CSU & MABIDA: Forging Marine Biodiversity Collaboration | News Article | Marine Biodiversity Database Project

CSU & MABIDA: Forging Marine Biodiversity Collaboration

Written by Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig
Uploaded on Sept. 9, 2022

CSU and ABRAHAM Project 2 MABIDA met for the first time for a possible collaboration.

BUTUAN CITY - Researchers from the ABRAHAM Program conducted a courtesy visit to Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City on 09 September 2022 to present the executive brief of the program.

The team, represented by Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader of MABIDA, and researchers Kevin L. Labrador from FishDive, Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan, Geomarie Anne S. Paredes, Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig, and Maria Joselle V. Luzon from MABIDA, were welcomed by Dr. Romell A. Seronay, Research and Extension Coordinator Chief of CSU, together with the faculty and staff of the Biology Department. Dr. Seronay started the meeting with a brief introduction of the representatives of CSU and a presentation of the current research thrusts of CSU's Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CRÈME). Objectives and outputs of the program were presented, including the database and website being continuously updated. They also discussed potential areas for collaboration.

MABIDA aims to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. CSU, one of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Mindanao interested in marine biodiversity and resource management, is highly invited and encouraged to populate the database and conduct collaborative scientific activities.

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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.

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