Niche Centers in the Region for R&D (NICER) Program of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST–PCAARRD) granted CTU Argao 17.8 million for the two-year research project, Flora and Fauna Assessment Using Permanent Biodiversity Monitoring System (PBMS) in Cebu Island KBAs”, led by Prof. Enrico L. Replan.
The inception meeting with CTU and DOST officials last week at Argao Campus reiterated the aim of establishing permanent monitoring plots across four (4) key biodiversity areas of Cebu such as Mt. Kangbulagsing and Lanaya, Mt. Catmon (incl. Tabunan), Mt. Nug-As and Mt. Lantoy and identifying biodiversity trends as key bases for rehabilitation and monitoring of precious biodiversity (flora and fauna) of the island for conservation and protection.It also considered identifying potential problems which might arise during the project’s implementation.
Prof. Replan presented the strategic targets of the project on its first year, underscoring obligations for the proper and timely implementation of the project, management and implementation plan, and work packages and respective tasks in order to level-off and execute the project guided by the rules and policies of DOST-PCAARRD and CTU.
The meeting covered parallel activities, which will ascertain the project’s accomplishments and targets. Dr. Nimfa Torreta and Dr. Leila America of FERD-PCAARRD elaborated on the main pillars of the project in terms of Technical and Financial M & E Guidelines.
A visit to the newly constructed Center for Biodiversity Studies was also conducted for greater appreciation of the new beginnings in biodiversity research in the region.
The DOST- NICER program with its pilot project on biodiversity implemented by CTU Argao indicates progress for biodiversity conservation and protection in the country. ER