Bioversity International Malaysia Christian J. Rivera ’14 IIP Internship 2013

Work Conducted literature reviews on the status of agro- biodiversity and traditional farming practices in Southern Bangladesh and The Philippines. Conducted literature reviews on the status of agro- biodiversity and traditional farming practices in Southern Bangladesh and The Philippines. In-situ and on-farm diversity In-situ and on-farm diversity Key development challenges Key development challenges Gender issues Gender issues Agro-biodiversity related development programs Agro-biodiversity related development programs Policy studies Policy studies Opportunities for conservation, restoration, and use of agro-biodiversity Opportunities for conservation, restoration, and use of agro-biodiversity

Because of women’s lower social status, they are considered to be less directly involved than men in fisheries activities. But in reality women are heavily involved in fish production systems. Rural women farmers play vital role in eradicating poverty and hunger Photo: World Fish Center Nov, In 2009, Hurricane Aila damaged million US dollars worth in Southern Bangladesh

Dhap cultivation - a traditional farming practice in Bangladesh that uses floating-bed agriculture Photo- Courtesy: Hossain 2010

Most Rewarding Experience I was able to travel to my study site in Bohol, The Philippines, to meet with our partners from WorldFish, interview local villagers, and record an inventory of the crops being cultivated in the area. This one-week field trip allowed me to experience what it is like to conduct field work in an environmental NGO and to gain a better understanding of my study site.

Study Site in The Philippines School children washing pots and pans from lunch provided by the local school Traditional home garden

My Impact on the Organization My work is a continuation of on-going research in Southern Bangladesh and a new aquatic- agricultural systems project in The Philippines. My work is a continuation of on-going research in Southern Bangladesh and a new aquatic- agricultural systems project in The Philippines. Both of my reports will be submitted for publications by local universities and research organizations in order to provide a better understanding of the current status of agro- biodiversity in the regions of interest and form better strategies to address vital issues, such as the loss of genetic diversity. Both of my reports will be submitted for publications by local universities and research organizations in order to provide a better understanding of the current status of agro- biodiversity in the regions of interest and form better strategies to address vital issues, such as the loss of genetic diversity.

The Organization’s Impact on Me Before this internship, I had limited myself to thinking and deciding that the only way for me to have a career in conservation and make an impact was by pursuing a doctorate degree and conducting scientific research in the field. By the end of my internship, I realized that other career choices dealing with conservation may also be suitable for me…

Environmental Policy & Environmental Law

An internship with Bioversity International was an amazing opportunity for me to learn how an environmental company runs, as well as a great experience learning about Malaysian culture and other regions of Southeast Asia.