DOST-PCCAARRD developed the S&T Program for Biodiversity with the main goal of biodiversity conservation and development of biodiversity-based products. The program involves activities such as bio-resource assessments, valuation, and documentation of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in selected terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. 

For the forestry sector, the focus is on conservation and protection of Philippine’s terrestrial flora and fauna through the assessment of flora and fauna in selected forest and mountain ecosystems and key biodiversity areas (KBAs) nationwide, application of ex-situ and in-situ conservation strategies, sustainable utilization of indigenous plants and forest products, valuation of bioresources and ecotourism sites, and product development.

The inland aquatic sector under PCAARRD’s Biodiversity S&T Program focuses on the sustainable management of the ecological services of Philippine lakes and rivers. Particularly, the program aims to develop marginal aquatic resources as sustainable habitat, restore indigenous and valued endemic resources for biodiversity enhancement, and develop propagation protocols for conservation of freshwater resources.

Marine biodiversity under PCAARRD’s Biodiversity S&T Program aims for the conservation and management of the genetic, species and ecosystem diversity of different life forms (e.g. marine plants, animals and microorganisms as well as the genes that they contain and the ecosystem that they form) found in the marine environment. In order to realize the ultimate goal of marine biodiversity conservation which is the sustainable utilization of marine resources, activities such as resource and ecosystems assessment and monitoring are being conducted.