SDG 15: Life on Land
Growing with Nature: Flourishing Life on Land and Biodiversity
Growing with Nature: Flourishing Life on Land and Biodiversity
The Provincial Wildlife Quiz was an initiative of the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation and the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology. It was in response to the Republic Act 9512 (Environmental Education and Awareness Act), which promotes national awareness of the role of natural resources in economic growth, as well as the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance towards sustained national development.
The Wildlife Quiz aims to raise biodiversity conservation awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of senior high school students, teachers, and participating institutions. This encourages and incorporates the study and learning of Philippine flora and fauna, biodiversity, and conservation at the senior high school level. It will help develop the involvement of academic institutions in biodiversity conservation and awareness activities and promote appreciation of the local culture, heritage, and biodiversity conservation initiatives.
The Wildlife Quiz covers the topics of the Philippines’ biodiversity, biogeography, general science, natural resources, environmental laws, and environmental news
This evidence presents one of the university’s Biodiversity Research Training and Conservation in Mindanao (BRTCM) programs’ objective is to organize training and extension activities for biodiversity conservation and land-use planning for the locality. In 2023, biodiversity assessment started and after completion of the assessment from different ecosystems, the organization of awareness programs, ecosystems planning for sustainable management and extension activities will definitely follow.
The PhD and MS in Environmental Science programs of MSU-IIT have courses that focus on various ecosystems. These include ENV301 Ecosystems Structure, Function and Dynamic, and ENV307 TERRESTRIAL TROPICAL ECOSYSTEMS, BIO223 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY, ENV203 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION
ENV301 ECOSYSTEM STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND DYNAMICS covers concepts on ecosystem structure, functions and dynamics, ecosystem theory, development and evolution. It focuses on types of ecosystems and their interactions, application of ecological principles, theories and concepts to various environmental problems, and application of ecosystem approach to address problems and issues in the environment.
ENV307 TERRESTRIAL TROPICAL ECOSYSTEMS focuses on the structure, functions and dynamics of terrestrial tropical ecosystems. It covers ecological concepts and principles and ecosystem approach to sustainably restore and maintain the composition, structure, and function of terrestrial ecosystems. The success of terrestrial ecosystem management based on the ability of practitioners to collaboratively develop a vision for desired future condition amongst a variety of stakeholders that integrates ecological, institutional, and socioeconomic perspectives with emphasis on the cultural dimension of these stakeholders to include the ancestral domain areas of indigenous people in Mindanao.
BIO223 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY deals with ecosystem ecology at the terrestrial level, focusing on the forces, pathways, and technologies controlling the fluxes and stocks of elements (carbon, water, and nutrients) within terrestrial ecosystems The course provides a conceptual framework for understanding the range of the world’s terrestrial
ENV203 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION discusses issues and problems of natural resources management and conservation in the Philippines. This course also emphasizes practical and sustainable solutions from a social, economic, and environmental perspective.
In support of Sustainable Development Goal 15, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) continues to advance environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation. Through initiatives such as “A Greener Iligan for a Sustainable Future,” which promotes carbon sequestration and climate action, “Promoting Healthy Learning Environments” for local schools, and “Buzzing with New Hope” introducing stingless bee-keeping in Tubajon, the university cultivates a deep respect for nature. These projects empower communities to protect ecosystems, restore degraded lands, and foster sustainable livelihoods rooted in harmony with the environment.
This evidence highlights MSU-IIT’s commitment to promote sustainable cities through conservation of Life on Land (SDG 15), particularly the biodiversity of urban green spaces, and the ecosystem services this offers to the community (i.e. carbon sequestration regulating service). This extension activity also forges partnership with secondary schools in Iligan City in raising awareness on urban and local biodiversity through information education materials such as tree tags, and lectures on the importance of green spaces for carbon sequestration, landscaping and reforestation practices in urban setting. Additionally, the data from this research extension will be provided to the schools and city government as their basis for urban land-use planning and management. This extension project further strengthened the university’s goal to influence not just its constituents (students and faculty alike), but also its local community and its host city.
MSU-IIT and LGU Tubajon of Dinagat Islands signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the program "Biodiversity Research Training and Conservation in Mindanao" on March 27, 2023. The program focuses on conducting field studies in Tubajon, Dinagat Islands to understand its biodiversity and develop conservation strategies. It aims to improve the research skills of academic staff and students in Mindanao and create training and extension activities to increase awareness and efforts towards biodiversity conservation and better management of Philippine biodiversity.
The 2023 publications on biodiversity in the Philippines cover diverse aspects of species rediscovery, habitat assessment, and conservation strategies. Key studies document the rediscovery and updated data on endemic species like Boesenbergia longipetiolata and Begonia nisoptera, shedding light on species preservation in Zamboanga. Research on mangrove ecosystems highlights species diversity and community structure in coastal areas crucial for ecological stability. Several papers explore the links between human health and environmental conditions, analyzing trends in diseases such as rabies, schistosomiasis, and tuberculosis. Other studies leverage advanced methods like environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to detect biodiversity patterns in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Conservation of marine species, such as seahorses and their microbiota, reflects the emphasis on preserving marine biodiversity. Together, these studies underscore the Philippines' rich biodiversity and emphasize integrated conservation efforts to protect both human and ecological health.
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology launched the Smart Hydroponics Project with its first harvest ceremonies on September 25, 2023 at the Iligan City National High School (ICHNS). The project, which had its groundbreaking ceremony on July 25, 2023, aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices that provide teachers and students with hands-on learning and research experience in hydroponic farming.
The smart hydroponics farming system at ICHNS is more than just a farming initiative of faculty members of MSU-IIT's College of Engineering (COE) who are alumni of Maxtein Batch ‘97 of ICNHS and officers of the Institute of Electronics and Communication Engineers of the Philippines-Iligan City Chapter. Smart hydroponics embodies the fusion of technology and nature. Through this innovative system, the team of faculty members of MSU-IIT is cultivating not only lettuce or any other vegetable but also knowledge. It also nurtures the minds of teachers and students at ICNHS.
This evidence supports the collaboration effort of MSU-IIT in Iligan City with the local government of Tubajon, Dinagat islands for the Biodiversity Research Training and Conservation in Mindanao (BRTCM) program, to maintain shared land and island ecosystems. The objectives of this program emphasize the Sustainable Development Goal 15, by understanding particularly island biodiversity and enhancing the local government’s conservation strategies, and the island province as a whole. The program also intends to help develop the academic staff and students of the island through knowledge and technology transfer activities on effective biodiversity conservation efforts.
Under Article VII GUIDELINES ON SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS, Section 1. Waste Management and Recycling, it is a policy of the campus to adopt and/or continue to implement guidelines on managing and handling e-waste, chemicals, chemical waste, and biohazardous waste