QUEZON CITY, May 21 — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) underscores the critical role that biodiversity play in achieving sustainable development in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22.
The DENR, through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), has lined up a series of activities that seek to generate public support for the conservation and sustainable use of the country’s rich biodiversity.
BMB Director Theresa Mundita Lim said that this year’s global theme, “Biodiversity for Sustainable Development”, reflects the close links of biodiversity with the fate of humanity in the aspect of economic growth, health and food security as well as in climate change mitigation.
“Biodiversity plays a critical role in sustainable development. It contributes to several aspects of people’s livelihoods and well-being, providing goods and environmental services,” said Lim.
She emphasized the importance of mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into the public’s consciousness, especially since the Philippines remains to be considered a biodiversity hotspot despite its being one of the world’s 17 mega-diverse countries.
“People ought to understand how biodiversity sustains life on this planet. This way, they will value and care for these resources more, not only for themselves but for future generations,” she said.
As part of the celebration, the DENR held a Youth Summer Camp at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City from May 19 to 21.
Around 150 students and teachers from Manila’s six school districts attended the three-day event, which was co-presented by the USAID B+WISER Project, the Haribon Foundation, and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.
It is sponsored by Maynilad, RFM Foods, ARC Refreshments, First Gen Corp., Gardenia Philippines, and EL Laboratories.
The BMB, in collaboration with the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ), also organized a photo contest called “Selfie Take 2 for Biodiversity,” which aims to capture in single photos the commitments and efforts on biodiversity conservation and protection. Deadline for submission of entries was set for May 19.
The celebration will culminate with the launching of the Biodiversity Advocacy Campaign on Friday (May 22) which aims to get the support of media and other relevant partners in increasing public awareness and appreciation on the importance and benefits of biodiversity conservation.
The Philippines, along with 195 member countries of the Convention on Biological Diversity, celebrates IDBD every May 22 to promote understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. (DENR)
