The UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM) officially launched the INREM 360 Webinar Series with an inaugural webinar on April 30, 2025.

The inaugural webinar, “Future-Proofing Bioproduction Systems: The Role of the Nature Futures Framework,” featured Dr. Osamu Saito, principal policy researcher at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and visiting professor at the University of Tokyo, as the keynote speaker.

Dr. Saito highlighted the significance of the Nature Futures Framework (NFF) in guiding the transformation of bioproduction systems to become more sustainable and resilient. He explained the framework’s capacity to integrate ecological and societal values using scenario-building tools, models, and case studies. 

Drawing from both Japanese and Philippine contexts, Dr. Saito showcased real-world applications of NFF, including the UPLB-INREM and IGES collaborative project, “Integration of Traditional and Modern Bioproduction Systems for Sustainable and Resilient Future under Climate and Ecosystems Changes (ITMoB).”

Through this lens, the webinar demonstrated how the NFF can support the generation of diverse future narratives, development of sustainability indicators, and more informed policymaking, which are critical tools for climate-resilient and socially just bioproduction systems.

In his opening message, UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., expressed strong support for the initiative, commending UPLB-INREM’s role in fostering transdisciplinary research and inclusive dialogue that bridges science, policy, and practice. He underscored INREM 360 as a timely platform for expanding conversations around sustainability, environmental integrity, and social equity.

Dr. Juan Pulhin, UPLB-INREM founding director, also delivered an inspirational message, stressing that the INREM 360 Webinar Series was envisioned not merely as a lecture platform but as a dynamic space for academic exchange, public education, policy advocacy, and meaningful engagement with diverse stakeholders.

“Science must not exist in isolation—it must be continually shaped, challenged, and enriched by the voices of those we seek to empower,” Dr. Pulhin added.

Dean Marlo Mendoza of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources closed the program by expressing his optimism for the webinar series. He said that he sees INREM 360 as a powerful platform to amplify UPLB-INREM and its partners’ critical work in research, policy, and community engagement.

The webinar series reaffirms UPLB-INREM’s commitment to advancing integrated, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches in natural resource and environmental governance. (Kaymart A. Gimutao)