SGF joins 2025 Global Biodiversity Conservation Conference, presents two research studies
Published October 15, 2025
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The Sulu Garden Foundation attended the 2025 Global Biodiversity Conservation Conference held 1–3 October at Malagos Garden Resort, Davao City, joining researchers, policymakers, conservationists, and community partners under the theme Translating Research into Policy and Practice for Biodiversity Conservation — From Ridge to Reef. GBCC 2025 convened local and international stakeholders to strengthen science-to-policy pathways for Mt. Apo terrestrial conservation and Celebes Sea marine conservation. Our participation emphasized urban biodiversity, cultural-ecological knowledge, and practical policy recommendations for Mindanao and the Asia‑Pacific.
GBCC 2025 was organized by the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the University of the Philippines Mindanao in partnership with the Czech Coalition for Biodiversity Conservation, Liberec Zoo, and Zoo Olomouc. The event received support from the Embassy of the Czech Republic, the University of the Philippines Office of International Linkages, UPMin Office of Research, WISER BioCon Lab, and the Coral Reef Resiliency and Ecology Studies Laboratory. These partnerships enabled a ridge-to-reef program blending international expertise and local leadership.
The conference sought to: present and examine biodiversity research, engage stakeholders to co-develop research and policy agendas for Mt. Apo and the Celebes Sea, generate actionable policy recommendations and implementation strategies, and facilitate strategic partnerships across academia, research centers, and industry. The ridge-to-reef theme framed discussions across terrestrial and marine systems, emphasizing the translation of evidence into locally relevant policy and on-the-ground practice.
Day 1 opened with welcome addresses and vibrant cultural performances by indigenous Manobo Tinonanon and Bagobo Tagabawa conservation champions, and closed with the presentation of the Biodiversity Tree and Leaf Awards recognizing outstanding conservation contributions. Day 2 featured keynote addresses by Dr. Munir Virani (terrestrial) and Dr. Gregor Hodgson (marine), followed by poster and parallel oral sessions. Day 3 included two parallel Mindanao symposia—one on marine research roadmaps and one on terrestrial science, policy, and practice—plus continued oral presentations and thematic discussions.
Angela Magarzo presented research titled “Dominance of Exotic Tree Species and Roost Selection Plasticity of Synanthropic Flying Foxes (Pteropus spp.) in the Town Center of Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines: Insights on Ecosystem Services, Urban Biodiversity and Human-Wildlife Attitudes,” showcasing urban bat ecology, ecosystem service dynamics, and human-wildlife attitudes relevant to urban restoration and policy.
Kim Alunan presented in the Flora and Culture session “What’s in a name? Vernacular Polysemy as a Window into Biodiversity and Cultural Meaning: The Paradigmatic Case of the Mysterious Balunos Vine Used in the Artisanal Budbud Salt Production in Miagao, Iloilo,” highlighting how vernacular knowledge reveals cultural ties to biodiversity and informs community-centered conservation.
Delegates visited the Philippine Eagle Center to observe in-situ conservation and community engagement models. SGF returns from GBCC 2025 with strengthened regional collaborations, policy-ready ideas, and practical approaches for integrating scientific evidence and local ecological knowledge across ridge-to-reef initiatives. Our next steps include translating conference insights into project-level actions, pursuing strategic partnerships formed at the conference, and advancing policy recommendations that support resilient landscapes and seascapes in Mindanao and the Philippines.
About SGF
Sulu Garden Foundation is named after the Sulu Sea – the largest inland sea in the Philippines. Our mission concentrates on this sea and the provinces that surround it. These provinces have diverse cultures and religions, yet, they all share history and traditions. The foundation has various programs and activities focused on history and heritage, the arts, nature conservation, research and development, and community.
