THE ATENEO’S campus is a green oasis within the city center, abundant with diverse flora and fauna. However, recent tree-cutting activities have ignited debates about balancing progress and preservation.

Behind discussions of car-centrism and infra-developments are the ecological impact of native and invasive species in the University’s biodiversity. With some being endemic to the area, these campus inhabitants heavily rely on Ateneo’s green spaces for survival.

Data on Ateneo’s plants and wildlife

• Ateneo de Manila University: 83 hectares
  • Approximately 16 hectares of forested areas
  • Approximately 27 hectares of open spaces and green fields
• Home to over 70 different species of birds and 80 native and endemic plant species
  • Cataloged and maintained in a Campus Tree Inventory, a collaborative project involving the Central Facilities Management Office, the Department of Environmental Science, and the Department of Biology

Endemicity describes the unique occurrence of a species being native and exclusive to a specific geographical area. Resident flora and fauna are the plant and animal species consistently present in a particular region, having adapted over time to its environment and conditions, thus forming a vital part of the ecosystem.

Ateneo Biowealth Initiative

Aside from its Campus Tree Inventory, the Ateneo has initiated other several measures to preserve its biodiversity.

• EDC Mini Arboretum
  • Located between Eliazo Hall and the Jesuit Health and Wellness Center, the mini arboretum serves as a safe haven for endangered Philippine trees. Created in collaboration with the BINHI Program of the Energy Development Corporation and supported by the Manlapaz Family, it aims to cultivate these species to ensure their preservation through the continuous production of seeds.

• The Ateneo Wild Project
  • Utilizing the power of social media to showcase campus wildlife, the project features different species, complete with photographs, species identification, and interesting facts. It also serves as a platform to advocate for prioritizing native and endemic species over alien invasive ones due to the latter’s negative impact on the ecosystem’s balance.

• Sustainability Policies and Guidelines
  • Formalizing the University’s commitment to biodiversity preservation, the policies mandate the propagation of endemic tree species in appropriate campus locations and the maintenance of a system for planting, maintaining, and removing trees.