The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) together with the Regalo ng Kilit Foundation, Inc. convened the First International Conference on School-Plus-Home Garden cum Biodiversity Enhancement Enterprise (SHGBEE1) with the theme, “Restoring Biodiversity, Regenerating Agriculture, and Building Businesses.” Held on November 8-12, 2022, at Coron, Palawan, Philippines, SHGBEE1 provided a platform for sharing of experiences and best practices related to school and home gardens and its contributions to biodiversity enhancement and enterprise development in the Southeast Asian region.
The Conference Program was composed of three parts: mobile workshops, plenary sessions, and breakout sessions. The two-day mobile workshop showcased facilities and practices that aim to increase understanding and appreciation of the indispensability of biodiversity, as well as the need to enhance and conserve it while sustainably producing food and supporting local tourism as alternative sources of income for households and the community. Participants visited the Green Roof Garden of Coron Natural Farms, Claudio Sandoval South Elementary School Garden, Siete Pecados Marine Park, Tagbanwa Ancestral Domain, and Kingfisher Park.