For. Leilani A. Castillo, University Researcher III
Los Baños, Laguna – The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños (MCME-CFNR-UPLB) recently hosted the Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS) Assessor Course, a training program aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts in the country. The course was organized by TGBS-Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) in partnership with the MCME, CFNR-UPLB, under the PGPC-funded project “Scaling-up the Participatory Community-Based Natural Resources Management in Four Watersheds of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve and Mount Bulalo.” The training was held on 17-21 March 2025 at AV Manza Room, Tamesis Hall, CFNR-UPLB.
A key highlight of the course was the establishment of the TGBS Hub at CFNR-UPLB through the Makiling Botanic Gardens, marking the first hub of its kind in the Philippines. The TGBS is a site-based certification developed by BGCI that recognizes initiatives in biodiversity protection, enhancement, and restoration.
The training was attended by CFNR faculty members, Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS), and administrative personnel, under the leadership of MCME Director Dr. Lerma SJ. Maldia. The course featured expert facilitators, including Dr. Kiran Baldwin, Project Manager and TGBS Trainer-Assessor from the Auroville Botanical Garden, and Dr. Fernanda Cardoso from Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Hong Kong. Dr. Marcelo de Vitis from the BGCI Main Office also participated, while Mr. David Justin Ples from BGCI-Southeast Asia Botanic Gardens provided assistance throughout the training.
The initiative underscores MCME-CFNR-UPLB’s commitment to advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management. The newly established TGBS Hub is expected to serve as a model for future conservation programs across the Philippines.
Photos by: KJPGonzalvo, AALimpiada