CRREST Soft-Launches Book on Reef Fish Biology and Hosts Signing of MOA for Marine Biodiversity Database Project | News Article | Marine Biodiversity Database Project

CRREST Soft-Launches Book on Reef Fish Biology and Hosts Signing of MOA for Marine Biodiversity Database Project | News Article | Marine Biodiversity Database Project

CRREST Soft-Launches Book on Reef Fish Biology and Hosts Signing of MOA for Marine Biodiversity Database Project

Written by Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan
Uploaded on Feb. 24, 2023

The UP Mindanao Office of Research, in partnership with the Coral Reef Resiliency and Ecology Studies (CRREST) Laboratory, organized a successful afternoon of discussions on reef fish diversity in the Philippines. The event was held on February 24, 2023, and attended by students, partner institutions, and government agencies in Mindanao. Led by renowned experts in the field, the discussions covered the historical records, status, and future directions of reef fish diversity in the Philippines.

As an initiative towards collaboration, the event also featured a soft launching of the book titled "Data Collection and Analyses for Reef Fish Biology." Edited by CRREST researcher Maybelle A. Fortaleza and laboratory head Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr., the book aims to guide beginners in conducting independent research and streamline protocols and methods in studying reef fish biology.

The event also marked a significant milestone for the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project. The project held a ceremonial memorandum of agreement signing with partner higher education institutions during the event, signifying the commitment of partner institutions to support the project and collaborate in its implementation. The MABIDA Project aims to create a comprehensive database of marine biodiversity in the Philippines, providing critical information for conservation and management efforts. The event was a significant step towards the development of collaborative research endeavors and knowledge transfer in the region, and the organizers hope to continue their efforts in acquiring new information and conducting further research on reef fish diversity and marine biodiversity in the Philippines.

Other Articles

MABIDA Project Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop to Enhance Marine Biodiversity Data Access with DNSC

The MABIDA Project, in partnership with Davao Del Norte State College (DNSC), conducted a capacity-building workshop titled “Deep Dive into the MABIDA Website” on September 6, 2023. Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, Vice President for Academic Affairs at DNSC, actively participated alongside faculty members, researchers, and representatives from the DNSC Biodiversity Museum. The event aimed to equip participants with essential skills for the effective utilization of the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) website and information system. DNSC recognizes the unique importance of this initiative, as Mindanao has long been known for its rich marine biodiversity yet remains one of the least explored regions in the Philippines. The workshop represented a concerted effort to address this gap by enhancing the capacity of individuals and organizations in Mindanao to access and utilize marine biodiversity data and resources. The workshop included comprehensive training on using the MABIDA website, interactive sessions with hands-on practice, and insights from experts in the field. These activities were designed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the website's functionalities and how to effectively leverage the available marine biodiversity information. Overall, the collaboration between the MABIDA Project, DNSC, and other supporting HEIs underscores a shared commitment to marine biodiversity preservation and exploration in Mindanao. It also points to exciting possibilities for future research, conservation efforts, and educational initiatives aimed at further protecting and studying the region’s unique marine ecosystems.

Capacity Building Workshop Empowers DOrSU Participants in MABIDA Website Utilization

The "Deep Dive into the MABIDA Website" capacity building workshop was successfully conducted at Davao Oriental State University on August 16-17, 2023, as part of the ABRAHAM MABIDA Project's ongoing initiatives. In collaboration with partner agencies and higher education institutions, the workshop was designed to equip faculty members and researchers with essential skills in effectively utilizing the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) website and information system. The Davao Oriental State University played a significant role in this capacity-building initiative, as the participating faculty members and researchers engaged in intensive training sessions. The workshop fostered a dynamic learning environment, enabling participants to explore various features of the MABIDA website and gain hands-on experience with its functionalities. Through interactive sessions, participants were able to grasp a practical understanding of the website's capabilities, equipping them to make significant contributions to the advancement of marine biodiversity research and conservation within the region. This workshop highlights our steadfast dedication to fostering knowledge exchange and facilitating informed marine resource management practices for a sustainable future.

Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Website Soft Launched to Increase Marine Conservation Efforts

Davao City, Philippines - Bidang-Bida sa MABIDA, the soft launch ceremony of the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Website, was conducted at the UP Mindanao Administration Building Lorenzo Hall on May 22, 2023. The event, organized by the Applied Biodiversity Research for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) MABIDA Project in collaboration with the UP Mindanao Office of Research, coincided with the “Internal Day for Biological Diversity” and gathered distinguished in-person visitors and virtual attendees from various institutions and organizations. The MABIDA Website, accessible through the URL 'https://mabida.upmin.edu.ph', marks an important step forward in the protection and knowledge of marine biodiversity in Mindanao. The website features a large amount of data, including species profiles, habitat information, and environmental characteristics, which will be updated and enhanced on a regular basis by ABRAHAM Program FishDive Project members and collaborating partner institutions. The website envisions to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for scientists, researchers, and policymakers to obtain essential data about marine ecosystems. The soft launch event witnessed a diverse array of participants, both physically present and joining virtually. Notable in-person attendees included Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, the Director of DOST Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST PCAARRD) Marine Resources Research Division, and Mrs. Ma. Adela Corpuz, the Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST PCAARRD Marine Resources Research Division. Notable guests who joined virtually included Mr. Jaypee G. Trinidad of DOST-PCAARRD and faculty members from the Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology. The event also welcomed faculty members and researchers from partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), namely Davao del Norte State College, Davao Oriental State University, and Mindanao State University General Santos City. Representatives from UP Mindanao, including officials, staff, and students, were also present, thus underscoring the university's commitment to marine conservation and research. The extensive involvement and partnership of these institutions and DOST PCAARRD shall provide a solid foundation for future marine studies and initiatives. ABRAHAM FishDive Project Leader Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. introduced the audience to the ABRAHAM Program, the mother project of the FishDive Project and the MABIDA Project. Thereafter, ABRAHAM MABIDA Project Leader Leo Manuel B. Estaña, MSc gave a more thorough introduction of the MABIDA Project to help condition the audience as MABIDA Project Technical Specialists Geomarie Anne S. Paredes and Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan subsequently led a live demonstration to showcase the key features and functionalities of the MABIDA Website. Features showcased were the (1) Matching and Alignment, (2) Search Database, and (3) the MABIDA Website Interactive Map. The Matching and Alignment feature is intended to help with the taxonomic identification of samples supplied by website users. Meanwhile, the Search Database feature allows users to manually search and traverse the MABIDA Website's data repository of marine fisheries datasets supplied by partner HEIs and other collaborating agencies. Users can also use the MABIDA Website Interactive Map to see the numerous locations where the marine fishery datasets were collected. Future additions to this interactive map will include spatial overlay of various thematic maps relevant to marine science. Dr. Nañola urged the collaborating partner HEIs and agencies to polish and prepare the datasets that they will share and upload to the MABIDA Website, as these records will be used to improve the scientific community's ability to manage and protect the Mindanaon marine environment. In addition, Dr. Acedera of DOST PCAARRD stated that the MABIDA website will promote a more collaborative space for scientific cooperation in marine resource research and development, paving the way for more effective efforts to protect and understand the Philippine marine environment and resources. As the website becomes fully operational in the coming months, it is expected to attract a wider audience, including scientists, students, and marine enthusiasts alike.

« first Previous Page 5 of 14 Next last »