Takeaways from the 8th Annual State of Biodiversity Symposium

05/12/25

The San Diego Natural History Museum hosted the 8th Annual State of Biodiversity Symposium in early April, bringing together passionate individuals, biologists, botanists, conservationists, land managers, scientists, students, and other professionals to explore the importance of biodiversity within the region and beyond. The symposium began with an open house where County of San Diego (County) staff from the Department of Parks and Recreation and Planning & Development Services hosted a table alongside various organizations, including tribal nations and local nonprofits from San Diego and Baja California.

Panel discussion with the four speakers

The second portion of the event included presentations and a panel discussion from Miguel Ordeñana from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Mirna Borrego Lazalde from Terra Peninsular, Martha Rodriguez from Tipey Joa Native Warriors, and Diego Ellis Soto who is a postdoctoral researcher with UC Berkeley and California Academy of Sciences. The four speakers discussed their current work, in the multinational San Diego and Baja region. A repeating theme emphasized the importance of public access to conserved areas, community science initiatives, community empowerment, and youth participation.

County Efforts to Support Biodiversity

The County is also taking important steps to support regional biodiversity through multiple initiatives, including:

  • Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) – Preserves San Diego’s native habitats and wildlife for future generations, while balancing development to support healthy community growth. The South County Subarea Plan was adopted in 1997 with a goal to establish a 98,379-acre Preserve that supports 85 plant and animal species covered by the plan. The County is actively working on developing the North County Plan for the northwestern portion of the unincorporated area; check out opportunities for project engagement.
  • Native Landscape Program – Promotes the use of native plants in landscaping both on private properties and County facilities to support biodiversity, conserve water, and advance nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
  • Permit Streamlining and Butterfly Conservation (PSBC) – Formerly known as the Butterflies Habitat Conservation Plan (BHCP), this project supports protecting, restoring, and enhancing butterfly habitat for four locally sensitive species, while facilitating a more efficient permitting process for projects within the unincorporated area.

If you are interested in learning more about County programs, receiving updates, or participation opportunities, please sign up for our Climate Action Plan e-Newsletter!