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Abstract The current state of global biodiversity is confronted with escalating threats arising from human-induced environmental changes and a growing array of unpredictable challenges. However, effective conservation efforts are often hindered by limited knowledge, especially in developing economies such as the Philippines. The limitations imposed by these shortfalls in biodiversity knowledge hamper the capacity to protect biodiversity in light of the continuing extinction crisis. Our study revealed that areas with higher conflict levels exhibited lower species richness, fewer occurrence records, and reduced forest cover. This finding provides initial evidence for the relationship between sociopolitical conflict and biodiversity in the Philippines. We posit that the security risks caused by sociopolitical conflicts could have a negative impact on conservation efforts, particularly in terms of monitoring and implementing measures to protect natural resources. The links that bind armed conflict and biodiversity conservation are multifaceted and complex issues that warrant greater scientific and political attention. Finally, we identified 10 meaningful approaches to address shortfalls in biodiversity knowledge in conflicted areas, particularly incorporating conflict-sensitive approaches, considering the geopolitical context and conflict dynamics to adapt and align their strategies with local realities for more effective conservation efforts.

Abstract Background Fusarium odoratissimum (Foc TR4) is a devastating fungal pathogen that causes Panama wilt in Cavendish banana, a high value crop that generates significant revenue. The excessive use of synthetic fungicides for disease control poses risks to both human health and the environment. Consequently, there is a pressing need for eco-friendly alternatives to manage this disease. One potential approach is the utilization of biocontrol agents, which have shown promise in disease control. This study aimed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of fungal endophytes isolated from the naturally-resistant cultivar Cardaba banana against Foc TR4. These fungal isolates were subjected to a dual culture assay, characterized based on morpho-cultural characteristics, and confirmed molecularly using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. Results Of the 15 fungal endophytes isolated from Cardaba; Blakeslea trispora, Pseudopestalotiopsis theae, Xylaria badia, Nigrospora hainanensis, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Xylaria feejeensis, Gymnoascus reessii, Fusarium subglutinans, Rigidoporus vinctus, and Macrophomina phaseolina showed potential antagonistic activity against F. odoratissimum. Isolates X. feejeensis (USMJMTBL10), G. reesii (USMJMTBL11), and M. phaseolina (USMJMTBR1) had the highest antagonistic activity of 87.8–96.6% against F. odoratissimum in vitro. Conclusion This study presents evidence of the potential of Cardaba-associated endophytes isolated and identified in this research, as effective biocontrol agents against F. odoratissimum, the causal agent of Panama disease in Cavendish banana. Our findings suggest that these endophytes hold promise as a biocontrol agent for managing Foc TR4-infected banana plants. Future research will focus on in planta testing, validation in greenhouse and field trials, as well as development of formulations and application protocols to optimize the utilization of these biocontrol agents in an integrated management approach for Foc TR4-infected bananas.