During the second session of the Training Series for Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserves Network (SEABRNet) Members held in Merapi Merbabu Menoreh Biosphere Reserve (M3 BR), Yogyakarta, Indonesia last December 4-6, 2025, a staff from the ECAN Education and Extension Division (EEED) of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) served as a resource person to share the best practices in sustainable ecotourism and community partnerships in the Palawan Biosphere Reserve (Palawan BR).

John Carlo Roquid of PCSDS-EEED highlighted the diverse ecotourism activities and practices in the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites–Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site (TRNP) and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP)–and the Tabon Caves Complex. He, likewise, introduced the Zero Carbon Resorts Project in Palawan BR, as one of the practices that may be implemented by the SEABRNet members.

A brief rundown of some sustainable livelihood projects was also given by Mr. Roquid, emphasizing how government agencies, non-government organizations and other private entities may collaborate to aid indigenous peoples, women, youth and other members of the community in sustainably using the natural resources of Palawan BR in developing and promoting biodiversity- and nature-based products in Palawan BR.

The trainin,g titled Bioprospecting/Bio-Product and Ecosystem Services: Sustainable Biosphere Reserve Products and Branding Development was developed and conducted in line with the anticipated launch of the new Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Strategy (2026-2035) adopted in Hangzhou, China last September.

The UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, along with the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO, and the other SEABRNet members presented lectures and case studies on topics of bioprospecting, green entrepreneurship, ecotourism and eco-product innovations, and BR branding, certification and marketing.

To better understand the practical application of sustainable ecotourism and livelihood, the participants were taken to an excursion to Jatimulyo Village and Donorejo Village in the M3 BR where they experienced the local practices of bird conservation through forest farming and community-based goat farming.