The second day of the Fourth International Conference on Cultural Studies (FICCS 2025) on February 27, 2025, focused on biodiversity conservation, Indigenous knowledge, and policy frameworks in Southeast Asia. Discussions emphasized the role of cultural heritage in environmental stewardship and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to conservation efforts.

Dr. Arvin Diesmos, in his keynote address, highlighted Southeast Asia’s status as a megadiverse region, home to many endemic species yet threatened by human activities. His presentation covered biogeography, adaptive radiation, and conservation strategies, citing case studies such as the Flat-headed Frog (Barbourula) and the Limestone Karst Frogs and Lizards (Platymantis and Gekko). He stressed the need for science-policy integration and collaborative networks to address biodiversity loss.

Plenary sessions featured notable speakers, including Dr. Pasang Dolma Sherpa, who discussed Indigenous governance in biodiversity protection, citing Nepal’s Shagya Customary Institution as an example of how cultural values contribute to sustainable resource management. Forester Roger Haboc presented on co-management strategies between DENR and LGUs, focusing on forest recovery and conservation challenges, while Forester Asami B. Segundo shared the Kalahan Educational Foundation’s (KEF) conservation initiatives since 1973.

Parallel sessions explored topics such as urban farming, social forestry, and Indigenous knowledge revitalization. Pius Sugeng Prasetyo introduced Buruan SAE, a community-driven urban farming initiative in Bandung rooted in Sundanese culture, promoting food security and economic resilience. Clarice Colting-Pulumbarit examined Indigenous Forest Management (IFM), highlighting traditional silviculture, agroforestry, and livelihood diversification as sustainable approaches to forestry. Rico Casta Jacoba discussed the decline of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) due to modernization, emphasizing its spiritual connection to sustainability. Dilber Yunus presented a case study on the Anishinaabe Nation’s freshwater science approach, advocating for holistic ecosystem management that integrates Indigenous ethical frameworks with modern science.