The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Stephen Zuellig Graduate School of Development Management (ZSDM) and the Research and Publications Office held a book launch for Investing in the Unseen: Cases on Biodiversity Conservation by Prof. Benjamin C. Bagadion, Jr., PhD on 25 July 2018.
Prof. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, ZSDM School Head, formally commenced the afternoon book launch attended by more than 60 participants composed of students, faculty, and professionals from various sectors. Associate Dean Jammu Francisco delivered the opening remarks introducing Bagadion which was followed by a photo opportunity with AIM President and Dean Jikyeong Kang and some of the AIM faculty and distinguished guests.
Karina Bolasco, director of the Ateneo University Press, shared the publisher’s perspective of contributing to the pool of knowledge with “the best and brightest ideas to improve the quality of life of Filipinos,” and emphasized the importance of a book on Philippine environmental development management to meet this goal.
Bagadion discussed how his book primarily addresses the need for case books on development management for use in the classroom. The case method, he stated, is effective in engaging student interest and participation through solution-driven discussions of authentic scenarios. Bagadion talked about how growing up in Tondo, mobilizing communities, as well as his interest in Zen Buddhism and martial arts influenced his research and teaching methods. He shared valuable insights from his decades-long experience as an ecological researcher, educator, and government official.
Following Bagadion’s brief discussion of his book, Prof. Nihal Amerasinghe delivered a review highlighting how the process-oriented approach to management is an effective intervention not only for protected areas in the Philippines but also around Asia Pacific as well. Prof. Neil Aldrin Mallari described the book as “astute without being preachy and critical,” and supported the need to reinvent ecological protective management in the country in light of recent natural disasters. Lastly, Atty. Hasminah Paudac ended the program with a call to action to support policy-oriented research for environmental protection.
Investing in the Unseen: Cases on Biodiversity Conservation was produced with research funding from the Asian Institute of Management and published by the Ateneo de Manila University Press.