SEARCA seminar urges preparation of next-gen professionals for biodiversity-climate nexus

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—A seminar hosted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) highlighted the need for next-generation professionals to be equipped and to engage in the biodiversity-climate nexus.

Held on 17 November 2025, a SEARCA Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS) featured Dr. Dindo Campilan, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Director for Asia and Hub Director for Oceania.

Campilan delivered his lecture, “Biodiversity-Climate Nexus for a Nature-Positive Future: Renewing the Role of Academe in Nurturing Next-Generation Professionals.”

He underscored the persistent fragmentation in treating biodiversity and climate as separate fields, calling for a new generation of experts capable of bridging these critical sectors.

“We face a persistent fragmentation between biodiversity and climate. Often, they are treated as separate worlds, and it remains rare to find professionals who can bridge both,” said Campilan

“The next-generation leaders and professionals must be equipped to understand, address, and work on the intersection of these two.”

Campilan highlighted pressing gaps in academic programs in response to shifting real-world priorities and cited the limited pool of talent suited to work at the biodiversity–climate nexus.

“Global science is clear. We no longer have to debate about it. Climate and biodiversity are two sides of the same coin,” he affirmed.

He pointed out that the same human activities often drive both biodiversity loss and climate change, requiring integrated solutions.

Citing a landmark 2020 paper in Nature, Campilan stressed that traditional conservation approaches are insufficient, as the rate of biodiversity loss has surpassed nature’s ability to recover. “It’s no longer enough to just restore and protect.

The rate of biodiversity loss has outpaced nature’s ability to recover,” he noted. “We need to do more. That’s why we need to bend the curve,” referring to the need for systemic changes in production and consumption.

In closing, Campilan challenged academic institutions to assume a more active role in preparing future professionals equipped to work at the intersection of climate and biodiversity.

He called on universities to ensure students gain the skills necessary to navigate rapidly evolving scientific and policy demands.

“This is the opportunity moving forward, especially for young professionals and students,” he concluded.

SEARCA’s ADSS serves as its flagship platform to foster the presentation and discussion of contemporary development and research concerns, aiming to spur sustainable transformation of Southeast Asian agricultural systems through innovation and knowledge sharing.