Lenardo Co First International Symposium

Last November 19 and November 20, 2011 the symposium was attended by more or than 100 students, professionals, environmentalists which was held at the Tambunting Hall of the National Museum of the People. The author went to the pre-symposium on November 18, 2011 to help arrange the  event kits .

BACKGROUND

The Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc. held  its first symposium to commemorate the first death anniversary of its founding President, Leonardo L. Co. The symposium theme, Philippine Botanical Treasures and the Legacy of Leonardo L. Co , is based on the life and works of Leonardo L. Co who studied and worked on Philippine plant diversity and conservation, ecology, ethnobotany and economic botany. This year’s symposium also aims to promote the advocacies of the society.

Director Jeremy Barns in his welcome remarks ( photo credit: PNPCSI)

PNPCSI is a professional organization formed to contribute to Philippine native plant research and conservation by conducting scientific research; providing technical assistance, training and student mentorship; promoting the use of native plants in landscaping and reforestation; and increasing public awareness for the conservation of botanic resources in the country. PNPCSI is a core member of the Rain Forest Restoration Initiative.  

participants of the international symposium ( photo credit: PNPCSI)

WHO IS LEONARDO L. CO?

Leonardo L. Co was PNPCSI’s founding president.  He was a world renowned botanist who dedicated his life to the study of Philippine flora.  He collected and documented plants found in the different parts of the country and published several papers on new species and new records.  He studied plant diversity in many areas including montane and karst forests as well as ultramafic sites. During the last years of his life, he was involved in the conservation of the Philippine flora and advocated in educating the Filipinos regarding native species.  He knew that understanding plants contribute to Philippine patrimony as the botanical resources are part of our national heritage.  His first book, “Medicinal Plants of the Cordillera” documented the medicinal plants available for use in the region.  The book was used by community health workers many of whom recognized Leonard as their mentor.

participants listening to the speaker  ( photo credit: PNPCSI)

Parents of Mr. Leonardo Co were given tribute during the symposium ( photo credit: PNPCSI)

There were over 120 people who went and attended the symposium which mark a milestone for the society . The international symposium showed the world how great the contribution of Mr. Leonardo Co or Dr. Leonardo Co as we  members would often refer to this person.

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