Collaborating Organizations Showcase Biodiversity of Baguan Watershed in Celebration of World Wildlife Day

To celebrate World Wildlife Day, the Davao Oriental State University, San Pedro College Resource Center, LGU Tarragona Research Center, the BaiAni Foundation Inc., and Euro Generics International Philippines Inc. (EGIP) Foundation, Inc., have come together to showcase the rich biodiversity of the Municipality of Tarragona particularly at Baguan Watershed, Mount Mayo Key Biodiversity Area, in the Municipality of Tarragona, Davao Oriental.

The program was officially launched on March 3, 2023, at the DOrSU Learning and Information Resource Center (LIRC). With a theme, 𝘠𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘥 𝘈𝘸 𝘎𝘦𝘵𝘪 𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥, this event highlighted the fascinating diversity of life at the abovementioned site.

The event was attended by representatives from the collaborating organizations, including BaiAni Foundation's Director, Mr. Jonathan "Jojo" Joson, Senior Technical Officer, Ms. Maje Egento, and the rest of the BaiAni staff. Mr. Joson congratulated everyone who pulled in efforts to make the event possible and expressed his hope for a meaningful relationship in protecting the forests and the climate.

Present during the event were EGIP Foundation, Inc. Fundraising Manager Celina Anna Le Niendre-Van Dierendonck, LGU Tarragona Vice Mayor Hon. Samuel L. Uy, and San Pedro College Research Director Dr. Elsa May D. Baron.

During the event, a photo exhibit was launched to allow visitors and students to witness the richness and beauty of the biodiversity of the site. A coloring book, which featured the various flora and fauna that can be found in the Baguan Watershed, was also distributed to some students. The photo exhibit and coloring book launched during the event are seen as great educational tools to raise awareness and encourage the younger generation to appreciate and protect the environment. It's important to engage and educate children about biodiversity conservation from an early age so that they can become future stewards of the natural world.

The Baguan Watershed, Mount Mayo Key Biodiversity Area, is an important site for biodiversity conservation and research. The activity is a powerful reminder of the need to protect and preserve such areas. The event also serves as a platform for collaboration between the different institutions to continue the drive for innovation and projects for the environment in the future.

It is crucial to recognize the importance of World Wildlife Day, as it serves as a reminder of the need to protect and conserve the natural world. The day highlights the threats wildlife faces, including habitat loss, climate change, and human activities such as poaching and illegal wildlife trade. By celebrating the beauty and diversity of the natural world, we can inspire action to protect it for future generations.