A new and innovative information kiosk that showcases the natural wonders and conservation efforts of three protected areas in Negros Oriental was launched recently at the Atrium of Robinsons Dumaguete. The launching of STARBOOKS Nature was one of the highlights of the 2023 Central Visayas Regional Science and Technology Week.
The launching of STARBOOKS Nature was attended by several luminaries, which includes Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Teodoro Gatchalian, DOST VII Regional Director Engr. Jesus Zamora Jr., DOST VII Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Division Dr. Tristan Abando, DOST VII Assistant Regional Director for Finance and Administrative Division Febbie Lyn Romagos, DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) Chief SRS Alan Taule, among many others. They expressed their support and appreciation for the project, which they said will enhance the tourism potential and environmental awareness of the protected areas.
STARBOOKS Nature is a customized, environment-oriented version of STARBOOKS or Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS, a one-stop repository for learning and livelihood information designed by the Department of Science and Technology – Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) to reach those with limited or no access to information.
“STARBOOKS Nature will store and exhibit the scientific and technical information of Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape, Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, and Mount Talinis Natural Park, which are the three protected areas in Negros Oriental that are rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage,” said Atty. Gilbert Arbon, Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST Negros Oriental.
DOST VII Regional Director Engr. Zamora also underscored the significance of STARBOOKS Nature.
“It showcases the beauty of nature in Negros Oriental to promote not only education, but also responsible tourism…We plan to set this up at the airport or any conspicuous location for tourists to see where they are headed and what to expect when they arrive there. When we launched it, this is the only one as of now that we call ‘STARBOOKS Nature.’ DOST-STII created this specifically for Negros Oriental, thus, this is the first ‘STARBOOKS Nature’ in the country,” stressed Engr. Zamora.
Through STARBOOKS Nature, DOST hopes to inspire more people to visit, appreciate, and protect these so-called protected areas in Negros Oriental, which are vital for the ecological balance and economic development of the province. STARBOOKS Nature will also serve as a model for other protected areas in the country that want to showcase their natural beauty and conservation efforts through science and technology.
STARBOOKS Nature is a collaboration between DOST-STII and DOST Regional Office No. VII through DOST Negros Oriental in coordination with the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 7, Protected Area Management Board, Silliman University, and Negros Oriental State University. | NWI
