Title: Philippines in the Eye of the Storm: Implications to Forestry Education and Research
Time: Thu. Nov 28, 2024, 6-7 PM PST (Vancouver)
Dr. Juan M. Pulhin
Professor, UP Scientist III, and Academician
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Dr. Juan M. Pulhin
Dr. Juan M. Pulhin is a full Professor and former Dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). He has held the highest rank of UP Scientist III since 2011, reflecting his distinguished scholarly outputs and international scientific standing.
Dr. Pulhin is the Founding Director of the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM) and the country’s leading expert in integrated natural resources governance. He has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Tokyo on four occasions and a Visiting Scholar at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. Additionally, he serves as an Invited Expert for the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN).
Dr. Pulhin is an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in the Philippines and a member of the Multistakeholder Advisory Council of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He was also recently appointed by the President of the Philippines as a member of the Climate Change Commission People’s Survival Fund Board, representing the academe and scientific community.
Among his many accolades, Dr. Pulhin is a recipient or co-recipient of numerous national and international awards. Notably, he contributed to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Award, which was shared by the members of the IPCC and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.
Abstract
Located in the Pacific typhoon belt, the Philippines is among the most disaster-prone nations globally, frequently enduring destructive typhoons, as seen in the recent months. These events significantly impact forests, communities, and ecosystems, disrupting livelihoods and vital ecosystem services. This presentation explores the broader implications of these vulnerabilities for forestry education and research, not only in the Philippines but also in other climate-vulnerable nations. It underscores the urgent need to integrate climate resilience and disaster risk reduction into forestry curricula and research agendas to address the compounding threats of climate change and increasing disasters. Innovative strategies to mitigate impacts on forest ecosystems, enhance community resilience, and sustain ecosystem services are essential. The discussion highlights interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches as key to building a proactive and adaptive forestry sector. Ultimately, this calls for global action to prepare forestry professionals to respond effectively to escalating environmental and social challenges while advancing sustainable development and resilience worldwide.