Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI)

THAILAND - UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) transboundary cooperation in ASEAN region for the development of the Peace Forest Initiative (PFI). PhilBio was invited as a participant and presented the initial workshop outputs of the island countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Timor Leste and Philippines). We are excited on the possibilities of finally pursuing a transboundary cooperation using wildlife that crossed borders to connect countries.

This is not cool!

The polar vortex elongated and weakened over Antarctica in July and August of 2024, causing rare warming events.

The polar vortex forms because fast-moving winds in the stratosphere – the second-lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere – loop around the South Pole in winter. Sometimes disturbances cause the winds to weaken and the flow to change shape, resulting in considerable stratospheric warming over Antarctica.

In July, stratospheric temperatures above Antarctica are usually around -80 °C (-112 °F). But on July 7, 2024, stratospheric temperatures jumped by 15 °C (27 °F), setting a record for the warmest July temperatures observed in the stratosphere in the Antarctic region. The temperature then cooled off on July 22 before rising 17°C (31°F) on August 5.

These maps show air temperatures in the middle of the stratosphere for August 5, 2023 (left) and the same date in 2024 (right), illustrating the elongation of the vortex and higher temperatures close to the pole in 2024. Data for the maps are from NASA’s GEOS forward processing (GEOS-FP) model, which assimilates meteorological data from satellite, aircraft, and ground-based observing systems. Learn more: https://go.nasa.gov/47gGIO2

Colombia voluntary biodiversity credit methodology is first to be approved Cercarbono, a Colombia-based certifier of carbon projects, has approved a methodology that can be used to generate voluntary biodiversity credits, an emerging finance scheme aimed at supporting biodiversity conservation. This methodology, developed by U.S.-based company Savimbo in collaboration with...

NAPERSEP - National Action Plan for Ecosystems Restoration and Species Extinction Prevention cluster consultation - workshop for Visayas and Mindanao participants.

This event was organized by the Wildlife Resources Division of the Biodiversity Management Bureau.

BRUNEI and PEATLANDS - PhilBio and the Foundation for the Philippine Environment participated in the ASEAN forum on peatland biodiversity. Part of the discussions involved conservation, management strategies, ecosystem functions, quantification to aid IUCN red-listing, threats to biodiversity,threatened species and each country’s commitment ok Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework for peatlands.

We thank the Biodiversity Management Bureau through the Caves Wetlands and other Ecosystems Division (CAWED) for this opportunity to participate and contribute.

MISTLETOE TIME!

FOREST RESTORATION - Native tree seedlings are growing well in tree nurseries within the ancestral domain of the Bukidnon Magahat in Damutan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental. The seedlings will be planted in the identified wilderness areas covering 90 ha on top of the 150ha established in 2021. Currently, this project benefitted 46 households (close to 100 simce 2021) of the indigenous peoples.

This project is part of the Terrestrial Development Project jointly implemented by the Bukidnon Magahat, Municipality of Hinoba-an, DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office/CENRO Kabankalan, National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and PhilBio. The USAID INSPIRE Project of the Gerry Roxas Foundation supports this initiative.

BAT OPPORTUNITY for aspiring bat biologist! Check out the link for more details.

🦇✨Apply Now: 2024 SEABCO Travel Grant for Young Bat Biologists?

We are excited to offer the 2024 SEABCO Grant, aimed at providing financial support to enthusiastic bat biologists, especially young scholars, for their participation in the largest bat scientific meeting in Asia.

This grant will help awardees gain valuable experience by interacting with regional experts and connecting with peers, thereby facilitating the mobilization of resources and knowledge about bats in society.

📍Application Deadline: September 15, 2024, 24:00 (GMT+8)

📍Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your research and professional network at SEABCO 2024.

📍Apply now: https://seabco2024.vn/travel-grant/

Congratulations to the winners, to the organizers and all the participants of the Lanao del Norte Wildlife Quiz.

DULUNGAN COUNT - One hundred thirty (130) volunteers counted 62 Critically endangered Rufous-headed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni) and 52 endangered Visayan Tarictic Hornbill (Penelope’s panini) in a synchronized Dulungan count conducted in 10 municipalities of Antique Province as part of the Dulungan Month celebration.

