Research symposium highlights sustainable development and climate resiliency

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By Catherine Santos

With a theme “Towards Innovative Environmental Research for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency”, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, in collaboration with Palawan State University, Holy Trinity University and Western Philippines University, conducted the 3rd Palawan Research Symposium yesterday, September 15, at Citystate Asturias Hotel.

According to PCSDS Executive Director Nelson Devanadera, the work to achieve sustainability remains an uphill battle and that, “We are challenged by the tremendous pressure to accelerate economic gains.”

In his keynote speech, Dr. Angel Alcala, National Scientist and Former DENR Secretary, said he hopes to see the creation of innovative plans for relevant research, conservation programs and actions through PCSD’s leadership and the cooperation of local and foreign partners. According to him, this can be done by using a mix of traditional and modern methodologies. Alcala also emphasized that there is a need to maintain the integrity of the natural ecosystems of Palawan in the face of climate change and the present tendency to over-exploit terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

In an interview with Palawan News, Dr. Dai-Yeun Jeong, Executive Director of Asia Climate Change Education Center, said that, “All people are already aware of the importance of responding to climate change, but the government policy alone is not enough.” Jeong underscored that there is a need to formulate a global policy through a “top-down” approach, specifically a global policy guided by the UN and followed by a national policy implemented down to the local level. However, he admitted that there remains a big challenge as a consensus among nations to combat the effects of climate change and strengthen climate resilience is still needed.

Aside from plenary sessions and oral presentations, the said symposium also featured scientific poster exhibits and a Memorandum of Cooperation signing among new members of the “Palawan Knowledge Platform”, which included Palawan Polytechnic College Inc., City DepEd, Philippine Statistics Authority, Puerto Princesa City Water District and the National Commission on Indigenous People. Around 170 members of academic, government and non-government institutions participated in the said event.