Building a community of conservation communicators
Selected students and researchers from the University of the Philippines–Diliman (UPD) participated in a “commservation” workshop, a two-day event focused on the basics of science communication and conservation.
The workshop was organized by the UPD College of Science (UPD-CS) in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Save Philippine Seas (SPS) and took place on Oct. 12 and Oct. 14.
The workshop was designed to build the science communication skills of conservation practitioners and enthusiasts, fostering a community of communicators for conservation. The workshop was open to UPD constituents interested in the conservation and restoration of the Philippines’ natural resources and environment, as well as in science communication.
A total of 21 participants were selected to join the workshop, and were introduced to the fundamentals of science communication as well as data visualization, public speaking, grant writing, and fundraising. The activities allowed them to apply what they learned to their conservation efforts.
Apart from talks by invited speakers, the workshop also included slam book sessions where participants could discuss their conservation efforts and aspirations in detail, as well as interactive mentorship sessions where they presented their communication outputs based on what they learned to the UPD-CS and SPS team for feedback and suggestions.
Participants expressed how the topics discussed during the workshop were beneficial to their initiatives, helping them gain new knowledge and skills.
“The workshop was a real eye-opener for me on the impact of science communication. It emphasized that research is more than just generating knowledge—it’s about making that knowledge accessible and relevant to a wider audience. It reminded me that the best science is the kind that reaches and resonates with people,” said Kloudene Salazar, a participant.
“As an alumna of UP who took classes under UPD-CS, I know how sessions like these and the networks we build can be transformative for the paths we want to pursue,” said Anna Oposa, executive director and “chief mermaid” of SPS. “Science communication is an essential skill for scientists, whether professional or aspiring. By communicating our research outputs and findings to a broader audience like policymakers and communities, we have the potential for greater impact.”
Speakers were Dr. Inez Ponce De Leon, associate professor at the Department of Communication of Ateneo de Manila University; freelance science communicator Christopher Ng, who introduced the concept of science communication; Cham Mamador, data visualization specialist at Canva Philippines, who discussed data visualization; and Oposa, who covered public speaking and grant writing.
