The University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS-CCCPET) together with UST College of Science Department of Biological Sciences presented the proposed program on the assessment, inventory, and biological field surveys of flora and fauna in the selected sites of Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) during the meeting of Samar Island Natural Park – Protected Area Management Board (SINP-PAMB) Committee on Biodiversity Conservation and Monitoring on August 10, 2021.
The objectives of the fieldwork are to document and update the species diversity of flora and fauna of SINP; to establish science-based data that will support the application of SINP as a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site and to recommend a policy on the conservation and protection of SINP ecosystems and its biodiversity resources.
Dr. Mae Lowe Diesmos presented the field work requirements for the Fauna team while Dr. Cecilia Moran presented for the Flora team. The UST team will field 28 scientists from the Biological Sciences with expertise in flora and fauna together with research and field assistants from the UST College of Science and University of the Philippines Los Baños. Team Leaders are Dr. Cecilia B. Moran, Dr. Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, Dr. Grecebio Jonathan D. Alejandro, and Mr. Jorge Anton Ordas.
The proposed project is a vital component of the continued assistance of USTGS-CCCPET in preparing the nomination dossier for the Park’s bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This UST project is in collaboration with the Office of Congresswoman Sharee Ann Tan, Office of Congressman Feliciano Noel of Ang Waray Party List, Department of Tourism Region 8, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 8, Office of the Governor-Samar, Office of the Governor- Northern Samar, and Office of the Governor-Easter Samar.