The Dulungan Count was organized by the Provincial Government of Antique through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in partnership with DENR PENRO Antique, CENRO Culasi, CENRO Belison, municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, Tibiao, Laua-an, Barbaza, San Remigio, Bugasong, Patnongon, Haribon Foundation, Philippine Initiative for Conservation of the Environment and People and PhilBio.

The USAID INSPIRE Project of the Gerry Roxas Foundation, Province of Antique, Municipality of Sebaste, and the Haribon Foundation supported the Dulungan Count.

DULUNGAN COUNT - Count ENDANGERED HORNBILLS in Antique Province in Panay Island. Dulungan or the Rufous-headed hornbill is an endangered endemic forest bird of Negros and Panay Islands. It's the flagship species of the Province of Antique and the month of August is dedicated for the conservation awareness of hornbills.

The largest population of the Dulungan is in the Central Panay Mountains on the site of the Province of Antique. The 12 municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, Tibiao, Barbaza, Lawaan, Bugasong, Patnongon, Valderama, Sibalom and San Remigio joined the Province of Antique Provincial Environment Office and DENR Region VI, PENRO Antique, CENRO Culasi, and CENRO Belison in coordinating the event.

We thank the USAID INSPIRE Project of the Gerry Roxas Foundation, Haribon Foundation, Philippine Initiative for the Conservation of the Environment and the People (PhilInCon) for supporting the event.

What are you waiting for? For further details and information, check the contact details provided below.

ISANG KAIBIGAN storybook on Philippine Wildlife. “Takbo! Takbo! Baboy Damo!” introduces the Palawan bearded pig, known as the forest’s master builder, which uses its snout to turn soil, allowing new trees and plants to grow.

The story follows the wild boar mother-daughter duo, Berta and Bel, and highlights the impact of wildlife poaching and trading on their population. Through the perspective of Tagbanua child named Benny, readers are prompted to consider when hunting transitions from cultural tradition to profit-driven activity, which is prohibited by the Philippines’ environmental laws. In the end, will Berta and Bel continue to run freely and happily in the forest of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park?

Developed in partnership with Ekomunikatib Multimedia Consultancy Services, our grantee, through USAID’s Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscapes (SIBOL) initiative, Project FOREST aims to cultivate a deep awareness of forest conservation among elementary school students in the PPSRNP through conservation storytelling.

Follow Project FOREST for more updates on the project: https://www.facebook.com/projectforestph

Forest Foundation Philippines is part of the USAID SIBOL Consortium.

DULUNGAN COUNT - Orientation with the Northern cluster organizers:
Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park
University of Antique - Tibiao Campus
CENRO Culasi
PhilInCon
PNP
LGU Culasi
LGU Tibiao
LGU Libertad
LGU Sebaste
LGU Pandan
Brgy. Nauhon, Calian, Agila, Sebaste

The Dulungan Count is initiated by the Antique LGU Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in partnership with the municipal government of Sebaste through MENRO Sebaste, DENR PENRO Antiquè, DENR CENRO Culasi, local governments of Culasi, Tibiao, Libertad, Pandan, Barangays Nauhon, Calian, Agila and Sebaste in collaboration with PhilBio and Haribon Foundation. The USAID INSPIRE project of the Gerry Roxas Foundation supported this activity.

DULUNGAN (hornbill) COUNT - Gearing up for the preparations of the upcoming 1st Antique synchronized Dulungan Count scheduled this August 22 - 23, 2024 (arrival on the 22nd and count on the 23rd), representatives from the municipalities of Bugasong, Patnongon, San Remigio, Antique LGU Provincial Environment and Natural Resources, DENR Region VI through PENRO Antique, DENR CENRO Belison and PhilBio met to refine details of the activities as well as re-orient participants in the conduct of bio-monitoring.

