The 18th, 19th and 20th centuries were periods characterized by large amounts of effort exerted by scientists of the developed nations in Europe and North America to explore, collect and study the tropical world’s biodiversity. Their scientific expeditions were sometimes (but not always) associated with the colonization of tropical countries in virtually all continents of the world by these developed nations. Large numbers of scientific specimens were amassed by these explorations. These materials, now housed in natural history museums in Europe and North America, have been published upon, and we derive part of the knowledge about our own biodiversity from these publications.
If scientists from the source tropical countries want to examine these specimens, especially the type specimens for taxonomic and systematic studies, they may have to visit these museums. This has been a problem for developing countries because their scientists cannot afford to pay for travels abroad. Foreign museums, however, have provisions for lending these materials to scientists in developing countries through air shipment. But these specimens have to remain permanently where they are now deposited because usually developing countries cannot ensure the safekeeping of these valuable natural treasures. We take note for example of the case of the animal specimen collections at the Philippine Bureau of Science, which were destroyed by the Japanese invaders during World War II.
In the 21st century, developing countries have tightened up their hold on their biodiversity, because of smuggling but mainly because many species are threatened by extinction resulting from loss of habitats. Many scientists complain of bureaucratic delays in securing the required permits to collect specimens issued by the national government, including the consultation with local governments before limited collection is allowed. Some also question the requirement to deposit type specimens at the Philippine National Museum. These complaints are understandable, but I think the requirements are justifiable on grounds of conservation of the country’s biodiversity.
I believe that another requirement should be imposed on researchers who study Philippine biodiversity: They must help in the conservation of Philippine biodiversity, especially in the protection of the habitats of the species they are studying as part of their commitment to ensure the future survival of the species. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources should consider issuing a Department Order to this effect.
The rationale for my suggestion is as follows: Research on biodiversity in the country has improved during the past 20 years. This is due in part to the work of the new generation of biologists and conservationists. Many papers on biodiversity have been published. Conservation of biodiversity both terrestrial and marine, however, has not progressed much, except for the establishment of several ex-situ programs. This is understandable: it is much easier to conduct research and publish the results than to persuade local and national governments and local communities to protect habitats of biodiversity. In my view, protective management of habitats and ecosystems should be the next main thrust of researchers, without of course neglecting the search for new species and more knowledge about Philippine biodiversity, using new research tools and new methods. It is obvious that mere knowledge about Philippine biodiversity alone will not serve the interests of both the research community and the people of the Philippines; biodiversity should be conserved for future uses. To this end, investments for habitat and species protection should be the concern of government, international and national NGOs, and the scientific community. Protective management of habitats and ecosystems is a real challenge because protected areas in the Philippines have not been very popular with the people, as evidenced by violations of the rules and regulations of protected areas. An innovative, holistic strategy of addressing the problem of conserving biodiversity and ecosystems is therefore needed.
