INTEGRATING HUMAN HEALTH CONCERNS IN
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Initiatives of an Academic Institution in Palawan Province, Philippines [1]
Michael D. Pido, Teresita L Salva, Ronald Edilberto Ona and Patrick A Regoniel [2]
Wanton degradation of the environment and natural resources ultimately affects the health of human population. Hence, the resources must be exploited within their regenerative capacities, and the functional integrity of the environment must likewise be maintained in pursuit of development endeavors. Although the major link between resource/environment conservation and healthy human population is known (Figure 1), the interconnections could be made more explicit. If the multi-dimensional relationships between human health and environmental components are not holistically defined, they may have negative far-reaching consequences for society.
The Center for Strategic Policy and Governance (CSPG) based at the Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines was established in late 1992. As a technical unit, the CSPG aims to provide relevant information for policy formulation and decision-making. The CSPG conducts/undertakes catalytic research and applied studies - as well as links with relevant institutions and stakeholders - to help promote the twin objective of sustainable development and environment conservation in Palawan. Over the last four year, the CSPG Palawan has implemented/undertaken several projects throughout Palawan (Figure 2). Somehow, these undertakings help define the interconnections between resource/environment conservation and healthy human population.
[1]A poster to be presented to the National Council for Science and the Environment’s 7th National Conference for Science, Policy and the Environment: Integrating Environment and Human Health to be held on February 1-2, 2007 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC, USA.
[2]Affiliate faculty members, Center for Strategic Policy and Governance, Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Province, Philippines 5300
