by Eliseo F. Huesca Jr. PhD and Kristine Joy S. Gumanao
PANABO CITY – The Philippine Society for the Study of Nature (PSSN), in collaboration with Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), South Cotabato State College (SCSC), and the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, successfully hosted the 2024 International Conference on Nature Studies and Innovation for the Environment (ICoNSIE) Conference last July 16 – 20, 2024, at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Sports Complex.
The event brought together scientists, researchers, faculty, and students to share groundbreaking research and foster collaboration in advancing nature studies and promoting ecological responsibility. Under the theme “Re-envisioning Nature Conservation in the Green Transition and Digital Transformation Era,” ICoNSIE 2024 featured a roster of plenary speakers who provided invaluable insights on cutting-edge research and developments in their fields. Renowned experts including Dr. Aekbal Salleh from the Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainable Development of UiTM Malaysia, Dr. Inocencio E. Buot, Jr. from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, Dr. Nurhidayati from the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology, Indonesia, Dr. Hugo Alfried Volkaert from the Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Thailand, and Dr. Siva Ramamoorthy from the School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, India, shared their expertise and inspired attendees with their visionary perspectives.
Dr. Eliseo F. Huesca Jr., DNSC Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production (VPREP), participated as a moderator in one of the plenary sessions. Faculty members presented the following papers; Community Structure, Species Diversity and Conservation Status of Mangrove Associated Crabs in the Selected Mangrove Areas in Davao del Norte, Philippines (presented by Dr. Nickel Jean Lagare-Sastine), Trophic Mobbing of Reef Fishes on Naturally Spawned Ova of Tridacna gigas in Samal Island, Philippines (presented by Dr. Girley S. Gumanao), In-Situ Synchronous Spawning of Protoreaster nodosus in Samal Island, Philippines (presented by Anselmo G. Anobong, Jr.), and New Records and Rare Marine Fishes from Mindanao Island, Philippines (presented by Kristine Joy S. Gumanao).
The conference aimed to develop comprehensive strategies for the sustainable management of natural resources by integrating knowledge from diverse fields. Through engaging discussions, poster presentations, and breakout sessions, ICoNSIE 2024 fostered a collaborative environment for exploring innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
ICoNSIE 2024 also emphasized the significance of preserving cultural heritage as a catalyst for environmental stewardship and innovation. The five-day event culminated in a vibrant networking and fellowship session, providing participants with ample opportunities to build connections and collaborate on future projects. This gathering reinforced the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation in achieving a sustainable future for our planet.
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