PCAARRD takes active role in PH native plant conservation

THE Philippine Council f or Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology ( DOST- PCAARRD) recently co- sponsored a workshop titled, “National Symposium/ Workshop on the Sustainable Use of Philippine Native Plants,” hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau ( DENR- BMB).

Held on July 5 – 6, 2017 at the Brentwood Suites, Quezon City, the event gathered advocates coming from government agencies, private sectors, and state universities and colleges for the conservation of Philippine native plants and flora.

The workshop aimed to identify species of wild plants with potential or actual c ommercial use f or inclusion in the list of Economically I mportant Species; document best conservation practices and sustainable uses of native plants; generate recommendations f or R& D agenda for native plants; and provide venue to review the draft policy on the registration of plant nurseries establishments engaged in commercial propagation of plants.

Dr. Jocelyn Eusebio, Director of DOST- PCAARRD’s Crops Research Division, discussed the ongoing and completed programs and projects collaborated with i nternational and local agencies, organizations,

and i nstitutions in line with the overall goals of DOST- PCAARRD’s I ndustry Strategic S& T Program ( I SP) f or Biodiversity. The I SP promotes biodiversity conservation and development of biodiversity- based products. The programs and projects under the ISP focus on the conservation of the Philippine native agricultural genetic resources.

During t he t wo- day t raining, workshops on the i dentification and use of economically important plant species and the R& D Agenda on Philippine Native Plants were conducted. The participants formed into groups to discuss the different issues with regard to the current situation of the floriculture industry and the existing policies and protocols in the conservation and protection of Philippine native plants and flora.

A mong the out puts are recommendations s uch as t he revision of the list of threatened, en d a n g e r e d , an d cr i t i c a l l y endangered plants; simplification of the policies and protocols; revival of the Philippine Wild Flora Council; and the intensification of R& D  in Philippine native plants  and product development and its utilization.

The workshop served as a tool for the bureau to solicit suggestions and recommendations on the different sectors in the implementation of the rules and regulations on sustainable use of native plants for the benefit of the industry./