The Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has lined up a host of events and activities to mark the annual International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22. This year’s theme is “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Sustaining People and their Livelihood.”

The highlight of the celebration is the photo and livelihood exhibit showcasing products and services that contribute to conservation of the country’s rich biological diversity.

Biodiversity-friendly businesses and products will be on display at the BMB Training Center inside the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City, starting May 20.

The exhibit will also feature the winners of the photo contest dubbed “Selfie for Biodiversity and Livelihood 2016,” which aims to show how efforts in protecting biodiversity help sustain livelihood.

The whole event is held in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation or GIZ.

Biodiversity conservation has long been at the forefront of environmental issues given that it is directly affected by climate change and in turn impacts food security.

In the recently concluded 2nd National Protected Area Conference held at the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria on April 26, Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje noted how protected area (PA) management enjoyed exponential support in the past years.

The environment chief added that substantial funding was also allocated for reforestation of beach and mangrove areas frequented by typhoons, after Supertyphoon Yolanda struck central Philippines in 2013.

“This is intended to restore the integrity of mangroves and ensure that they perform their function as natural buffers from typhoons and storm surges,” Paje said.

Under the Aquino administration, the DENR has received considerable foreign assistance to scale-up PA management effectiveness. #