Negros Expedition Sets Off

Environmentalists from the United Kingdom and the Philippines have set off on a two- week biological expedition to the interior of the North Negros Natural Park (NNNP).

Members of the joint United Kingdom-Philippines Negros Interior Biodiversity Expedition pose for posterity before setting off on Monday, April 6, 2009, from Campuestohan in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. Pictured: James Sawyer, James Benares, Dr. Rachel Hadden, Wing-yunn Crawley, Rey Jo Bermudez (l-r, front row), Dr. Craig Turner, Richard Hanmer, Tara Watney, Eleanor Ashton, Dr. Vernie Sagun, Emerson Trinidad. (l-r standing)

The expedition, partnered by the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation (NFEFI) of the Philippines, will undertake the first biological exploration of the interior of the North Negros Natural Park (NNNP). This is an environmental hotspot and one of the top ten most important areas of forests in the world. It has not been scientifically explored to date. This very crucial expedition will end on April 19.

The 13-strong Negros Interior Biodiversity Expedition (NIBE) team includes scientists, biologists, mountaineers, teachers and logistics experts. It's led by London-based James Sawyer, a veteran of many similar expeditions to 25 countries including five years managing the Negros Rainforest Conservation Project.

This is the first biological exploration of the interior of the NNNP, a unique area not scientifically explored to date," said Mr Sawyer.

"It's a biodiversity hotspot of great importance. Its rare and endemic species are under grave threat from illegal logging, hunting, exotic pet trade and unauthorized land use."

Rated as one of the top ten most important areas of forest in the world, the NNNP is home to a multitude of rare and endemic species, while also playing a vital role in watershed protection for surrounding communities.