By Jheila Y. Dizon
The two-day 2019 International Conference on Biosphere and Sustainability which started Wednesday at the City Asturias Hotel in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan concluded yesterday, July 26.
The conference gathered scientists, educators, government policymakers, and other stakeholders coming from all over the world.
The event was a platform for exchanging vital researches and expected to underscore the implications of scientific findings for the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Among the presenters in the coveted conference was Yamang Bukid, an interesting farm destination located in Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City, which was represented by Bro. George Maria, a seminarian and farm consultant.
Bacungan discussed the humble beginnings of Yamang Bukid, a farm which was painstakingly carved out from an unproductive mountain side to become what is now known as among the emerging tourism destinations in the Philippines, and a model for integrative and diversified farming.
“Yamang Bukid Farm (YBF) is a place of a happy farming community where genuine happiness is not for sale. It is an agroforestry and applies an integrated production system which is based on organic farming approach,” Bacungan told THEPHILBIZNEWS, adding that the YBF has become one of the fastest-growing farm tourism destinations in Puerto Princess and in Palawan.
On the other hand, Dr. Rodolfo “Jun” Abalus Jr., a tree scientist and also a Yamang Bukid consultant, conducted a presentation on biomass and carbon stocks found ata sub-watershed of the majestic Mount Makiling which is located in Laguna.
The summit, which also highlighted the various researches and studies conducted in biosphere reserves, was organized by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and the Palawan Knowledge Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development.
It was co-organized byinternational partners from South Korea, University of Montreal in Canada, University of Kansas in the United States, with the participation of Nagoya University, City University of Hong Kong, and the UNESCO Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The conference underscored the learning laboratories for sustainable development under the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program.