THE ORGANIZER

The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) is the principal research and development (R & D) unit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Its R & D and extension activities are focused on the five major ecosystems of the Philippines which include forests, upland farms, grassland and degraded areas, coastal zone and freshwater, and urban areas.

The ERDB was created in June 1987 under Executive Order (EO) 192 that merged the function of the former Forest Research Institute (FORI) and the National Mangrove Committee. Its headquarters is located at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR) campus in the municipality of Los Baños, province of Laguna, Philippines about 65 kms south of Manila.

The Urban Ecosystem Research Division (UERD) is the newly–formed technical division of the bureau as a result of the Rationalization Plan. The focus of UERD if primarily towards ecosystems health and sustainability of urban areas through research and development. It is the objective of UERD to develop protocols, standards and policies to address issues and concerns such as the improvement of the lives of people in urban areas (cities, communities, settlements and industrial estates) particularly addressing environmental protection, abating land, water, and air pollution, fostering urban biodiversity conservation and urban greening. 

UERD is composed of three Sections namely: 

1. Industrial and Commercial Zone Research and Development Section 

2. Communities and Settlement Areas Research and Development Section 

3. Urban Parks and Recreation Areas Research and Development Section