Bacolod City has long been a tapestry woven with vibrant culture and resilient spirit. Yet, amidst the city’s rich heritage, a new chapter is being penned under the leadership of Mayor Albee Benitez. More than just an elected official, he envisions himself as a catalyst for transformative change, a visionary who seeks to elevate the city to unprecedented heights while maintaining sustainability. Masskara Festival serves as a microcosm of this ambitious agenda, a platform through which the mayor hopes to illuminate the city’s evolution and inspire its people.

We took the challenge and have taken the lead in using the MassKara Festival as a platform to promote conservation, environmental awareness, and sustainability. Spearheaded by Director for Culture and Arts, Kuster Cadagat, we have unveiled an innovative logo that seamlessly blends the festival's vibrant spirit with a critical message about protecting Negros' unique biodiversity.

Building on the success of last year's logo featuring the kingfishers of Negros while spotlighting the critically endangered Southern Indigo-banded Kingfisher, this year's design continues to highlight that iconic bird while introducing eight new elements representing Negros' unique, vulnerable, and critically endangered flora and fauna.

Designed by design activist Myish Endonila of Myish Studio, in consultation with Lisa J. Paguntalan, executive director of the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI), the logo showcases the following:
- Critically endangered Negros bleeding-heart dove
- Vulnerable Visayan leopard cat
- Amyema lisae (mistletoe endemic to Negros)
- Critically endangered rufous-headed hornbill
- Critically endangered Paphiopedilum acmodontum (orchid endemic to Negros)
- Dimorphic kingfisher
- Vulnerable Rufous-lored Kingfisher
- Endangered Visayan Spotted Deer

Beyond its visual appeal, the logo serves as a call to action for conservation. By spotlighting these threatened species, we aim to cultivate deeper appreciation for Negros' natural heritage and inspire individuals and organizations to support vital conservation efforts. "MassKara is more than just a celebration; it's an opportunity to create positive change," said Mr. Kuster Cadagat. "The logo design by Myish has set a new standard, branding the festival with a focus on wildlife conservation. We hope to ignite a passion for protecting our environment and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come."

We invite everyone to embrace the MassKara spirit with renewed vigor, recognizing its potential to drive environmental stewardship. Together, we can create a world where the joy of the festival is matched by the thriving ecosystems that sustain us.

—————————————————————

Credits:
1. For the Paphiopedilum acmodontum and Amyema lisae:
Pelser, P.B., J.F. Barcelona & D.L. Nickrent (eds.). 2011 onwards. Co's Digital Flora of the Philippines. www.philippineplants.org
2. For the Southern Indigo-banded Kingfisher: Sir Philip Godfrey Jakosalem
3. Diamorphic Kingfisher: Lisa J. Paguntalan
4. Maral: Negros Forest Park

BACOLOD MASSKARA 2024 official logo has wildlife intricately incorporated in the design. Prominently featured are the Amyema lisae (mistletoe), Visayan spotted deer and the slipper orchid known only to occur in Negros-Panay group of islands. Can you identify the colors of the Rufous-headed hornbill? Negros bleeding-heart pigeon? Or the Southern Indigo-banded Kingfisher?

Thank you Yuhum Foundation and to the artist for giving attention to our very own endemic wildlife.

SEAL OF GOOD LOCAL GOVERNANCE (SGLG) - CONGRATULATIONS to the 8 cities and 9 municipalities of Negros Occidental for qualifying for the national validation.

Posted from the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental page.

CITIZEN JOURNALISM with Communication Foundation for Asia supported by USAID INSPIRE Project of Gerry Roxas Foundation exposed Visayas - Mindanao participants to techniques and innovations of journalism in a rigorous 5-day training workshops. PhilBio's Consrrvation Education Officer was one of the participants of this communications training.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS - Join the 1st Synchronized DULUNGAN COUNT and COUNT ENDANGERED HORNBILLS in Antique Province in Panay Island. Dulungan or the Rufous-headed hornbill is an endangered endemic forest bird of Negros and Panay Islands. It's the flagship species of the Province of Antique and the month of August is dedicated for the conservation awareness of hornbills.

