SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija, Philippines — The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) will establish a P2-million Biodiversity Research Center at the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) here.

The research center will conduct integrated research on agro-management practices, biodiversity utilization, socio-economic studies, biological pesticides and biological control agents.

A statement from CLSU revealed that the various research initiatives will be done by adopting on-site and off-site biodiversity conservation schemes, presenting sustainable livelihood options, and engaging in IEC activities through state-of-the-art technology.

The center will also provide data banking of agricultural crops diversity and biodiversity in the country, and will produce commercial biodiversity products.

BAR also plans to assist the center in promoting biodiversity through eco-tourism.

Gella Patricia Abella from the CLSU said the proposed Biodiversity Center will have three major areas: Biodiversity museum, biodiversity laboratory, and training room.

“The biodiversity museum, which will augment the existing one, will house the agro-biodiversity collection and research results of agro-biodiversity assessment studies in Central Luzon. This will be equipped with display boards, diorama, aquaria, and a flat screen monitor,” Abella said.

She added that a biodiversity laboratory will be utilized in the conduct of biodiversity research undertakings while a training room will be constructed to serve as a venue for trainings and seminars on biodiversity and environmental management and an orientation venue for visitors.

Dr. Annie Melinda Paz Alberto, project proponent and EMI director, said the center is expected to be constructed in three months and will be open to students, teachers, researchers, farmers, member agencies, and staff of local government units and other interested clientele towards the end of the year.

“I hope that through the center wider information dissemination and better public awareness on the importance of biodiversity specifically in the conservation of the natural environment will be achieved,” Dr. Alberto shared.