Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss. Western Philippines University contributes to this goal through its commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, environmental research, and the responsible use of natural resources. Through its academic programs, research initiatives, and community extension activities, the university supports the assessment and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, the protection of threatened and endemic species, forest rehabilitation, and the promotion of sustainable land management practices. It also engages students, researchers, government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities in environmental education, habitat restoration, and biodiversity protection efforts. Institutional initiatives in land-use planning further incorporate ecological conditions, vegetative cover, watersheds, and biodiversity considerations into the sustainable development of university properties. By combining scientific research, environmental stewardship, and community participation, WPU helps protect natural habitats, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and promote the sustainable management of land and forest resources. These efforts align with SDG 15’s objectives of conserving terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, restoring degraded habitats, promoting sustainable forest management, and protecting biodiversity and threatened species.
Our initiatives
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WPU EMERGE-IP Researchers Conduct Ecological Surveys in Palawan
The Enhancing Marine Environmental Resource Governance in Indonesia and the Philippines (EMERGE-IP) project successfully conducted its ecological fieldwork in collaboration with the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF). The first leg of the fieldwork was conducted from April 13 to 27, 2026 in San Vicente, while the second leg followed from April 30 to May… Read more
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WPU Excels at World Pangolin Day 2026
Western Philippines University emerged as one of the standout performers in the World Pangolin Day Celebration Competition, clinching top awards across multiple categories and showcasing both academic excellence and creative advocacy for wildlife conservation. WPU participants with coaches Mr. Jonah Joy Aquino and Ms. Lyca Sandrea Castro In the Quiz Bee, WPU bagged the Championship title through the team of… Read more
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WPU Strengthens Commitment to Watershed Conservation Through Partnership with PPCWD and Palawan State University
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN — Western Philippines University (WPU) has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability and community development through a partnership with the Puerto Princesa City Water District (PPCWD) and Palawan State University (PalSU) aimed at protecting and sustainably managing the Montible Watershed, one of Puerto Princesa City’s vital sources of water. The collaboration… Read more
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WPU VPs and Researchers Take Center Stage at the 1st PhiTon Congress and 6th AMSEM
Western Philippines University Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lita B. Sopsop, earned the Best Natural Science Study (Oral Presentation) award for her research titled “Economic Value of the Mangrove Ecosystem in So. Marikit, Brgy. San Juan, Aborlan, Palawan, Philippines,” presented during the 1st Philippine Toxinology Congress and the 6th International Symposium on ASEAN Marine Animal and Snake Envenoming/Poisoning Management (AMSEM) held… Read more
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Nature Within Campus: WPU’s Green Spaces Protecting Endemic and Threatened Wildlife
Rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development have transformed natural landscapes worldwide, resulting in habitat loss and fragmentation that increasingly isolate wildlife populations. Consequently, conserving biodiversity requires extending conservation efforts beyond traditional protected areas and recognizing the ecological value of human-dominated landscapes. Among the most promising opportunities within these landscapes are green spaces, which have… Read more
