“WATER IS LIFE”

The Philippines has a total land area of 30 million hectares, which 70% of it can be considered as watershed areas. Currently, not unknown to many, the continuous degradation of our watersheds and forests still remains a major environmental concern in the country.

Hence, to combat the issue of degradation of our watersheds, and the loss of our vanishing native trees, PNTE offers its recommended species for watershed protection and rehabilitation using vegetative measures in an ex-situ conservation approach. The 12 recommended species were chosen with the following criteria adapted from the research compendium on rehabilitation strategies for damaged, critical, and marginal watershed areas by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau (2013), and with additions from the team. The criteria for watershed rehabilitation are as follows:

1. Can tolerate degraded and eroded sites;

2. Requires less management;

3. Roots can grow and expand rapidly;

4. Can quickly form a dense and wide-spreading crown;

5. Nitrogen-fixing;

6. Drought-resistant;

7. Can conserve and improve water quality;

8. Has a wide distribution and adaptation.

I hope you find this IEC helpful on your journey with Philippine Native Trees, especially for those who are taking the challenge to restore and protect our watersheds! Let’s grow more this coming rainy season!