Book Promotes Forest Preservation

The Philippines is known to have a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna as evidently seen in our forests today. But these havens are slowly fading away due to man’s abusive deeds.

“Year after year, the country is experiencing the shattering effects of environmental degradation on human lives and properties. We need to do something to ease these damages. And we look up to native trees as among those that could help us immensely,” said Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Chief Operating Officer Dominica Chua.

With the hope that even the most ordinary citizen walking down the street at this moment can appreciate the significance of one native tree to a rising urban settlement like Cebu City, RAFI, working closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, documented the species of indigenous trees found in the Visayas.

The Manual on Native Trees in the Visayas, a compilation of 101 indigenous trees found in the Visayas, was launched last July 24 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Hall of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center.

The book was published by RAFI.

The event was graced by Cebu Provincial Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and representatives from Cebu municipalities, government agencies, academic institutions, libraries, civic organizations, and the local media.

The first part of the program featured the results of this year’s Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines. Marge Gravador, executive director of RAFI’s Integrated Development unit, presented data showing the mortality and survival rates of the seedlings planted and the number of participants in the free running and planting event.

“Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines started as an awareness campaign in 2011. This year, there are plans on the institutionalization of the event,” Gravador said.

After the presentation of results, the book was introduced by RAFI’s COO Dominica Chua and was unveiled with the help of Vice Governor Magpale. Complimentary copies were given to partners and guests.

“RAFI has a special preference for native trees because we appreciate how they easily adapt to the local environment and the surrounding flora and fauna,” Chua explained.

Manual of Native Trees in the Visayas is sold at P2,500 per copy at the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center in 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City.

The publication was conceptualized to contribute to the achievement of Goal 7 of the Millennium Development Goals, which is to ensure environmental sustainability by reversing the loss of environmental resources.

The featured native trees are presented alphabetically by family with detailed photos and descriptions that include their official names, scientific names, local names, methods of propagation, and uses.

Readers are provided with a glossary to help them understand technical words, as well as practical tips on planting and taking care of seedlings.

Through this reference material, RAFI hopes to raise awareness on and appreciation of the region’s indigenous tree species and promote efforts towards preserving our natural forest heritage and mobilize people to plant and nurture their own native trees.

“By learning and appreciating our natural heritage that includes part and parcel our native trees, we hope to spur you into such that when you go home, you will be able to select your favorite native tree, plant it, and grow it,” Chua urged.

To know more about the book, visit http://rafi.org.ph/publications/native-trees/.

For more information about the book and the GREENIN Philippines Program, please contact 418-7234 loc. 515 and look for Noel Fornolles, or visit www.rafi.org.ph/greenin-philippines or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph, or follow @rafiorgph on Twitter. (by Jessa Zabala/RAFI intern)