Philippines forest regeneration

CNC report from NEW YORK
Added On June 5, 2011



Forests cover a third of the planets land mass and provide over one and a half billion people with a livelihood.

The United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has partnered with the Philippines government to promote ANR (Assisted Natural Regeneration) as a way of regenerating the forests.

Lifestyles has the details.

The ANR technique is simple and above all, cost effective. When a small tree is located, a ring is weeded around it and the surrounding grass is pressed down. Finally, nearby grass is cut away so sunlight can penetrate the area, and trees can grow quickly.

As people begin to understand the fragility of our natural systems, they are flocking to see forests. This means new sources of income, along with increased possibilities for eco-tourism.

Communities also benefit from the forest products they are able to collect. The tropical Pandanus plant is used both as food, and to make dozens of household products.

SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) PATRICK DUGAN, BAGONG PAGASA FOUNDATION
"All these little fellas that are trying to grow get a chance to grow and you can see the result. These are only two years old. And how many species have you got here, all native species.”

Local women use it to make baskets, now on sale throughout the Philippines. It’s an important source of income and it’s directly tied to the state of the surrounding forests.

Forests provide essential resources for the planet, and when they are destroyed entire ecosystems can go into shock, this is why 2011 has been declared by the UN to be the International Year of Forests.

The International Year of Forests aims to raise awareness of the fact that healthy forests are an important part of guaranteeing sustainable development. Regeneration projects help to ensure that we can continue to celebrate forests well into the future.

FAO is publishing its State of the Forests Report on 2 February 2011 to coincide with the launch of the International Year of Forests.

The report will paint a picture of forests still in declining, especially in Latin America and Africa but will also point to some positive and encouraging trends, mainly in Asia and Near East, which is showing an increase in forest regeneration and replanting projects