Intensified endemic flora conservation sought

The workshop served as an avenue to establish strategic collaboration and partnerships among local government units and various government agencies

LUBAO, Pampanga — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has joined hands with the United Nations Development Programme as the agencies conducted workshops here to strengthen “benefit sharing” and conservation of genetic resources in the country, particularly its endemic flora.

DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau deputy director Natividad Bernardino said that the workshop is a multisectoral initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility is an opportunity to advance the inclusion of endemic and abundant genetic resources in the value chain, consequently increasing their market value.

Bernardino, who also chairs of the Access and Benefit Sharing National Project, said that the ABS Project is a step forward to developing at least two bioproducts from local genetic resources of Banaba in Region 3 (Lagerstroemia speciosa) and Pili tree (Canarium ovatum and Canarium luzonicum) in Region 5.

The workshop served as an avenue to establish strategic collaboration and partnerships among local government units such as the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Science and Technology, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Health, Pharmalytics Corporation, Herbanext Laboratories Inc., indigenous peoples, and other key stakeholders.

These aforementioned partners are both beneficiaries and advocates of the project’s full implementation in Region 3 for the next six years.

DENR regional executive director Paquito Moreno Jr. welcomed this initiative as an opportunity to boost conservation efforts of indigenous trees in Central Luzon, which would likewise be supplemental to the government’s existing reforestation program, as well as in the efforts to sustain the population of native trees that prevent them from potential extinction.

“This will improve the value chain of Banaba and soon, all species, ensuring that we are ever more conscious of our dependence on nature for our survival through the challenges of climate change and economic stress,” Moreno said.

He added that this project resonates fully with the guidance of Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to protect indigenous species as part of natural heritage and harness these resources for the benefit of the country.

Research shows that a tea made from boiling the leaves of Banaba is used to maintain kidney health and lower blood sugar. Its bark is said to be good for diarrhea, while its root extracts act as a pain reliever.

This will improve the value chain of Banaba and soon, all species, ensuring that we are ever more conscious of our dependence on nature for our survival through the challenges of climate change and economic stress.