Institutional Linkages

 

SESAM maintains strong linkages with and draws strength from other units of the University.

It initiated the formation of the Environmental Education Network of the Philippines (EENP), serving as its permanent secretariat. EENP is composed of state colleges, universities and NGOs which are strategically located in different  regions of the country.

It co-founded the Southeast Asian Universities Agroecosystem Network (SUAN), an informal association of university-based research groups in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. SUAN aims to generate useful knowledge relating to the development and management of rural resources.

It maintains institutional linkages locally and internationally in order to pursue its multidisciplinary concerns with: the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Department of Agriculture (DA); Winrock International; International Research and Development Center (IDRC); Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); Center for Agrobiological Research in the Netherlands, among others.

Linkages with educational institutions have been established with the UP Baguio, UP College Cebu, UP Mindanao, Dela Salle University, Miriam College, East-West Center, Ben Guiron University of Israel, Dalhousie University in Canada, Imperial College of London, University of Georgia, University of California in Berkeley, and University of Zimbabwe, among others.

 

The Environmental Education Network of the Philippines (EENP)

Background

In 1986, the Institute of Environmental Science and Management (IESAM) of the UPLB submitted to the Ford Foundation a proposal for financial support for the creation of an environmental education network.

The Ford Foundation readily approved the proposal thereby paving the way for the network’s organizational meeting on March 4, 1988. Eight representatives from different colleges and universities and one from a federation of NGOs with environment-related programs attended the meeting. It was agreed during that meeting that the EENP’s Secretariat would be based at IESAM.

Today, EENP has evolved from a loose organization to an established national network comprising of more than 50 academic and research institutions nationwide, and a national federation of NGOs. The EENP was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 2 February 1992.

Vision

The vision of EENP is a “rehabilitated, secure and healthy environment for present and future generations.”

Mission

The EENP sees its mission as the promotion of sustainable development through a strong and independent network of Philippine institutions able to provide national and local governments, private firms, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, and local communities advice and expertise on environmental education policies and programs appropriate to local, regional and national conditions.

Objectives

1.   To create a network of regional colleges, universities, research centers, and NGOs which cooperatively promote the advancement of environmental education in all levels and sectors.

2.   To develop collaborative activities leading towards the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources; and

3.   To coordinate instruction, research and extension initiatives among environmental and educational institutions in the country as well as provide mechanisms for linking up these initiatives with global and regional (especially in Southeast Asia) environmental programs.

Strategies

Teacher training, curriculum development, research and outreach programs and other aspects of environmental education based on the sustainable development paradigm.

The Environmental Outreach Network (EON)

The Environmental Outreach Network started as a loose organization with six member institutions. Now, its membership has grown to 34 and has formally been organized with its registration as a non-stock, non-profit NGO with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 18 July 1995. It was IESAM that proposed its creation.

Vision and Mission

EON is guided by its vision to have an environmentally informed and committed citizenry who respect, care for and nurture the environment, and promote activities to mange resources on a sustainable basis. Its mission is to promote and enhance environmental education activities and advocacy through effective networking and concerted action.

Activities

EON pursues its vision and mission by: a) supporting the development of environmental outreach activities of each member; b) developing mechanism for enhancing the sharing of resources and flow of information among members; c) undertaking capability-building through training and other appropriate means; d) undertaking policy reviews and lobbying for priority environmental issues; e) linking the network with local, national and global institutions concerned with the same objectives and activities; and e) initiating and supporting other groups to promote environmental awareness and action for sustainable resource management. 

 

Samahang Pangkapaligiran ng Pilipinas (SPP, Inc.)

It is only in true unity and meaningful cooperation of those concerned that milestone achievements in environmental management of industries can best be achieved. This belief led to the formation of the Samahang Pangka-paligiran ng Pilipinas or SPP, Inc. on 24 April 1998. The association with an initial 21 members was formed through the CIDA-funded Environmental Security and Management Program of SESAM.

Objectives

1.   To create a network of individuals and institutions for cooperative promotion and advancement of environmental awareness and principles of sustainable development among industries and communities within the CALABARZON area.

2.   To develop collaborative activities towards the promotion and advancement of environmental management and global competitiveness of the businesses and industries in the CALABARZON.

3.   To endeavor towards development and enhancement of technical competence in environmental management of its members.

4.   To coordinate environment-related initiatives among its member individuals/institutions and provide mechanisms for linking up these initiatives with regional, national and global environmental programs.

Activities

The first activity of the Association was the CALABARZON Business and Environment Form held on 6 August 1998. The forum discussed issues concerning business and environmental management in the CALABARZON area.