𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐑 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭

March 18-19, 2025; Puerto Galera, Philippines – The Palawan Biosphere Reserve, through the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff, participated in the two-day Puerto Galera Biosphere Reserve (Puerto Galera BR) Local Stakeholders’ Summit. The summit was organized by the University of the Philippines – Center for Research and Awareness of Diverse Living Environments (UP-CRADLE) in partnership with the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO (UNACOM). The participation aimed to foster collaboration and gain perspective on sustainable management practices and challenges from other biosphere reserves.

This local stakeholders’ summit facilitated discussions on key environmental challenges and the development of community-driven solutions to ensure long-term ecological and socio-economic benefits. Through the summit, Puerto Galera BR aims to strengthen local livelihoods, enhance environmental resilience, and guide the Puerto Galera Management Council and Local Government Units in their decision-making processes.

The Palawan BR representatives shared their experiences and best practices regarding ecosystem health and resources, community livelihoods and economic sustainability, and governance, policy, and social equity. During the discussions, they also highlighted suggestions related to advocacy, communication and education (ACE) activities and the strengthening of partnerships with other key stakeholders to promote biosphere reserves.

The summit brought together local stakeholders, government representatives, non-government organizations, academic institutions, and private sector partners of the Puerto Galera BR.