DSWD, LGU partners train on biodiversity and climate change

Dr. Philip Ian Padilla, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, along with Dr. Resurreccion B. Sadaba of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and Prof. Jessica Dator-Bercilla of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) were the resource speakers and facilitators for the Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development Training at Boracay Tropics Hotel from 9-11 June 2022.

Dr. Sadaba, who is currently the Project Development Assistant for Biodiversity in UPV, discussed biodiversity and its importance, the threats it faces, conservation, and ecosystem concepts and processes. He also made a case presentation on the status of the Boracay wetlands.

To provide a better understanding of climate change risks to ecosystems and biodiversity, Dr. Padilla talked about biodiversity in a changing climate, the climate system, the greenhouse effect, the impact of climate change on ecosystems, and how climate change impacts human health.

Prof. Dator-Bercilla’s session focused on climate change and sustainable development. She elaborated on the principles and science behind climate change and the benefits of environmental sustainability. Moreover, she introduced key terms and fundamental concepts in environmental sustainability, as well as the challenges faced in the current climate crisis. At present, Prof. Dator-Bercilla is the Project Development Assistant for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Climate Change in UPV.

The partner LGUs for the event included the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan. DSWD members in charge of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation also participated in the three-day training.

Apart from listening to the lectures from the three speakers, the participants were also given planning activities that take into account the whole-of-society approach for sustainable development in the countryside. (UPV-IPO)