As part of the culmination of the celebration of Philippine Environment Month 2024, the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) hosted a hybrid talk focusing on sustainability and regenerative agriculture. The event took place on 27 June 2024 at the UPOU Audio-Visual Room and streamed via Zoom. It was attended by students, faculty, and staff of the university. 

The talk featured Dr. Eban Goodstein, Vice President of Environmental and Social Leadership and Director of Graduate Programs in Sustainability at Bard College in New York as the speaker who has had close work relations with the UPOU for the past three to four years.

The event is aligned with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Dean Joane V. Serrano formally opened the event by emphasizing its relevance to UPOU’s commitment to a sustainable campus, hence, the university looks forward to concrete actions from the learnings of the talk.  

Given the complex problems related to poverty, food security, pollution, and climate change, Dr. Goodstein shared that sustainability is a problem-solving discipline. He also stressed the ways to achieve sustainable and regenerative business along with its trade-offs, deducing the sustainable business hypothesis which assumes that well-run sustainable businesses can and will out-compete traditional businesses.

Dr. Goodstein stated that about 939 global companies and other new-generation businesses are committed to transforming themselves into regenerative entities that aim for net zero impacts. While Dr. Goodstein acknowledged that they are not perfect businesses and that there are still a myriad of problems, he mentioned that the initiative is still a good start and is a great progress in achieving sustainability. He added that they are currently developing tools to measure sustainable businesses in different aspects.

Following the talk, participants engaged in an interactive session with Dr. Goostein to discuss timely sustainability and agroecological issues. Possible approaches for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adhere to sustainable practices were explored. Consumer perspectives were also raised especially in terms of supporting products, often high-priced, from sustainable businesses. Government roles and policies regarding sustainability, and fostering a culture of sustainability were also tackled.

The program was formally closed by Dr. Primo Garcia, UPOU Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Vice Chancellor Garcia highlighted how the talk will help make people realize and understand the roles of sustainable agricultural practices and regenerative agriculture in achieving sustainability.

Written by: Cherry Platero and Margareth Venz Rellez (Interns) • Edited by: Dina Mae N. Rejano, Janele Ann C. Belegal, and Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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