Mariglo Laririt is the Assistant Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR. BMB oversees 5 divisions that have concerns as diverse as the species and the ecosystems that it is charged to protect, conserve, and enhance. In addition, Ms Laririt supports efforts of the DENR’s Ocean Environments Task Force that was recently convened to craft a National Ocean Environments Policy and the establishment of 8 new marine scientific research stations across the country. She is optimistic about the stations’ roles in establishing a nationally-focused and community-responsive DENR Research Agenda and pave the way for science-based, ocean-centered policies. She also aims to strengthen the interphase between conservation and sustainable tourism in protected areas, including the coast and marine areas.
While she was with the Hospitality Sector for 30 years before BMB, conservation work is not new to Ms Laririt. In 2020, she was individually recognized for her outstanding contribution to environmental conservation, being awarded one of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines Conservation Heroes of the Year – a huge feat for someone working in the tourism sector. She is also a recipient of the first Asian Institute Management's Philippine Tourism Excellence Awards 2022. In 2023, Ms. Laririt received the award for Community Champion for Travel Daily’s Inspiring Women in Travel (Asia). In 2024, she was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna in Environmental Conservation by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association. In addition to awards that chronicle her success, a book, several write-ups, interviews, and case studies have detailed her impact on the intersection of tourism, community, and conservation. She has spoken on community benefits, the circular economy, challenges in local governance, blue and green investments, regenerative travel, and inspiring young adults.
She brings to DENR a diverse portfolio of work and the desire to see greater collaboration among various sectors for the environment.