The Philippine Society for the Study of Nature, Inc., in partnership with UP Cebu Department of Biology and Environmental Science of the College of Science, formally opened Day 1 of ICoNSIE 2026 at the Performing Arts Hall on May 13, 2026.
ICoNSIE 2026 serves as a platform for researchers, policymakers, educators, environmental advocates, and students to exchange insights, present research, and discuss initiatives and policies related to sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, decarbonization, and the transition to net-zero carbon emissions. The conference also marks the 25th year of the Philippine Society for the Study of Nature, Inc. and its ongoing contributions to environmental research, climate action, and sustainability initiatives.
The opening program gathered PSSN officers, university officials, guests, plenary and keynote speakers, and conference delegates, followed by a conference overview introducing the objectives and sub-themes of the three-day event.
The keynote address, “Cultivate Hope through Ecosystem Restoration and Adaptation,” was delivered by Dr. Stewart Lockie, followed by an open forum with conference attendees.
The first plenary session featured Dr. Harold Aquino with the lecture “Net Zero That Endures: The Decarbonisation-Resilience Nexus in High-Hazard Contexts.” Meanwhile, the second plenary lecture, “From Forests to Seascapes: Biodiversity Integration in Net Zero Carbon Governance,” was presented by Dr. Kannika Thongkhao. Both plenary sessions were followed by discussions and open forum exchanges with participants.
The afternoon sessions featured the Best Paper Competition, where presenters from universities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao presented research studies and innovations related to environmental science, sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The opening of the poster exhibit and evaluation of poster presentations were also conducted as part of the conference activities.
The first day concluded with a fellowship night and networking session attended by delegates, presenters, guests, and participants.