Mindanao State University (MSU) took center stage in the 5th International Conference on Environment and Forest Conservation, co-hosting the prestigious event held from December 5 to 7, 2024, at Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB University), Indonesia. This significant gathering of global leaders, experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners was united under the theme, "Forest Conservation in the Anthropocene: Adapting and Mitigating to New Environmental Resilience." The event aimed to tackle the pressing challenges and propose innovative solutions for conserving forests in the face of escalating environmental changes.

Representing the MSU System was a delegation led by University President, Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno. Delegates hailed from various campuses, including Marawi, Maguindanao, Naawan, and Buug, emphasizing the university's dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and global engagement.

The MSU Naawan campus was ably represented by Director Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Forestry Chairperson Dr. Edgar D. Castañares, CAFES faculty Sherley Ann T. Inocente, and Darlene M. Reble. Their participation not only amplified the university's role in global environmental discourse but also showcased groundbreaking research contributions to the international community.

Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, a recognized authority on microplastics research, delivered an impactful talk on the second day of the conference. His presentation provided an in-depth analysis of this emerging pollutant, the microplastics. Dr. Capangpangan’s talk highlighted the grave implications of microplastics on marine ecosystems, human health, and global food security, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative mitigation strategies.

Dr. Edgar D. Castañares, Chairperson of the Forestry Department, presented his study titled "Elliptic Fourier Analysis of Two Threatened 𝘈𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘓𝘢𝘮. (𝘛𝘩𝘺𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘦) and Its Associated Flora in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), Davao Oriental, Philippines." His research provided critical insights into the conservation of these endangered species within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing the need for sustained protection and biodiversity monitoring. Ms. Sherley Ann T. Inocente brought to light the critical pathway of land-based plastic debris into marine environments with her presentation, "A pathway of land-based plastic debris into the marine environment: The status of Cagayan de Oro River." Her work highlighted the growing menace of plastic pollution and its downstream impacts, offering valuable perspectives on community-driven solutions. Meanwhile, Ms. Darlene M. Reble presented her pioneering research titled "The Prevalence of Microplastics in Farmed Seaweed 𝘒𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘻𝘪𝘪 in Panguil Bay, Philippines." Her findings revealed alarming levels of microplastics contamination in farmed seaweed, shedding light on its potential implications for aquaculture industries and coastal communities.

The conference provided an exceptional platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together minds from across the globe to discuss sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and the broader challenges of environmental resilience in the Anthropocene epoch. MSU’s active involvement not only highlighted its research excellence but also reaffirmed its commitment to addressing critical global issues.

Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, during his welcome speech, expressed pride in the university’s contributions and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.

As the world continues to combat with unprecedented environmental challenges, the insights shared and connections forged during the conference will undoubtedly inspire further research, policy development, and community initiatives aimed at preserving the planet for future generations.