Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development in Germany and the Project ZooMap team, led by Dr. Denise Margaret Matias, made an important visit to Palawan Governor V. Dennis Socrates at the Provincial Capitol on Thursday, August 17.
The meeting centered around their joint research endeavor, focusing on the effective management of Biosphere Reserves in Palawan.The collaborative effort, which is funded by a Germany-based foundation, aims to shed light on the complex interplay between socio-cultural relations and zoonotic diseases.
Dr. Matias elaborated that the research would include a special focus on endangered species such as the Philippine Pangolin, and an evaluation of the influence of cultural practices on wildlife trade.
“This project is funded by a Germany-based foundation and we aim to investigate the role of socio-cultural relations in zoonoses including the endangered species like Philippine Pangolin and assessing the role of cultural practices in enabling wildlife trade,” Matias said.
The ZooMap Germany team consists of Project Coordinator Stephanie Murr and Saleem Haddad from Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, joined by Philippine counterparts.
Comprising the ZooMap Germany team are Project Coordinator Stephanie Murr and Mr. Saleem Haddad from Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, alongside their Philippine counterparts: Prof. Neliza Tabi, Prof. Marilyn Baaco, Prof. Imelda Pacaldo, Mr. Jordan Mosquito, Dr. Rodolfo Abalus Jr, and Mr. Jandi Panolino from Palawan State University.
Meanwhile, the Palawan government expressed its support to the objectives of Project ZooMap.
The Capitol committed to provide crucial information and assistance to facilitate biosphere conservation studies, highlighting the importance of such endeavors in preserving Palawan’s rich biodiversity.