Throughout May, the Province of Negros Occidental will host a series of events dedicated to "Biodiversity and Development". At its core are seven educational camps on biodiversity in the marine and terrestrial environment in three identified sites: Northern Negros Natural Park, Sagay Marine Reserve in Sagay City and Danjugan Island Marine Reserve in Cauayan. World-renowned environmentalists and scientists will be invited as resource speakers.
The Sagay Marine Reserve and the Museo sang Bata sa Negros Foundation will host two marine camps for 30 students and 30 teachers. Among the planned bio monitoring activities are a coastal clean-up, a recycling workshop, mangrove planting and a visit to nearby Carbin Reef.
The North Negros Natural Park and Negros Forest Ecological Foundation, Inc. will hold two forest camps in Talisay City. 90 Bantay Bukid volunteers, Integrated Social Forestry youth beneficiaries and other community leaders will learn about ecology and biodiversity to become effective stewards of the environment. Their hands-on activities will include bird watching, plant and bird identification exercises and tree planting.
Three other marine camps shall be hosted by the Danjugan Island Marine Reserve
videosphoto contest
A special 
Biodiversity-Day website for Negros Occidental, Philippines has been created, to provide information about the IBD celebration such as the schedule of activities, news and events, partners and sponsors, links to the global celebration, how to join the contests and who to contact for volunteer work and other forms of participation. Basic information and trivia on biodiversity in the Philippines and Negros Occidental will also be available on the website.
Several local artists offered their talent and submitted their own renditions of the International Biodiversity Day logo
The month's celebrations will culminate in a big commitment-building event at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Bacolod City. Each local government unit shall have a costume, mask or mascot, symbolizing the environmental asset for which it is known. Various non-government organizations, clubs and school groups will also be invited to join. A short program at the Provincial Capitol Grounds will follow, with guest speakers talking about the biodiversity of the country, region and province. Afterwards, a canvass painting contest will take place at the grounds, followed by an educational puppet show and theater in the afternoon. The day will end with a concert for the environment, where local bands will perform in the spirit of conservation and raising public awareness. All these events will build on partnerships to ensure continued support in conserving the unique and threatened wildlife species of Negros and their remaining habitats.
Photos: Tommy Schultz, Terence Dacles, Jeremy Holden. IBD Philippines Logo: Razcel Salvarita
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