Rainforestation Sustainable Farming Strategy

Archie Tulin Resource Management Officer

*Presented during the RFRI Forum on “Rainforestation : Sustainable Farming Strategy” held on May 3, 2016 at the Formation Center, Missionaries of the Child Jesus, Makati City, Philippines. The Philippines owe its resources to its vast Tropical Rainforests, the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystem.

Photo Courtesy: VSU-ITEEM in its presentation entitled, “ Rainforestation”. Source: Leonard Co in his presentation entitled, “So Many Species, So Little Forests, Too Little Time”. Conventional Farming System…

Non-traditional Kaingin Cultivation

Crop Monoculture EnvironmentalIssues… Soil Erosion

Soil Infertility & Acidity

Sedimentation & Siltation

Soil & Water Pollution

Pests & Diseases Outbreak

Habitat & Biodiversity Loss What is Rainforestation Farming? Rainforestation Farming (RF) is both a reforestation and a farming approach that attempts to integrate ecosystem conservation and sustainable development (Margraf & Milan, 2006).

A farming system that closely resembles the structure of a natural Philippine rainforest.

It evolves from various efforts to sustain human food production and simultaneously preserve the biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems and their vital functions to mankind.

“Near-to-Nature Farming System”

Photo Courtesy (Rightmost): Dr. Marlito Bande in his presentation entitled, “Ecological and Sustainable Abaca Fiber Production”. Effects of Rainforestation on Site Quality:

1. Improvement of soil chemical properties; 2. Improvement of soil structure and water holding capacity; 3. Improvement of soil organic matter and soil color; 4. Improvement of nutrient status; 5. Improvement of biological activity; and 6. Improvement of microclimate Objectives

Replace non-traditional “kaingin” Protect forest biodiversity

Provide farmers with stable & high income

Form as buffer-zone of the original forest Help maintain water cycle Innovations on Rainforestation: RF in Production Areas RF is a sustainable approach on preserving the environment and at the same time integrating production using fruit-bearing trees and crops that can tolerate moderate to high levels of shading.

There are limitless possibilities on Rainforestation as native trees provide ecosystem services necessary for the sustenance of living organisms. Native Trees & Fruit Trees Integration

Sun-demanding Tree Species

Shade-tolerant Tree Species

Source (Illustrations) : VSU-ITEEM in its presentation entitled, “ Rainforestation”. Cienda, Baybay Sun-demanding Tree Species Native Trees Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) Agoho (Casuarina equisetifolia) Talisay (Terminalia catappa) Molave (Vitex parviflora) Kariskis (Albizia lebbekoides) Dao (Dracontamelon dao) Banai-banai (Radermachera pinnata) Kamagong (Diospyrus philippenensis)

Fruit-bearing Trees Mango (Mangifera indica) Marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus) Avocado (Persea americana) Soursop (Anona muricata) Santol (Sandoricum koetjape) Sampalok (Tamarindus indicus) Camansi (Artocarpus camansi) Citrus spp. Source: Bande, M.M. in his presentation entitled, “Development and diffusion of Rainforestation Technology”. Shade-tolerant Tree Species Native Trees White Lauan (Shorea contorta) Apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus) Almon (Shorea almon) Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis) Yakal (Shorea astylosa) Bagtikan (Parashorea malaanonan) Tangile (Shorea polysperma) Mayapis (Shorea squamata)

Fruit-bearing Trees Durian (Durio zibethinus) Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) Lanzones (Lansium domesticum) Cacao (Theobroma cacao) Coffee (Coffea sp.)

Source: Bande, M.M. in his presentation entitled, “Development and diffusion of Rainforestation Technology”. Source: Bande, M.M. in his presentation entitled, “Development and diffusion of Rainforestation Technology”. Perspective of a three-storey canopy once RF had established

Source (Illustration) : VSU-ITEEM in its presentation entitled, “ Rainforestation”. Yams Rattan

Integration with Shade-tolerant Crops & NTFPs Taro Taro Honey

Pineapple Mushroom

Abaca

Herbs Ornamentals

Source (Illustration) : VSU-ITEEM in its presentation entitled, “ Rainforestation”. Abaca Rainforestation! Strategy for building resilient community-based enterprise in Aklan Abaca (Manila Hemp) • Family: Musaceae • Species: Musa textilis Née • Indigenous to the lowland tropical rainforests of the Philippines • Cultivated for its fiber Physical Requirement – More productive in areas where the soil is volcanic in origin, rich in organic matter, and well-drained – Soil pH level must be about 6.0 to 7.0 – an elevation of less than 1,000 m a.s.l. – temperatures of 20°C during cool months and 25°C during warm months – relative humidity of 78% to 85% – evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year

“Native to the understorey of our Outplanted abaca lowland Rainforests!” San Jose, Madalag. Distribution and Production

Table 1. Top 10 Abaca DOPs for 2013 Province Volume* Rank Catanduanes 21,556 1 Leyte 4,877 2 Northern Samar 4,349 3 Davao Oriental 2,777 4 Surigao del Sur 2,354 7 Southern Leyte 953 10 Davao del Sur 2,358 6 Sulu 2,629 5 Aklan 1,357 9 Bukidnon 1,781 8 NATIONAL 55,958 *In metric tons (Source: FIDA, 2013) Source: Adapted from the presentation of DOST-PAGASA entitled, “Tools for Adaptation of Climate Change in the Phils.” Aftermath of Supertyphoon Yolanda… Swift-off over 3,329.83 hectares of Abaca areas in Aklan (4,231.63 hectares of Abaca, 2012)

(Source: FIDA Reg. VI, 2013) Monoculture… Rehabilitation • Given the extent of damage to the abaca industry in Aklan, rehabilitation work has been prioritized. • “Plant height, cumulative leaf area, pseudostem length and base girth of abaca significantly improved when the light was further reduced to 50%.” – Dr. Bande, M.M. 2012. Morphological Response of Abaca to Shade, Irrigation and Fertilizer Application at different stages of plant growth.”

Temporary Nursery for Abaca in Dit-ana, Madalag, Aklan Source: Bande, M.M. 2004. Development of a Sustainable Abaca (Musa textilis) Production in a Diversified Multi-Strata Agroecosystems in Leyte, The Philippines. What has been done?

Established Abaca Rainforestation areas in Aklan managed by Community-based Enterprises Enterprise Development •Capacity Building/ Trainings •Provision of Equipment & Facilities •Product Development OPERATIONALIZATION

Sustainable Farming System •Resource Management Planning •Rainforestation Activities •Sustainable Harvesting Practices

Engaging with Market Thank you!