Plenary Day 2

Enhancing the Role of Natural History Collections in Science and the Environment

Arvin C. Diesmos

Scientist III, National Museum of the Philippines

The building of natural history collections in the Philippines has had a history that spans more than 300 years. The collection of the University of Santo Tomas Museum, assembled during the Spanish colonial period, is the earliest and at that time, housed the most impressive zoological collection known from the Philippines. There were also several important small and regional collections, particularly those owned by universities and private individuals. Among the world-renowned collection is that of the Philippine National Museum (one of the lineal descendents of the Philippine Bureau of Science), which was established as a primary natural history museum during the American occupation of the islands. These collections include some faunal species that are known to be extinct from the Philippines, including those that are now considered threatened with extinction. Several extant species of Philippine vertebrates are still known only from the unique type specimens that are part of these collections, and the status of these irreplaceable materials remains unknown.

Natural history collections are an invaluable resource that research and academic institutions may possess. They are the principal basis on which biodiversity is described and cataloged. These collections are indispensable teaching materials and are crucial for undertaking studies on systematic biology, ecology, parasitology, biodiversity conservation and environmental management, and in many other fields of science.

The last two decades saw major advances in our understanding of the diversity, distribution, and the evolution of Philippine biodiversity. Intensified field surveys of natural ecosystems continue to find astonishing numbers of unrecognized diversity, uncovered through the combined application of molecular, ethnological, ecological, and traditional (morphological) techniques.

What do we make of this progress? How do these recent scientific breakthrough relate to care and management of natural history collections in the Philippines?

It is within this context that I discuss the need to establish a system of standards and best practices in (i) natural history exhibit concept and design, (ii) reference collection management and care, and (iii) proper use and access to reference collections and supporting documentation. The overall goals of this presentation are to further emphasize the need for public appreciation of biodiversity research and to evoke much-needed action by multiple stakeholders to establish and maintain these priceless collections.

Making Natural History Collections Relevant to the Public

Dr. Juan Carlos T. Gonzalez

Director, UPLB Museum of Natural History

The major aims of natural history museums are to document and study our natural heritage, and to educate the public about their importance, and thereby preserve them so as to benefit current and future generations. Museums strive to infuse the relevance of natural history studies to everyday life, and its applications to understanding environmental functions and ecological services. Education and technical services are crucial to implementing K-12 programs, support student research and collaborative projects in biodiversity conservation and bio-products development. As a university-based museum, the MNH ensures a comprehensive coverage of biological organisms in its reference collection, from microbes to mammals, and extending to geological and paleontological specimens. It is our mandate to serve as a key repository and center for research and education on Philippine biodiversity, with emphasis on studies around Mount Makiling.

The MNH’s main slogan is to “bring nature closer to the people and bring people closer to nature”, which best reflects the relevance of our collections to enriching public knowledge, which are delivered through four main areas: Heritage collections, Collaborative research, Extension services and Public education. With over 100 years of natural history studies in UPLB, and 40 years since MNH was established by the national university, the combined historical reference collections covers a wide taxonomic breadth deposited in eight major collections and herbaria: Botanical, Mycological, Forestry & Xylaria, Hortorium, Microbial & Algal Culture, Entomological, Zoological & Wildlife, and Special Collections (geology, fossils). MNH research focuses on key biodiversity programs, such as on Speleobiology, Island and Montane fauna & flora, and life in the forest canopy. Museum research also focuses on organisms with potential for developing bio-products, models for climate resilience and for control of pest or invasive species. Major contributions of MNH research lead to the discovery of species new to science, and an extensive review of their taxonomy and phylogeny. Extension services are implemented through specimen identification, scientific name verification, internships, reference library, biodiversity seminars and trainings. MNH staff and curators play a major role in university-based and national programs on biodiversity research and conservation, serving as technical support for current issues such as cocolisap, avian flu and Philippine Red list.

Education through exhibits and diorama in both taxonomic and ecosystem-based displays incorporate preserve specimens, models and live organisms, and to increase relevance - showcase familiar fauna and flora, highlight endemic species and feature those found in Mount Makiling. Education through social media and the Internet is equally important as it reaches a global audience, as featured in the MNH webpage, Youtube channel, Instagram, Facebook, Researchgate and Tripadvisor. Future trends need to be adopted by the MNH to improve its services, such as revitalized exhibits that are more interactive, include virtual specimens and online digital collections. Putting emphasis on local names and their ethnobiological significance, as well as improve PWD accessibility. Indeed, the past notion of museums as old dusty collections has been replaced with a more vibrant interdisciplinary approach to natural history study and public awareness.

BRIDGING GAPS BETWEEN PHILIPPINE NATURAL HISTORY PLAYERS AND AMONG STAKEHOLDERS

Dr. Lawrence M. Liao

Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan

Until recently, natural history museums and collections in the Philippines constitute ‘social cellars’ occupying very low and obscure positions in the national consciousness. Their slow resurgence today is credited mainly to the growing awareness among the general public of the rich biodiversity of the Philippines as well as the work of local wildlife conservation movements. As such natural history museums and collections in the Philippines have become known to the community as showcases of local biodiversity, the community being one of the major stakeholders of such institutions. The stakeholders are plenty and they need to be identified, from the ordinary citizen at the community level up to agencies and institutions of national and international stature with similar goals and interests.

There are certainly many gaps among the different stakeholders arising from historical and socio-cultural factors. Some suggestions presented to help narrow existing gaps, among the many, include greater community awareness and involvement, citizen science, corporate social responsibility and the professionalization of the museum industry.

SPECIAL TALK: THE SEARCA AGRIMUSEUM

Dr. Maria Celeste H. Cadiz

Programme Specialist, SEAMEO-Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture