With the theme “One Future: Biodiversity, Climate, and Health”, the annual gathering brings together scientists, conservationists, educators, policymakers, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and advocates to address the interlinked challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and human well-being.
A key highlight of this year’s symposium is the launch of the updated Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) by presented by Assistant Director, Mariglo Rosaida I. Laririt of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau and DENR Region 6 Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla, who also delivered the keynote message on behalf of Secretary Raphael “Popo” Lotilla, who was unable to attend.
EDC’s Corporate Relations and Communications Head Maria Nancy P. Ibuna — who also serves as BCSP President — delivered a message of support, underscoring that “the health of ecosystems is inseparable from the health of communities, the economy, and the nation’s future.”
Throughout the four-day symposium, EDC is showcasing its banner environmental program, BINHI, that integrates environmental stewardship, community engagement, and scientific rigor in its forest landscape restoration activities. BINHI focuses especially on protecting threatened native species and working closely with local communities and Indigenous Peoples to build resilient ecosystems.
EDC’s BINHI data, including those generated from its Biodiversity Conservation and Monitoring Program (BCMP) and its project under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) secretariat, the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), were utilized in the PBSAP updating as part of its contributions to the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) initiative.
Recognizing its expertise and commitment to biodiversity conservation through BINHI, BGCI has provided a grant for EDC to update the conservation status of over 1,500 Philippine native tree species in 2021-2024.
On the final day, EDC will partner with the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) for a workshop demonstrating how private sector expertise and educational media can work hand-in-hand to promote large-scale environmental awareness—especially among the youth.
KCFI will amplify conservation efforts through education and media, bridging the gap between science and public understanding. The event will close with the awarding of student competition winners—celebrating the next generation of environmental champions, staying true to BINHI’s call to action: “Let the future take root.”
Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is First Gen Corporation’s renewable energy (RE) subsidiary, with an installed capacity of nearly 1,400 MW, accounting for approximately 17% of the country’s total installed RE capacity. Its over 1,000 MW geothermal portfolio comprises approximately 56% of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity, making the Philippines the third largest geothermal producer in the world.