Programs | WINTER Programs | Philippines

Participants must arrive to the program fully vaccinated against COVID-19, having reviewed our health and safety page

The Program

Join us in the Philippines as we explore island biodiversity in the Coral Triangle. The Philippine islands, particularly the Visayas archipelago, serve as a wonderful model for comparing tropical island biodiversity, conservation and marine ecology. The region boasts an incredible array of coral reefs and marine species, including whale sharks, manta rays and lionfish as well as rich rainforest ecosystems, including endemic species such as the Philippine tarsier and the Tamaraw. With this biodiverse classroom of the Philippine islands, we will use this rich focal area to study critical questions: How do species arise? How do we quantify biodiversity? What threats does biodiversity face? How do we conserve ecosystems? How do humans and ecosystems interact? 

 Our team will focus our studies in the Visayas archipelago using ferries and local land transportation. With a start on Cebu, the largest island in the archipelago, our team will investigate four unique islands in the chain, and end on the island of Luzon. On land we will explore lush cascades and dramatic limestone mountains such as Mount Manunggal; in the ocean, we will kayak and snorkel mangroves and coral reefs such as the Danjugan Island Sanctuary.

Armed with an understanding of island biogeography, our primary focus will be on comparing marine environments. We will conduct surveys to understand patterns that support local biodiversity, apply ichthyological concepts to describe fish species including their adaptations, and explore ecological interactions to understand why a species can be a vital part of one ecosystem and invasive in another. We will delve specifically into a review of the beautiful but venomous lionfish, known for its amazing ability to invade and adapt to a wide variety of marine ecosystems, and originates from here in the Philippines. We will also examine the many resources marine ecosystems provide for local people, with a lens on sustainable development, including aquaculture and local fishing habits.

Throughout the program, students will compare and evaluate different hypotheses that seek to explain how biodiversity, and specifically marine diversity, is maintained ecologically; describe methods and considerations for targeted and general marine conservation projects; and develop a dynamic understanding of the interplay between humans and our local environments. The ideal student for this course will be inspired by the diversity of life and curious about the ways in which humans can effectively steward our planet’s unique ecosystems.

Program Photo Gallery

Eric Witte

LEAD INSTRUCTOr

PhD candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa cruz
MA in STEAM Education, University of San Diego, 2021

Eric is an evolutionary biologist interested in venom and biological invasions. His current research focuses on the role of venom in lionfish invasion of coral reefs. He uses genomic techniques to understand both ancient and modern evolution. In addition to research, Eric is a passionate educator who taught biology in Morocco and Madagascar. He believes that travel helps us to develop a multidimensional understanding of other cultures and environments. Eric leads our Philippines program.