The UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR) and the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM) hosted a special lecture, “The Serious Challenges Facing University Forestry Education Following COVID-19” on April 26 at the Nicolas P. Lansigan Auditorium, Tamesis Hall, CFNR.
Professor John Innes, PhD, former two-term dean of the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC), whose tenure was instrumental in bringing UBC to the forefront of global forestry education, delivered the special lecture.
Dr. Juan Pulhin, UPLB-INREM chair, introduced Prof. Innes as one of many scientists from over 100 countries who collaborated and came up with the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Dr. Pulhin was himself among the authors, along with former Chancellor and now Professor Emeritus Rex Victor O. Cruz and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Felino P. Lansigan.
The IPCC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for its work on climate change together with former US Vice President Al Gore
Prof. Innes’ presentation included a brief history and status of forestry education and the opportunities and challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that one of the opportunities brought about by the pandemic is the transition to online delivery of lessons, guest lecture presentations, and the conduct of conferences and meetings, which have increased the accessibility of learning and engagement with people in remote communities.
As part of the transition, new forms of education have emerged, such as skills education through micro-certificates and short courses. He noted, however, that certain field activities, especially those involving hands-on experience, cannot be replaced by online learning.
Among the various challenges facing forestry education, Prof. Innes highlighted the changes in faculty expectations following COVID-19 with increased expectations for work-from-home and online activities, limited university budget and resources, changes in publication methods and standards, the challenge to universities to demonstrate having an impact through advocacy, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
Prof. Innes’ presentation was well-received by members of the academic community at UPLB. Expressing his agreement, Professor Emeritus Cruz pointed out that a significant challenge to the university involves equipping future foresters with a new technology skill set combined with new mindsets, even while facing limited government support.
UPLB-CFNR Dean Marlo Mendoza said that the lecture is very timely as CFNR is currently reviewing its curriculum and looking at the future of forestry. “I think we must communicate that our profession is about helping create that stability in the environment in the local area that we’re working with, not only concerning natural resources but also the people…[This]requires new skills, new knowledge, and a new mindset. How to do that is a challenge, but I believe that forestry has so much to offer,“ Dean Mendoza added.
Around 100 participants attended the lecture—CFNR faculty members, research, extension, and professional staff, students, and online participants from ten forestry schools nationwide, as well as representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the UPLB College of Arts and Sciences. Associate Professor Maricel Tapia-Villamayor of CFNR moderated the special lecture.
The special lecture may be accessed on the UPLB-INREM Facebook page. (Kyle Vincent R. Singson, Christian Ray C. Buendia, Farah Sevilla, and Aileen C. Simondac-Peria)