BukSU Faculty Member Earns Certification as IUCN Red List Assessor

Dr. Lesley Casas Lubos, Director of the Bukidnon State University (BukSU) Botanical Gardens and Herbarium (BGH), became an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Regional and Global Assessor.

The title is given to individuals who have undergone rigorous training and certification to evaluate the conservation status of species worldwide. They contribute to the IUCN Red List, which is a global database that assesses the risk of extinction for species. Their work is essential for informing conservation policies and decision-making at local, national, and international levels.

Lubos was selected to participate in the IUCN Grants program and completed the rigorous training workshop focused on Bryophytes in Southeast Asia, held at the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from October 2 to 7, 2024.

Colleagues at BukSU-BGH commend Lubos as his “certification recognizes [his] expertise and commitment to conservation and biodiversity assessment. As an IUCN Red List Assessor, he will play a crucial role in evaluating the conservation status of plant species, particularly bryophytes, in Southeast Asia. His contributions will inform conservation efforts and help protect endangered and threatened species.” (BukSU-Information Unit)