By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net

THE SOON-TO-BE opened Manila Ocean Park (MOP) has tied up with the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) largely to highlight public awareness, as well as to monitor the MOP’s adherence to local and international laws on animal acquisition and maintenance.

The partnership aims to strengthen the WWF’s public information on the protection of marine ecosystems in the Philippines through the educational materials provided by the MOP to visitors. The WWF will also ensure that the MOP does not include protected or endangered species of marine life as part of its exhibits.

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MOP president Lim Chee Yong told reporters that the park, which will open in February this year, has been given strict limitations not to include protected species of marine flora and fauna, which includes wild corals, sea turtles and all marine mammals.

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By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net

INDEPENDENCE from fossil fuels by using local flora for biofuel development is a key component in reducing ozone-depleting carbon emissions, according to the head of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).

In a press conference on climate change, ICRISAT Director General William Dar also pointed out that the Philippines has enough locally available plants that can be used for soil conservation and managing food requirements.

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Dar stressed that the impending global climate change has changed the economies of many countries, especially those in the arid and semi-arid tropics of which the Philippines is included. He said that there are warning signs pointing toward food supply problems, storms, flooding and droughts that could adversely affect a nation’s way of life.

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HERE’S a YouTube clip from the PBS show “NOVAscienceNOW” that sheds some light on the mysteries of dark matter.

By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net

“TRON,” the country’s first official science mascot will be showcased in a series of comic books that aims to promote science and technology learning among students in the Philippines.

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Tron was the creation of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and made his first appearance during the National Science and Technology Week in July this year.

The comic book series is scheduled to be launched in January 2008, in time for the preparations for the DOST’s 50th anniversary. It is expected to be distributed in all public and private elementary schools nationwide.

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By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net

INNOVATION is key to improving the country’s global competitiveness, as well as strengthening the local economy.

This was the key message delivered by several government and private sector executives during the presentation for the upcoming National Innovation Summit (NIS) to be held in Manila November 26.

“The NIS is the start for all of us to push for innovation in the country. We have linked up with several groups from the academe, local and foreign government, and private sector to work together,” said Frederico Macaranas, executive director of the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center.

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