Book on native Visayas trees launched

TO help raise awareness and appreciation on the region’s indigenous tree species, a book on Philippine native trees found in the Visayas was published.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi), launched its publication entitled “Manual on Native Trees in the Visayas.”

The book is a compilation of the 101 native trees found in the Visayas.

Through the reference material, Rafi also aims to promote efforts toward preserving our natural forest heritage and mobilize people to plant and nurture their own native trees.

“It would be a very good tool that would help the different sectors to take part in environmental sustainability,” said Marge Gravador, Executive director of Rafi Integrated Development Unit.

The featured native trees are grouped alphabetically to the family classification each belongs to, and presented with the descriptions that include official names, scientific names, local names, methods of propagation and uses.

Practical tips on planting and taking care of the seedlings are also provided in the book.

The book is a product of Rafi’s partnership with GREENIN Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The publication aims to ensure environmental sustainability by reversing the loss of environmental resources.

Several studies, including those by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the UN-Food and Agriculture Organization have concluded that the introduction of the exotic tree species in many reforestation projects have resulted in the displacement or destruction of indigenous species, pollution of the gene pool, lose of species diversity, among others.

“We are always calling everyone to participate in planting trees everywhere. We should be working more and more towards sustainability,” said Dominic Chua, Rafi’s chief operations officer.

Studies indicated the importance of propagating these indigenous tree species, especially in reforestration projects.

Copies of the book are ath Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center at P2,500 each.