Capacity Building Workshop at SPAMAST Strengthens Marine Biodiversity Initiatives | News Article | Marine Biodiversity Database Project

Capacity Building Workshop at SPAMAST Strengthens Marine Biodiversity Initiatives

Written by Irene Faith Makinano
Uploaded on Sept. 15, 2023

In an effort to further advance research and knowledge-sharing in the field of marine biodiversity, a two-day "Deep Dive into the MABIDA Website" capacity-building workshop was held at the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in Malita, Davao Occidental, on September 14-15, 2023. This event, organized by the UP Mindanao ABRAHAM MABIDA Project in coordination with the Office of Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension (RIDE) at SPAMAST, headed by Dr. Marlyn B. Llameg, aimed to equip faculty members and researchers with the necessary skills to navigate and utilize the recently launched Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) website and information system.

During the two-day event, participants were introduced to the various features and functionalities of the MABIDA website. Serving as a treasure trove of marine biodiversity data, the MABIDA website offers researchers a comprehensive resource for species information. Hands-on sessions covered topics such as data entry, data importing and exporting, the use of interactive mapping features, and more. Additionally, participants were provided with insights into how to effectively integrate MABIDA into their ongoing research projects.

The "Deep Dive into the MABIDA Website" workshop promises to enhance research capacity and drive forward marine conservation efforts, ultimately benefiting the Philippines' marine biodiversity. As the MABIDA website continues to evolve, the skills acquired in this workshop will play a pivotal role in advancing marine science and conservation nationwide.

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NEMSU and MABIDA Team Explore Collaborative Opportunities for Marine Biodiversity and Data Sharing

Lianga, Surigao del Sur — During the visit to Northeastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) on August 22, 2024, the MABIDA team was warmly welcomed by Professor Amor Rojas-Salinas, Chair of the Marine Biology Program. The meeting focused on exploring potential collaborations and future opportunities to enhance marine research and conservation efforts in the region. NEMSU-Lianga, recognized for its specialized Fisheries and Marine Sciences programs, expressed a strong interest in partnering with the MABIDA project. A key outcome of the discussion was the shared objective of contributing data from Surigao del Sur to the MABIDA platform. Professor Rojas-Salinas highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing that sharing marine biodiversity data from the region is crucial, especially given the current lack of sufficient studies or data. This partnership presents a valuable opportunity to elevate the recognition of Surigao del Sur's marine ecosystems, which are rich yet under-researched. The collaboration with MABIDA aims not only to spotlight the area's biodiversity but also to underscore the role of innovation and technology in facilitating access to essential data. By making marine data more accessible, the partnership seeks to inspire further research and conservation initiatives, benefiting both local and international scientific communities.

Aerial Surveys Conducted in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape

Last July 29-31, Mr. Norjan Charls Cabanalan and Ms Irene Faith Makinano of the MABIDA Project assisted the Coral Reef Resiliency and Ecology Studies Laboratory in conducting aerial surveys in selected Marine Protected Areas within Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. These surveys aimed to map the extent of coastal and marine habitats in the study areas, contributing valuable data for conservation and management efforts. The initiatives were made possible through the support of the DENR Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay, led by PASu Cirilio A. Lagnason, Jr., and with assistance from Mr. Ronald Earl B. Reyes, Mr. Aslanie Macabando, Mr. Marx Hazir T. Saraboquez, and Ms. Crissa Mae De Vera.

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