British exploration team to arrive in 2007

A prestigious British scientific exploration group will undertake exploration, conservation and education projects in the country in April 2007, Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano announced yesterday.

Occidental Mindoro will host the next expedition of the Scientific Exploration Society, a United Kingdom-based charity organization founded in 1969. The SES is initiating a worldwide program focusing on science, conservation, education and community aid projects.

The event will be held on April 20 to May 6 next year.

"We are pleased to have SES in the country for this expedition. Their expertise and assistance will surely bring sustainable development in Occidental Mindoro," Durano said.

This is the first time the SES will work in the Philippines, viewed by the international scientific community as having rich but endangered wildlife due to environmental degradation.

The DOT said that SES recently visited the country to undertake a series of projects in Occidental Mindoro.

After assessing the environment situation in the province, the SES decided to plan an expedition here next year.

According to www.ses-explore.org, the official website of the SES, the group aims to participate in the annual count of the Philippine Tamaraw, in conjunction with PENRO and the Far Eastern University community. — Helen Flores