University Biodiversity Action Plan

The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is a living document that details the university’s collective efforts to achieve its commitments on biodiversity targets. It serves not just to document the conservation practices within the Loyola Heights campus, but also to extend these practices to other campuses within the Ateneo system by providing them with a reference that would help them devise a solution for their biodiversity related problems. 

Under the guidance of incumbent University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, a Core Working Group (CWG) was established to formulate the BAP, consisting of experts from diverse disciplines within Ateneo. The CWG is responsible for determining its scope and contents, outlining goals and expected outcomes, and establishing monitoring mechanisms. Kindly refer to the University President’s memorandum on the development of the Biodiversity Action Plan HERE.

Through constant coordination with its various stakeholders, Ateneo is committed to addressing the biodiversity related issues within and in the surrounding areas of the campus as well as its alignments with the goals of Laudato Si’, Lux in Domino, the Sustainable University Master Plan, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

As proof of their dedication towards the conservation of native species within campus, the University is currently documenting the campus’ biodiversity through projects such as the tree tagging, geo-tagging of flora, developing a species inventory of certain representative taxa, monitoring biodiversity community structure and dynamics, among others. Ateneo’s campus serves as a living laboratory for its students, faculty, and researchers. This proximity to biodiversity in a world where spaces for people and wildlife can co-exist are dwindling, allowing Ateneo to conduct important research in the fields of environmental science and conservation. Green spaces such as the Arboretum allow for research on rare native plants to be conducted without having to leave Metro Manila.