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The first Regional Protected Area (PA) Conference in Region I was successfully co-hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region I and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region I, held at La Casa Blanca Hotel in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. This milestone event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including Protected Area Superintendents (PASUs), park rangers, conservation advocates, local government representatives, and academic researchers dedicated to the preservation and sustainable management of the region’s natural resources.
The conference served as a valuable platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration among those managing the region’s protected landscapes and seascapes. Participants engaged in discussions on enhancing ecotourism promotion, leveraging both mainstream and social media platforms to raise public awareness and appreciation for protected areas. Case studies and presentations highlighted best practices from exemplary conservation sites, notably the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon, which showcased successful models of community engagement, biodiversity protection, and sustainable tourism integration.
Another key highlight of the conference was the sharing of scientific knowledge on the unique vegetation and ecological profiles of the Ilocos Region. These insights were presented by the Center for Botanical Research and Conservation of Endemic and Endangered Species in the Cordillera (CBCREEC), emphasizing the need for science-based management approaches in PA governance.
A major contribution to the event was delivered by Director Michael Agbayani Calaramo, head of the Northwestern University Ecological Park & Botanic Gardens. Director Calaramo presented the outcomes of 19 years of long-term ecological research conducted by Northwestern University across various habitats in Northwestern Luzon. His presentation shed light on key findings in the field of plant systematics, habitat conservation, and species rediscovery, while also outlining the significant challenges faced by conservation initiatives, including habitat loss, climate change impacts, lack of resources, and the urgent need for stronger policy support.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, integrating research with policy and practice, and empowering local communities to actively participate in the stewardship of Region I’s rich natural heritage.
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