Philippines: A month of celebrating life

The Province of Negros Occidental, in celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, held a roster of activities throughout the month of May and closed with a bang on May 22, the International Biodiversity Day.

Throughout the month, seven environmental camps for students, volunteers, teachers and local leaders (Barrangay Captains) involved in environmental protection were organized in selected marine and terrestrial ecological pristine locations. For most participants its was the first systematic exposure to the unique Philippine Biodiversity, combined with a lot of fun and games-an overall success!

(Myrichthys colubrinus), sea cucumbers, starfishes, corals and the endangered Giant Clams (Tridacna gigas)(Eonycteris spelaea)(Pteropus hypomelanus) and Little Golden Mantled Flying Fox (Pteropus pumilus)(Sonneratia alba), Rhizophora sp. and the canon ball mangroves (Xylocarpus moluccensis and X. granatum). They were also able to observe beds of Needle Seagrass (Halodule pinifolia), and the other tropical seagrasses Enhalus acoroides and Halophila ovalis. Other island vegetation included plants like Screw Pines (Pandanus spp.), Christmas Tree Palms (Veitchia merrily) and the threatened mangrove Philippine Bantigue (Pemphis acidula).

The participants also identified several bird species during their bird watching exercise namely: The White Breasted Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)(Megapodius cumingii), Black Naped Orioles (Oriolus chinensis), Pied Fan Tails (Rhipidura javanica), Asian Glossy Starlings (Aplonis panayensis), Olive Backed Sun Birds (Nectarinia jugularis), White Collared Kingfishers (Halcyon chloris) and the fruit doves such as the Imperial Fruit Dove (Ducula aenea), and the Pinked Neck Green Pigeon (Treron vernans).

(Protoreastor nodosus and Linckia laevigata), mangroves (Rhizophora apiculata) and shellfish including the Tiger Cowry (Cypraea tigris), whose shells were one of the many remains washed ashore at Carbin Reef.

The campers also enjoyed their snorkelling activities at the Giant Clam Garden of the reserve, where they saw several endangered Giant clams such as Tridacna gigas, Tridacna squamosa and Hippopus hippopus amidst the corals and fishes of the reserve.

 IBD website.

All in all, the Province of Negros Occidental can look back on some very successful events in conjunction with the IBD 2010 events, which opened the minds of participants and visitors from all sections of the Philippine society. Thus, the Province of Negros Occidental, on behalf of the Republic of the Philippines would like to express its gratitude to the Federal Republic of Germany for the contribution of funds and the chance to represent our country in this important international event, which hopefully has put us on the map of pristine spots of biodiversity.

Visitors are welcome anytime!