Philippine Clearing House Mechanism (Phil-CHM) Network held Meeting to present new Website and Updates

The 2019 meeting of the Philippine Clearing House Mechanism (Phil CHM) held last November 20, 2019 in Quezon City to present the network’s new website and updates on the activities of some partner organizations. In her welcome message, Assistant Director Armida P. Andres emphasized the importance of CHM network as a central repository of biodiversity information and how to operationalize the network to achieve the PBSAP targets.

During the meeting the following Phil CHM partner organizations presented updates on their activities and programs:

• Herpwatch Philippines – Presented the output of the Phil-CHM Node endorsed GBIF-BIFA funded Project entitled “Alien Amphibians and Reptiles, a Threat to to Philippine Biosecurity: Developing a National Invasive Alien Amphibian and Reptile Inventory and Occurrence Database and Observation and Monitoring System.
• University of the Philippines-Baguio – Dr. Zenaida G. Baonan of the Department of Biology, College of Science presented the status of the CHED-Funded Project “Popularizing Access to Biodiversity Information Data and Conservation Opportunities”(PABIDACO).
• Center for Conservation Innovations Philippines presented their citizen science Biodiversity and Threats Monitoring App (BioMon).

During the presentation of the enhanced Phil CHM website, it was suggested to include a Dashboard for information based on PBSAP and AICHI Targets and a page to link to partner website or database as the best option for data sharing among partners. CHM partner staff will also be  given access to the website for updating or posting events and updates. A Template of reporting for 6NR for partners is also suggested to be part of the website.

Other agreements of the meetings are the following:

• Sustainable mechanisms should be part of project/research proposals conducted by partners
• Recognition of local Partners in research activities within study areas
• Technology transfer thru endorsement of local DENR /engagement of local partners
• Endorsement of Policy revisions based on comments/recommendations/ position papers from stakeholders along with NCIPs
• Mechanism to engage Citizen Science
• Update MOU with review/recommendations from partners
• Schedule of Meeting is at least twice a year

Representatives from the following Phil CHM Partners attended the meeting:

1. Biodiversity Management Bureau
   1. Forest Management Bureau (FMB)
   1. Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB)
   1. National Water Resource Board (NWRB)
   1. Land Management Bureau (LMB)
   1. National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)
   1. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
   1. Philippine Rice Research Institute
   1. University of the Philippines-Baguio
   1. Central Luzon State University
   1. Kalinga State University
   1. Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD)
   1. Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP)
   1. Center for Conservation Innovation Philippines Inc.(CCI)
   1. Q-Aquatics(Fishbase) Philippines
   1. Philippine Institute of Traditional And Alternative Health Care (PITAHC-DOH)

Report of the Meeting.