The largest population of the Dulungan is in the Central Panay Mountains on the site of the Province of Antique. The 12 municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, Tibiao, Barbaza, Lawaan, Bugasong, Patnongon, Valderama, Sibalom and San Remigio joined the Province of Antique Provincial Environment Office and DENR Region VI, PENRO Antique, CENRO Culasi, and CENRO Belison in coordinating the event.

We thank the USAID INSPIRE Project of the Gerry Roxas Foundation, Haribon Foundation, Philippine Initiative for the Conservation of the Environment and the People (PhilInCon) for supporting the event.

What are you waiting for? Message Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI) for further information.

GOOD GOVERNANCE - Fraud, disclosure, financial planning, sustainability. These were some of the major topics discussed in a 3-day workshop facilitated by the Philippine Council of NGO Certification (PCNC) organized by the Gerry Roxas Foundation through the USAID INSPIRE project. PhilBio was among the participants benefitting from this training.

RED LISTS - The Philippine Red List Committee for Wild Fauna are set to review the list of threatened wild fauna of the Philippines. The Biodiversity Management Bureau of DENR through the Wildlife Resources Division is organizing the 2-day event.

CONGRATULATIONS City of Tayabas LGU through Mayor Lovely Reynoso and the Tayabas City Environment and Natural Resources Office team led by City ENRO Melvin Rada for this recognition award. Well deserve!

TAYABAS NAMAN! 🫰🏻🫰🏻🫰🏻

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 TAYABAS CITY ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE for winning the GAWAD GALING KALIKASAN 2024 - BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM CATEGORY (City Level) in the 15th National Convention by the Philippine League of Local Environment and Natural Resources Officers, Inc.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 sa Lungsod ng Tayabas at sa bumubuo ng Tayabas City ENRO sa pamumuno ni G. Melvin Rada.

𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒕 Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso at sa bumubuo ng Sangguniang Panlungsod sa inyong matatag na suporta at tiwala sa adhikain at mga programa ng Tayabas City ENRO para sa lungsod ng Tayabas. 🫰🏻🫰🏻🫰🏻

𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏, 𝑲𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒂𝒔-𝒚𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒚𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏! 💚💚💚

BIRD WITH FOUR LEGS WALKS ON WATER - Comb Crested Jacana have long legs with incredibly long toes and claws. The super-long toes help spread the bird's weight over a large area, allowing them to walk across water.

Unlike many birds, it is the male Comb-crested Jacana alone that builds the nest, incubates the eggs and cares for the young. When there is danger that threatens the young birds, the male will pick up the chicks under its wings and carry them off to safety (just like the bird in photo). Meantime, the female may mate with several other males.

Ligawasan Marsh
General Salipada K. Pendatun
Maguindanao del Sur
Photo: P. Godfrey Jakosalem

The MSUIIT Department of Biological Sciences and Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI) [PhilBio] invite you to the 2nd Iligan City-Lanao del Norte Provincial Wildlife Quiz Bowl on August 28, 2024, at MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: https://forms.gle/qzYf461PnvXu1wx59

Please address your endorsement letter to:

Mylah V. Tabelin, PhD
Chairperson
Department of Biological Sciences
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology

COMPETITION MECHANICS

1. This quiz bowl shall be open to all public and private high schools of Iligan City and Lanao del
Norte.

2. Each participating school shall be represented by one team of two bona fide senior high school students.

3. Participating schools shall fill-out and complete the registration form online. https://forms.gle/qzYf461PnvXu1wx59

4. Each participating school shall be responsible for their own transportation to and from the venue in MSU-IIT, Iligan City.

5. The questions used in this quiz bowl are based on the subjects of basic biology, ecology,
Philippine wildlife, Philippine biogeography, environmental laws, and environmental issues.

6. This quiz bowl shall have three rounds: elimination, easy, average, and difficult.

REGISTRATION IS FREE!

The TOP 3 winners will be able to represent the Province in the 8th National Wildlife Quiz Bowl in Butuan City in November 2024.





REGISTRATION IS FREE!

For inquiries, please contact:
Asst. Prof. Leonardo A. Estaño [[email protected]]
Asst. Prof. Lady Jane C. Fanuncio
[[email protected]]