BRP presents research results to stakeholders

Around 200 individuals from the local government units, government-line agencies, academe, nongovernment organizations working within the Mt. Malindang area, communities within the research sites, and Dutch partner institutions participated in the BRP Closing Conference held on 19 April 2005 at Royal Garden Hotel, Ozamiz City.

The Closing Conference served as the venue to present the research results to the various stakeholders of the Programme. "These research projects are considered the shining glory of the BRP", said Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr., SEARCA Deputy Director for Administration, and Head of the BRP National Support Secretariat, "because we attempted to apply and articulate the landscape approach, which as far as we know, has never been tried before successfully."

The landscape approach is an in-depth look at the interactions of the different ecosystems in Mt. Malindang and its environs - the upland, lowland, aquatic, and coastal ecosystems, as well as the socioeconomic-cultural aspects within the research area. The results of these research projects are intended to address the needs of the community, and to aid in formulating policy recommendations for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

One of the highlights of the conference was a dialogue with the stakeholders to determine the impact of the research results. The stakeholders recognized the importance of research, especially in awareness raising and knowledge generation useful for the conservation of the biodiversity in their area. They now recognize the endangered and threatened species of flora and fauna in their area as well as the bioindicators of water quality. The local researchers have seen the importance of using organic fertilizer, introduced by the integrated pest management (IPM) project in increasing production and return of investment. Others mentioned that the results of the river study are useful for river management planning. The Heads of the participating universities have seen the value of the Programme in building the capacity of their researchers. On the other hand, members of the local communities expressed their concern on livelihood security. They hope that through the research results, the local government and nongovernment organizations could provide them with alternative livelihood activities to decrease their dependence on the biological resources in the Mt. Malindang area.

Furthermore, the participants suggested the dissemination of more information, education and communication (IEC) materials on biodiversity conservation, the conduct of some seminars and training on environment-friendly food production strategies such as organic farming, and other applied R & D projects geared towards alternative livelihood activities.

The feedback and suggestions of the stakeholders were discussed during the Joint Programme Committee (JPC) Business Meeting on 20-22 April 2005. The JPC agreed to pursue the production and dissemination of IEC materials to enhance awareness on biodiversity conservation and management in the remaining life of the programme.

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