MDM

P14 THURSDAY | MARCH 7, 2019

The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 11 and the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is hosting the “2nd WildLIFE is HERE,” a week-long celebration of the unique wildlife species found in Davao’s green and blue spaces.

The 2nd WildLIFE is HERE is in line with the UN World Wildlife Day celebrated globally every 3rd of March to commemorate the signing date of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Flora and Fauna.

The event is slated on March 4-9 with a series of activities designed to highlight the importance of often overlooked species of birds, beetles, butterflies, and marine wildlife found in the region’s green spaces or the patches of forest and woodland and blue space or the Davao Gulf.

“Experts believe that insects, including beetles and butterflies, have undergone horrific declines over the two decades. People are drastically destroying and polluting their habitats. Losing insects means losing our pollinators and the food of many animals,

including birds. Focusing this year’s theme also on Davao’s beetle and butterfly diversity is the region’s contribution to preventing a global ecological Armageddon,” said PEF Director for Research and Conservation Jayson Ibanez, PhD.

CITES unites 168 countries in the protection of the world’s wildlife.

The global observance also aims to raise social awareness of and conservation values for our world’s wild plants and animals.

In support of this global effort and with the aim to make more Davaoeños aware and

appreciative of our region’s fauna, the PEF with DENR-11 WFN and SM Lanang Premier unveiled an interactive exhibit on March 4 to kick off the event.

The 2nd WildLIFE is HERE interactive exhibit features species of birds, beetles, butterflies and marine animals that can be found in the Davao region. The exhibit will run from March 4-9 at the second floor, Cinema Hallway of SM Lanang Premier.

“Together with the PEF and DENR 11, we create this learning space that adds more meaning to our magical mall experience. This exhibition

WILDLIFE EXHIBIT OPENING. (From left) Engr. Jonathan Nick Santos-SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager in Mindanao; Marigelaine Arguillas-chief of the Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section of DENR 11; and Philippine Eagle Foundation Director for Research and Conservation Jayson Ibanez, PhD unveil Wildlife Is Here.

Focusing this year’s theme also on Davao’s beetle and butterfly diversity.

SECOND EXHIBIT. The second WildLIFE is HERE interactive exhibit features species of birds, beetles, butterflies and marine animals found in the Davao region

The exhibition brings learning experiences about biodiversity outside the classroom.

Beetles indigenous to Mindanao are among the newest addition to the exhibition. Curios mall goers view the exhibit.

CLOSE UP. Microscope installations give audiences a closer look of the beetle and butterfly specimens.

Davao Region’s wildlife in focus

highlights Davao wildlife that deserves much appreciation in photo and in real life,” said Engr. Jonathan Nick Santos, SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager in Mindanao.

Following the exhibit opening was the Public Talks at the Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MCM) Auditorium on March 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. DENR 11 Chief of Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section Marigelaine Arguillas gave a talk on the green and blue spaces of Davao City and Watershed Management Officer of Energy Development Corporation Rich Paul Cosio presented about forest restoration. Dr. Jade Badon, Mr. Martin Pineda, Dr. Analyn Cabras, and Mr. Jose Ricky Biyo talked about the ecological importance of butterflies, birds, beetles and marine animals respectively. This event is targeted to junior and senior high school students but will also be open to the public.

“Davao City is a melting pot of various ethnolinguistic cultures in the south. But at the same time, its land and sea are habitats to unique and diverse wildlife. It’s about time we recognize the important roles these animals play in keeping Davao City one of the most livable cities in the world.” said Ruth Tawantawan, Executive Regional Director of the DENR 11.

The PEF is hosting an

activity dubbed as “Nature Contact” from March 6 to 8 at one of the most biodiverse spot in Davao City – the Philippine Eagle Center. The PEF created “Nature Contact” to offer to the youth a first-hand experience with nature through fun learning experiences to instill conservation values.

The goal of the activity is to further knowledge and appreciation for the different beetle, bird and butterfly species in the city. The participants of the event will interact with experts on the event’s focal species and learn to identify them and their important ecological roles. The activity is open to students from grade 6 to senior high school with a registration fee of P250 per participant. The fee will go to the PEF’s Open Classroom Program fund to develop education materials and activities for public school students in Malagos, Baguio District.

Finally, the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Lambda Nu Chapter of the University of the Philippines Mindanao in partnership with the PEF will be holding the 2nd Regional Wildlife Summit on March 9 at UP Mindanao in Mintal. This summit will feature the 5th Regional Wildlife Quizbowl, a wildlife photography contest which is open to all students and a short film-making competition for high school and college students. The students from APO are also active PEF volunteers.