Feeling Environmentalist

Why your tree planting isn’t helping

the Philippine environment
October 28, 2014 For the Trees biodiversity, environment, forests, national greening
program, nature, philippine environment, philippines, tree planting, wildlife
Planning to join a tree planting event?

Hold up, you might be doing more harm than good.

Do the trees you plant actually help nature? It depends.

As far as helping nature goes, “Plant a tree” probably rules the Top 10 list of things you can do for na-
ture, beating out “Recycle” and “Don’t litter.”

And for good reason.

I’ve been taught since I was a kid, and you probably were too, that trees create oxygen, store water,
house wildlife, and that planting a tree does a whole lot of good in the world.

It does, but too bad they never taught us how to do it the right way.

It turns out, many tree planting activities today are flawed, creating “forests” that fail to give these ben-
efits.
I was disappointed that while I may get that warm fuzzy feeling of having contributed to the conserva-
tion of the environment, the actual help I do may be less than what I think.

Why?

Because not all trees are equal.

Some of them are actually better at restoring nature simply because they originally made up the forest
when it still existed instead of being imported from someplace else.

One of these exotic species I’ve encountered that end up damaging the local environment instead of
helping it is Mahogany. It is also one of the many trees prioritized for planting in the Philippines.

Take for example, the government’s own National Greening Program, a project that aims to plant 1.5 bil-
lion trees by 2016. Of the 25 million seedlings prepared as of 2011, guess how many are exotic to the
country?

That many.

I’m singling out Mahogany because its pretty special in its own way.
Even though it grows naturally in South America and not in the Philippines, Mahogany grows really real-
ly well here because it can transform the soil until it becomes what it needs to survive.

Sounds like a superpower right? It actually sounds kinda cool, in a super villain kind of way.

So why is this bad?

Because it prevents native trees that

face extinction from growing.
You see, mahogany is self-centered and vain. It doesn’t care what the others around it are feeling. It
won’t share its position in the food chain and if you don’t like it, GTFO.

Regina George was originally meant to be a metaphor for

Philippine forests

It just so happens that soil with a serving of acidity that Mahogany loves so much isn’t so good for other
organisms.

This makes them very invasive and able to choke out other plants. I learned from this review of local re-
forestation studies that the pseudo-forests they make up are often devoid of wildlife when compared
to natural forests.

You won’t see much bacteria in the soil, insects on its leaves, birds on its branches, nor anything else
you’d expect to find in a real forest.

You can see the difference for yourself by visiting Bohol’s man made Mahogany forest in Bilar, which is
as close to a biological dead zone as you’re gonna get.

I mean, wouldn’t you want something more fabulous? Like

Bagras, i.e. rainbow eucalyptus. Yes, that’s really purple and
gold. Photo from Phil Native Trees 101.
Here’s one example I found of what we are set to lose:

You might be familiar with Narra because it was either your section in grade school, or you remember an
Araling Panlipunan lesson on how it’s our national tree.

Well, Narra is classified as Vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of
Union.

And it’s not the only one.

I did a quick search on the official Red List of Species that revealed that Molave, Apitong, Rafflesia, and
682 other native plants (so far) are threatened with extinction.

I didn’t even know we had that many.

This massive disappearance is mainly due to habitat loss, meaning the destruction of forests, which is
made even worse by their natural range being taken over by exotic species.

So should you and I still be planting

trees?
Yes.

Our forests have been steadily disappearing for the past century so if we want to survive for several
more, I think we definitely should.

After all, we only have 3% of original forests where native trees grow left in the country.
But including artificial “forests” for production, the DENR says 23% is left. From
the Haribon Foundation.

Just do it correctly and remember what it is you’re planting for.

If you want to conserve nature and prevent extinctions, go join a tree planting activity for native species.
Check out this page for a list of the right trees you can plant.

If you’re looking to grow trees to cut them down later on, find an isolated area and go crazy with ma-
hogany.

Bonus:

Wildlife can be picky when choosing where to live. Most nests of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle,
the largest in the world, are made on native trees like Red Lauan (also critically endangered) that reach
over a hundred feet high.

Click here to learn more about the Philippine Eagle and see the rare photo of it getting ready to feast on a
monkey.

This post was written by volunteer nature lovers. If you think it was helpful, please consider sharing it
on Facebook and Twitter to help raise awareness about the Philippine environment.
You can also sign up with your email at the bottom of this page so you can be notified when new sto-
ries are sent in.

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67 thoughts on “Why your tree planting isn’t

helping the Philippine environment”

thelighttravelerOctober 30, 2014 at 6:32 pm

Very informative. I heard about the government’s National Greening Program, but I did not know that
majority of the species they are planting are non-native ones. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

 Liked by 1 person

Feeling EnvironmentalistOctober 30, 2014 at 6:42 pm

Thank you! I didn’t know about it either until I started researching about it a year ago. I’ve been told
that it’s better than nothing, but why not do it properly if you’re going to invest so much in it?

 Liked by 1 person

UliNovember 10, 2014 at 11:47 pm

I am from Mama Earth Davao and we planted 705,000 mangroves in the Gulf of Davao, but also in
intercropping system 100,000 mahogany tees for lumber purposes. This is also on the way to protect
the remaining virgin forest for illegal logging. We plant also in different areas many endemic trees: In
 our opinion are only one way successful: Different ways! Thanks.

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 11, 2014 at 10:33 am

Hi Uli! Good to hear about your work with Mama Earth Davao (great name by the way). You’re
right, there are different ways we can help, but I hope your Mahogany trees were planted in the
right area.

