The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) marked its 20th anniversary with a three-day celebration in Los Baños, Laguna, filled with activities that brought together food lovers, fitness buffs, artists, young minds, and advocates for nature. From fun runs and fashion shows to marketplaces and music, the festivities highlighted the creative ways people connect and stand with biodiversity.
The celebration opened on 23 September 2025 with the Biodiversity Bazaar, where the ACB headquarters came alive with eco-friendly products, arts and crafts, and local delicacies. Visitors also enjoyed interactive exhibits, live music, and free activities such as a photo booth and face sketches by multi-awarded artist Maestro Tom Alvarado. The marketplace continued until 25 September, drawing in crowds of all ages.
The spotlight turned to fitness x advocacy with the BioRun on Day 2, where participants laced up their shoes, rain or shine, to race toward sustainability and conservation. Among the runners were staff from Q-quatics—Jeremy Jansalin, Martin Nevado, and Camille Agbay—showing their support as part of the wider community of biodiversity champions on the ground
Creativity also flourished in Arts and Crafts Workshops, where participants explored nature-inspired designs. The celebration also featured ACB’s first-ever Eco Couture—a showcase of sustainable fashion that highlighted the ingenuity of aspiring models and designers.
Q-quatics: A Committed Partner in Biodiversity Conservation
Q-quatics celebrated ACB’s 20th anniversary with a heartfelt video message from our Executive Director Dr. Loida Corpus and by joining the BioRun—showing their commitment to ACB and biodiversity both in words and in action.
Partnership Through the ENMAPS Project
Beyond the anniversary festivities, Q-quatics continues to play a vital role in advancing ACB’s mission through the ASEAN ENMAPS Project (Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region).
Through AquaMaps, we provide species distribution modeling, offering current and predictive maps (up to 2050) for key marine species in pilot sites across Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These maps help anticipate shifts in marine biodiversity due to climate change and human pressures.
Meanwhile, FishBase and SeaLifeBase supply crucial biological data—such as growth rates, size at first maturity, fecundity, and diet—that inform science-based policies and strategies for sustainable fisheries. Together, these tools equip managers and policymakers with the knowledge they need to protect marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.
Looking Ahead
ACB’s 20th anniversary was more than just a milestone celebration—it was a reminder of the collaborative efforts required to protect nature for future generations. As ACB moves forward, Q-quatics is proud to stand alongside as a trusted partner—providing knowledge, tools, and unwavering support for the shared vision of thriving ecosystems and resilient communities across the region.
