In a significant step toward enhancing science-based collaboration, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) visited the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) to advance a dialogue on strengthened cooperation in joint research, resource sharing, and capacity development for sustainable agriculture, aquatic resources, and ecosystem management.
The engagement builds on a partnership that has progressively developed over the past two years, beginning with the 1st Philippines–UK Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation in February 2024. It was followed by the initial PCAARRD-UKCEH meeting on August 28, 2024, and further strengthened by DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynalo V. Ebora’s visit to UKCEH Headquarters on June 10, 2025. Each exchange has contributed to a deeper understanding of shared priorities and complementary expertise.
On November 7, 2025, the two institutions held their first joint activity, which is a webinar titled, “DOST-PCAARRD–UKCEH Joint Webinar on Science and Governance of Lakes: Perspectives from the Philippines and the United Kingdom.” The webinar highlighted the strong alignment of the Council’s R&D agenda with UKCEH’s expertise in water resource management, lake management and restoration, and pollution assessment. It demonstrated how connecting scientific communities across borders can generate meaningful impact, drive evidence-based policies, and promote sustainable management of shared ecosystems.
Just weeks after the webinar a UKCEH delegation, led by Chief Executive Stuart Wainwright OBE, visited DOST-PCAARRD on November 21, 2025. He was joined by Professor Harry Dixon, Associate Director of International Research and Development; Ms. Maria Jarquin, International Relations Manager; and Mr. Stephen Philipps, International Non-Executive Director. Ms. Karen Ann Hipol, Science Diplomacy Adviser of the British Embassy Manila, also attended and emphasized the strong potential to further enhance UK-Philippines cooperation through DOST-PCAARRD and UKCEH initiatives in agriculture and natural resources.
During the meeting, DOST-PCAARRD presented ongoing programs and initiatives in smart farming, soil health, water and watershed management, inland aquatic biodiversity, pollution mitigation, and mangrove rehabilitation. UKCEH expressed strong interest in pursuing joint work on climate adaptation, lake and watershed research, soil conservation, and capability development initiatives, including potential scholarship partnerships, mentorship programs, and benchmarking activities.
This series of engagements underscores the growing synergy between DOST-PCAARRD and UKCEH and reflects a shared commitment to driving sustainable development and ecosystem stewardship through science and innovation.
Both institutions expressed optimism that the forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DOST-PCAARRD and UKCEH will formalize this partnership, paving the way for sustained joint research and capacity-building efforts that support evidence-based natural resource management for resilient ecosystems and long-term sustainability.