRP took part in the 7th International Conference on Philippine Studies (ICOPHIL) held on 16-19 June 2004 in Leiden, The Netherlands. With the theme, "Changing Landscapes, Humanscapes, and Mindscapes in a Globalizing World", the conference aimed to provide a forum for scholars from various parts of the world engaged in research on Philippine society, culture, economy, and environment, and to promote scholarship that does not remain inside the walls of the academe, but would contribute to policy making for sustainable development.

Dr. Perry S. Ong, Chair of the BRP Joint Programme Committee (JPC) presented a paper on "The State of Philippine Biodiversity: Changing Mindscapes Amidst the Crisis". Dr. Mariliza V. Ticsay, Coordinator of the BRP National Support Secretariat presented a paper on collaborative North-South research partnerships highlighting BRP experiences and lessons learned. Likewise, researchers from Mindanao partner institutions presented the following papers highlighting BRP research results:

• Participatory Biodiversity Assessment in Malindang Range, Philippines;
• Participatory Biodiversity Assessment in the Coastal Areas of Northern Mt. Malindang;
• Participatory Biodiversity Inventory and Assessment of Lake Duminagat, Mt. Malindang Natural Park;
• Resource Utilization Patterns in the Terrestrial Ecosystem in Mt. Malindang and its Environs; and
• Impact of Selected Policies on the Biodiversity Management and Conservation in Mt. Malindang and its Environs.

This international scientific conference is held every four years alternately in the Philippines and other continents. The 7th ICOPHIL was organized by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Leiden University, The Netherlands.