DAVAO CITY — The upcoming Global Biodiversity Conservation Conference (GBCC) will place traditional ecological knowledge and science at the center of discussions on environmental protection. Scheduled for October 3, 2025, the event is part of the Asia Pacific Multiconference and will be held in Davao City.

The GBCC is co-organized by the Philippine Eagle Foundation and UP Mindanao, led by Mr. Eric Francisco and Dr. Mae Anne Mata, respectively. The initiative was introduced during a media forum hosted by the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA).

“This is more than a scientific gathering,” said Francisco. “We are bringing together conservationists, researchers, policy advocates, and indigenous leaders to recognize biodiversity conservation as both a scientific and cultural concern.”

Dr. Mata, the Director for Research at UP Mindanao and this year’s Outstanding Young Scientist in mathematics, said the GBCC is an opportunity for Mindanao to take a leading role in global environmental discussions.

“Mindanao is often left out of these conversations,” she said. “But this time, we are not just joining—we are hosting.”

The GBCC will focus on conservation strategies across terrestrial and marine ecosystems, with special attention to the role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) held by Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities. The conference will also include plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and community-led presentations.

Francisco said the inclusion of indigenous knowledge is crucial, especially in the context of Mindanao’s fragile and biodiverse environment.

“IP communities are not separate from biodiversity- they are part of it,” he said. “Their knowledge systems are key to sustainable conservation.”

The GBCC is one of three major events under the Asia Pacific Multiconference, organized by UP Mindanao. The other two are:

• International Conference on Agricultural Economics and Development (ICAED) – Sept. 10–11, 2025
  
• International Conference on Mindanao Studies – November 2025
  

The event is open to scientists, researchers, conservation practitioners, educators, IP leaders, and community organizers. Organizers are now calling for paper submissions and participants.

Interested attendees may follow the UP Mindanao Office of Research and Philippine Eagle Foundation social media channels for updates on registration and program details.

“We are building a conference that reflects the full scope of conservation, not just environmental, but also scientific, political, and cultural,” Francisco said. “And Davao is the right place to lead that conversation.”