Program: Biodiversity and Vulnerable Ecosystems Research (BiVER)

Project #1: Biodiversity and Systematics Study of Organisms in Vulnerable

Ecosystems

Duration: July 1, 2018 (Start) – June 30 2020 (End)

Proponents: Prof. Janeth Morata-Fuentes (Team Leader) and PSHS Scholars

Institutions involved:
1. The Philippine Science High School in Eastern Visayas Campus (PHSH-EVC)
2. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development
of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
3. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

Summary
This project aims to document the biodiversity in Eastern Visayas through ecological assessments and
systematic studies. With the rich marine and terrestrial resources of Eastern Visayas, the whole region
has also become more vulnerable to stronger typhoons and heavier rainfalls due to climate change.
The “BiVER” program, through the data it can provide, intends to help agencies like the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units in their policy-making endeavours
and in the creation of evidence-based resource-management programs. The project also aims to offer
PSHS scholars a training ground to develop their research skills, as well as allow them to have
community-immersion experience.

Objectives:
1. To study and document vulnerable ecosystems biodiversity and environmental quality
2. To create geospatial maps and document anthropogenic activities of the different study sites
3. To create a computational model of the dynamics of a river system
4. To create a database system

Expected Outputs:

 Inventory of flora and fauna

 Data on environmental quality of ecosystems
 Computational models of economically important river systems
 A BiVER database system and web site which will store research data and serve as accessible
source of information for the public.