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.
Other Articles
MABIDA Project: Drone Mapping for Coastal Management in Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape
DAVAO CITY - Researchers of the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project conducted a drone mapping activity at a portion of the Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape in Mabini, Davao de Oro last 29 September 2022. Present during the activity were Mr. Christian Japson, a licensed drone pilot, and researchers Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan, Geomarie Anne S. Paredes, Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig, and Maria Joselle V. Luzon of MABIDA. As one of the key protected areas in the Davao Region, the drone mapping activity conducted around the coastal areas of the Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape aims to collect data (aerial imageries) for subsequent processing into maps and 3D models that could potentially aid in the management of the area. Coordinated with the local government unit (LGU) of Mabini, the team ensures that the output of the said activity will be shared and featured on the Marine Biodiversity Database.
MABIDA Project Engages NEMSU in Marine Biodiversity Collaboration
DAVAO CITY - ABRAHAM Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project presented the second component of the ABRAHAM Program and the invitation for scientific collaboration to North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) on 28 September 2022. Present during the meeting were Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader of MABIDA, and researchers Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan, Geomarie Anne S. Paredes, Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig, and Maria Joselle V. Luzon of MABIDA. Ms. Amor Rojas-Salinas, a faculty member of NEMSU-Lianga Campus, represented NEMSU. The MABIDA team discussed the project's objectives, outputs, and details of the partnership. They also presented the features of the database and website being developed during the meeting. Ms. Rojas-Salinas expressed her interest in the said partnership and hoped for a strong collaboration in the future. ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA, or Marine Biodiversity Database, aims to collaborate with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) around Mindanao to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes, specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. NEMSU, one of the HEIs in Mindanao interested in marine biodiversity and resource management, is highly invited and encouraged to populate the database and conduct collaborative scientific activities.
