Researchers integration workshop

February 20-21, 2004 mark the 5th Quarterly Researchers' Planning Meeting held in Cagayan de Oro City. This is the first time that such meeting focused on the integration of the different projects of the BRP, which Dr. Perry S. Ong, Chair of the Joint Programme Committee (JPC) and the Philippine Working Group (PWG) described as "one of the biggest challenges that the BRP currently faces".

Dr. Rowena R. Boquiren, PWG member provided the overview of the two-day activity. She stressed that there should be a holistic approach in the analysis of the research results, and that researchers must be able to show the interconnection among the different projects. Dr. Ong presented the biodiversity conservation framework and discussed its application to BRP.

The framework was then used in presenting the accomplishments of the different studies, to date. After the presentation of accomplishments, researchers were divided into three groups for a workshop on identification of data gaps and issues affecting biodiversity in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Mt. Malindang. Among the data gaps and issues identified were: soil erosion, farming system and practices, blast fishing, commercial fishing in municipal waters, and the implementation of fisheries policies and ordinances. The major output of the meeting was the integrated work plan for the on-going projects of the BRP.

The integration of the different projects was done by identifying the factors that affect the ecosystems as reflected in the framework. Four major factors were identified, namely: (a) the state of biodiversity loss, (b) the direct factors of biodiversity loss, (c) the socioeconomic and political drivers, and (d) the society's response in terms of research, conservation action, policy and legislation, capacity building, advocacy, restoration, protected areas system, and funding. According to Dr. Ong, "societal response" can be reflected at two levels: (1) past and current interventions, and (2) proposed interventions based on analysis of the gaps of past interventions.

Dr. Ong reminded everyone that the framework is a guide to action and is used to assist in making links between the different aspects of the BRP.

Participants of the meeting were researchers and research staff, support staff from the National Support Secretariat (NSS) and Site Coordinating Office (SCO), and members of the PWG who served as facilitators and subject matter specialists.

The next quarterly meeting is scheduled on 28-30 May 2004 in Cagayan de Oro City.