ALABEL, Sarangani – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 12 (DENR 12), through the Protected Area Management Board-Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMB-SBPS), has opened its doors to research proposals aimed at enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts in the region.
On February 11, the Biodiversity Conservation Monitoring Technical Working Committee (BCM-TWC) convened to evaluate nine research proposals submitted by students from Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC). These proposals align with the 10 priority research areas set by the board to address critical environmental concerns affecting Sarangani Bay.
The selected research projects, representing the Colleges of Natural Science and Mathematics, Fisheries, and Agriculture, have been recommended for PAMB approval. Once given the green light, each project will receive up to 80% of its proposed budget, ensuring adequate support for data collection and analysis.
The recommended studies focus on crucial issues such as community and socio-economic profiling, biosecurity assessment within SBPS, resource optimization, water quality and pollution analysis, and climate change impacts on natural resources. These research areas are deemed essential for the sustainability and protection of Sarangani Bay’s marine and coastal ecosystems.
The BCM-TWC underscored the importance of supporting young researchers, recognizing their role in identifying emerging environmental challenges and contributing to data-driven conservation strategies. Their studies will provide valuable insights into the ecological health of the bay and guide future management initiatives.
The PAMB-SBPS reaffirmed its commitment to fostering scientific research and strengthening environmental protection measures. Researchers interested in securing grants for studies related to Sarangani Bay conservation are encouraged to coordinate with the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO-SBPS) for further details on application procedures.
Through these initiatives, DENR 12 and its partners continue to champion research-driven conservation efforts to preserve the ecological integrity of Sarangani Bay for future generations.
