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WEEKLONG SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION IN ILOCOS NORTE
In Partnership with the National Museum of Natural History
From rugged mountains to limestone forests and coastal ecosystems, Ilocos Norte became a living laboratory during a weeklong scientific expedition led by the Northwestern University Ecological Park & Botanic Gardens (NUEBG) in partnership with the National Museum of Natural History.
Researchers, curators, and biodiversity specialists worked hand in hand to document endemic and threatened species, collect specimens for scientific study, and strengthen local conservation initiatives. The expedition covered key biodiversity areas, including upland forests, caves, and coral-rich coastlines—each revealing the unique biological richness of Northwestern Luzon.
This collaborative effort not only enriches the national biological collections but also reinforces the shared commitment to environmental education, heritage preservation, and sustainable development.
Discover. Document. Protect.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation- Burgos
The fieldwork revisited the type localities of plant specimens first recorded more than a century ago by the pioneering American botanist Elmer Drew Merrill, whose early collections laid the foundation for Philippine botanical research. By retracing these historic routes, the team sought to verify the continued presence of these species, assess habitat conditions, and collect new specimens for updated classification, DNA barcoding, and long-term conservation.
This initiative not only underscores the importance of Ilocos Norte as a region rich in floristic diversity, but also highlights the urgent need to document changes in species distribution brought about by habitat loss, climate change, and land-use transformation. The collaboration between the National Museum and CBCREEC represents a strategic effort to strengthen local and national capacities in biodiversity research, ecosystem monitoring, and species conservation.
Kalbario Patapat Natural Park- Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Anuplig Falls- Adams, Ilocos Norte
By bridging historical data with modern scientific approaches, the project reflects the National Museum’s enduring commitment to preserving the country’s botanical legacy and promoting environmental awareness. It also marks a critical step in empowering local institutions like CBCREEC to take active roles in environmental stewardship, policy development, and educational outreach.
As the Philippines continues to face mounting environmental challenges, efforts like this serve as a reminder that science, heritage, and conservation must go hand-in-hand to secure a sustainable and biologically rich future for all.
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