Studying science is much easier today than 125 years ago

Together with the Manila Bulletin, Lisa Paguntalan, executive director of the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, highlights today’s achievements in local biodiversity and science.

Studying our endemic wildlife and communicating the importance of the Philippines’ biodiversity to the Filipino people 30 years ago was a challenge. Aside from the poor appreciation and understanding of the word “biodiversity,” we have to heavily rely on illustrations, drawings, and low-resolution photos when advocating for wildlife and biodiversity conservation.

The information would take days before reaching the audience as remote villages and islands were not as accessible as today. Technology nowadays has made it possible to effectively communicate science with only a few second delay.

There are many platforms and venues that enable us to reach a wider audience. There are now many affordable and reliable equipment and gadgets that make it possible to observe and monitor poorly known endangered wildlife without having to catch them. We have now added more new species to science and rediscovered supposed extinct species. Access to expertise and new information in science is made easier with the internet. There are now more people and stakeholders who are aware, knowledgeable, and involved in biodiversity conservation.

We have more protected areas declared and areas managed better than before. And even though there are still serious concerns and issues in our environment, studying science is much easier today than 125 years ago. 

(Photo) Lisa Paguntalan (Image from LinkedIn)