Local community members trained on taxonomic research methods

Twenty-four participants consisting of researchers, research staff and local researchers of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Master Project (TEMP) and Aquatic Ecosystem Master Project (AMP), staff of the Central Mindanao University (CMU) herbarium, and curator of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) museum completed a nine-day training-workshop on Plant Taxonomy, Taxonomic Research Methods, Herbarium Processing and Management on 8-16 March 2004 at CMU, Bukidnon and project sites in Mt. Malindang.

The activity aimed to: (1) provide the participants an update regarding the Terrestrial Ecosystem Master Project (TEMP) and Aquatic Riparian study; (2) update the participants on the principles/concepts on taxonomy and taxonomic research methods; (3) equip the participants skills on actual identification, classification, nomenclature and data basing of plant collections; (4) train the participants on proper collection, processing and cataloguing of specimens from fieldwork; and (5) assist the participants in analyzing the data to come up with an integrated floral taxonomic research report and action plan.

Dr. Paul J.A. Kessler of the National Herbarium of the Netherlands (NHN), a research collaborator of the TEMP flora study was the resource person. He lectured on (a) Plant Systematics at the NHN; (b) Principles of Identification of Plant Samples; (c) Proper Collection of Plant Samples; and (d) Data Basing Label Information of Herbarium Specimens Using Botanical Research and Label Information of Herbarium Management Systems (BRAHMS) developed by Denis Filer, Oxford University.

The participants went to CMU Natural Herbarium Museum, Brgy. Lake Duminagat and its environs, North Peak and surrounding forest mountains, and Brgy. Sebukal trail to headwater stream of Layawan River for practical demonstration and hands-on training.

Demonstrations on proper collection, processing and cataloguing of floral specimen, and plot establishment highlighted the workshop activities.

Finalization of action plan and exchange of impressions and learnings from the participants and facilitators were done during the closing program held at Tatong's Beach Resort, Oroquieta City on 16 March 2004.

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