Dave Buenavista

My PhD research revolves around two things: indigenous peoples and plants. My project explores how the local plant resources intertwined with indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSP) may contribute to food security and well-being of marginalized communities as well as in the conservation of remaining forest in Mindanao highlands. I am also interested in the potential benefits of the underutilized plants for developing additional livelihood programs in these indigenous communities.

My study focuses on the economic potentials of locally available plant resources in the underserved communities in Mindanao. Diverse bio-cultural landscapes have been important reservoir of understudied plants that sustain many indigenous populations. My research includes the social and ecological dimensions of indigenous people’s knowledge on food plants, traditional medicine, construction materials, community livelihoods, and indigenous practices. These are important components of biocultural identity, resiliency, and well-being of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines.

At Bangor University, I am fortunate to meet world-leading scientists and inspiring researchers who generously shared their time and expertise. My project is interdisciplinary in nature and so, it expanded my knowledge beyond my training in botany and taxonomy. This became an additional learning opportunity for me to be likewise engaged in the fields of social and environmental sciences. In the future, I would like to collaborate with other international researchers who desire to do research in the Philippines and wider Asia.

The pool of research experts in the UK is one fascinating aspect why I choose the Newton Fund. UK supports many world-leading scientists in various institutions and research centres and attending one of the leading universities in Wales has been an exceptional experience.