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BIOME Philippine National Biodiversity Meeting

BIOME Historical Timeline

The Philippine National Biodiversity Meeting, known as BIOME, has grown from its first Catanduanes-based biodiversity meeting into a continuing platform for research, education, conservation, climate action, and community engagement.

BIOME 1
2010 • Virac, Catanduanes

BIOME 1

Theme: Climate Change, Sustainable Agriculture, Political Ecology, and Social Representations of Biodiversity Science

The first-ever national biodiversity meeting held in Catanduanes, pioneering scientific engagement in the island province.

Highlights: Featured keynote speakers Dr. Josette Talamero-Biyo and Dr. Abercio Rotor. Laid the foundation for environmental awareness, research, and sustainability.

BIOME 2
2011 • Virac, Catanduanes

BIOME 2 / SEDTEC 1

Theme: Knowledge, Passion, and Leadership

Conducted back-to-back with the first SEDTEC, merging biodiversity science with education and technology.

Highlights: Focused on rivers, estuaries, wetlands, and the impact of ICT on environmental learning. Strengthened national networks among universities, educators, and government agencies.

BIOME 3
2012 • Catandungan Festival

BIOME 3 / SEDTEC 2

Theme: Water and Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Coincided with the Catandungan Festival, reinforcing science-community partnerships.

Highlights: Highlighted water science, renewable energy, and ecosystem governance. Promoted multi-sectoral collaboration among LGUs, NGOs, and research institutions.

BIOME 4
2013–2014 • CatSU

BIOME 4 / BIOCULTURES

Theme: Fostering Cooperation in Water Biodiversity Conservation in Marine and Freshwater Systems for Island Development

Celebrated the UN International Year of Water Cooperation and expanded BIOME into broader bio-cultural and island development concerns.

Highlights: Strengthened international partnerships with scholars from Australia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. Promoted marine, forest, agricultural biodiversity, and island bio-cultures.

BIOME 5
2018 • Virac, Catanduanes

BIOME 5 / SEDTEC 3

Theme: Biodiversity of Mangroves: Environmental Education, Mangrove Conservation, and Rational Management of Mangroves

Revived BIOME after a short hiatus, focusing on mangrove ecosystems and coastal resilience.

Highlights: Reinforced the integration of science, education, and community participation. Emphasized environmental technology and innovation in climate adaptation.

BIOME 6
2020 • Virtual Web Conference

BIOME 6

Theme: Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Society, Education, Environment, and Development (S.E.E.D.)

The first fully virtual BIOME, held in collaboration with IUCN-CEC Switzerland and Pacifictech NGO.

Highlights: Addressed global issues on food systems, health, ageing, and sustainability amid the pandemic. Featured thought leaders from DOST, CHED, and international research institutions.

BIOME 7
2022 • Virac, Catanduanes

BIOME 7 / SEDTEC 3 / Sea Research Symposium

Theme: Local Climate Change Solutions for Coastal Wetlands and Sustainable Seafood Production

A three-in-one scientific event integrating BIOME, SEDTEC, and the Sea Research Symposium.

Highlights: Supported by CatSU, DOST-PNRI, and Elsevier’s Journal of Sea Research. Focused on marine biodiversity, coastal food systems, and climate innovation in the Bicol Region.

BIOME 8
2024 • Virac, Catanduanes

BIOME 8

Theme: Where Community, Science, Faith, and Conservation Meet

A transformative convergence of science and faith, incorporating the principles of Laudato Si.

Highlights: Featured discussions on Blue Economy, Nuclear Science for Coastal Management, Isotope Hydrology, and Storytelling for Conservation. Strengthened collaboration among scientists, policymakers, educators, and clergy.

BIOME 9
2025 • Aklan, Philippines

BIOME 9

Theme: Waters for Hope: Faith in Bridging Biodiversity, Climate, and Food Security for the Future of Philippine Aquatic Systems

BIOME 9 served as a dynamic platform for collaboration across disciplines, linking science, engineering, technology, community engagement, and spiritual stewardship.

Highlights: Emphasized mountain streams, rivers, wetlands, and coastal oceans as critical systems for biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and national food security.

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