 Like

CrescentineOctober 31, 2014 at 3:37 pm

This is very very informative. I’ll share this with other people when going on tree planting activities! I
love learning new things / facts like this!

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistOctober 31, 2014 at 6:49 pm

Thanks Crescentine! I’ll make sure to write more stuff like this then.

 Like

Dace T.October 31, 2014 at 7:11 pm

This is an eye opener. I don’t really pay so much attention to this fact until I trekked up to Lake Holon (in
my hometown Tboli, South Cotabato) last March. There is a small village called Sitio Nabol. It got its
name from the dense Nabol trees (Elaeocarpus gigantifolius) that used to exist in the area. There are
already few trees standing these days. The dwindling number of native trees species in the Philippines
has reached a very alarming level. The only solution is to plant. The time is now, and we need to do it
fast.

 Like
 Feeling EnvironmentalistOctober 31, 2014 at 9:45 pm

Hi Dace! Thanks for the info about Nabol, I wasn’t aware of it until now. I would love to see it. The
IUCN list says it’s also Vulnerable to extinction though, maybe you can gather up some of its seeds
for future planting?

 Like

Dace T.October 31, 2014 at 9:56 pm

I’m sure it is vulnerable to extinction. My brother had photos of Nabol trees in the same are 2
years ago and I saw a lot. When I went up last March, I could easily count the last few standing.
Nabol trees are huge and tall and beautiful to look at. I will coordinate with our local gov’t unit
for the seeds. I will keep you posted.

 Like

DNovember 2, 2014 at 8:27 am

I used Falcata as border trees for my farm in Mindanao but we will harvest it for wood soon (if I can get
past the barricade from insurgents) but I am wondering if I am using the right tree the right way or
should I find an alternative?

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 3, 2014 at 10:18 am

Hi D! I suppose that you chose Falcata because it can be harvested in a relatively short time? I heard
that it’s a favorite in plantations for that reason. I’m not an expert on Falcata, but I think it should be
ok as long as your farm is away from forests and not on the uplands.

There are better alternatives though that you can try after you harvest your next batch. Check out
this manual for Rainforestation Farming, which is a method of using native trees to support the
growth of crops and fruit trees.

Have you also tried including Abaca in your farm? It’s a good fast strategy to do while you’re still
 starting out with Rainforestation Farming, which can take several years to be fully functional. Here’s
a manual for that

 Liked by 1 person

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Ross GardnerNovember 5, 2014 at 5:59 pm

An example of misguided government policy towards the environment? Surely not?

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 5, 2014 at 9:54 pm

It hurts to admit, but unfortunately it is. Its been known through local studies since the mid 1990s
too that exotic trees are harmful.

 Like

Ross GardnerNovember 7, 2014 at 4:07 am

Shame. Familiar story though (hence my rather sarcastic comment above). Not quite the same,
but it’s a bit like when you by toilet rolls in the shops over here and says on the packet something
like: “for every tree we cut down we plant two in its place”, but they never say which trees they
are planting. Good that there’s folk like you to make the point.

 Liked by 1 person

Rowie BoquirenNovember 8, 2014 at 12:18 pm

Support the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PTFCF) and the Foundation for
the Philippine Environment (FPE), two NGOs that extend grants (financial assistance) to appropriate
actions of responsible people who are in forest conservation. I should know, I had been its BOT member
for many years! Link up with them, their connection can be goggled.

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 8, 2014 at 9:07 pm

Hi Rowie, thanks for the info! So honored that this post somehow reached you. I will definitely add
the FPE in my list of local NGOs to contact in order to find out which issues need more attention.

I’ve found that while there are many conservation orgs who do great work in the Philippines, I feel
like most of them can still do a lot in terms of translating their findings/lessons into a more easily
understandable and mainstream form. From my limited experience, most of them only create
scientific papers or technical management plans? That is just my opinion though. This is one of the
major reasons why I decided to put this blog up so having you here is boosting my motivation to do
so

I’m a corporate writer, but I’ve always wanted to contribute my skills (no matter how imperfect) for
an advocacy, similar to how BOT members like you take the time to help manage the FPE. Hopefully
I can do this full time someday.

 Like

Joy OhNovember 10, 2014 at 8:09 am

thank you.. keep up the good work

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 10, 2014 at 4:09 pm

Thank you Joy!

 Like
 lagatawNovember 10, 2014 at 11:23 pm

This makes a lot of sense! The reason why advocacies that make sense get hushed up by the less
relevant sometimes vain ones is that they are inaccessible to the masses. This blog has turned
the good cause into something mainstream. And this is really selfless! It must have been tough
deciding whether to package a cause as sacred as this in a vile style as 9gag’s.
But the fight is tough because those less relevant pseudo-causes are peddled around by big
corporations who control the media…Nobody really bothered to ask what becomes of the world
when we turn off our lights for an hour..or when we use paper bags instead of plastic…We just
take it for granted that those causes are good because ABS CBN says so. It is not every day that
we find writers like you guys who can make use of a special skill to get across a politics-and-
corruption-free message to the public so as to create a massive relevant change. I have already
started sharing your articles.

 Liked by 1 person

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 11, 2014 at 10:35 am

Hi Lagataw! I really wanted to make this issue mainstream so I appreciate your compliment that
it’s working

 Like

KimberlyTheBraveNovember 12, 2014 at 3:56 pm

This is what we actually need at present,people who serve as bridge between the scientific
community and the people in general. Im an ecology major and am aspiring to spread this
advocacy in our region as well:) Keep up the good work!:)

 Like

Fredd OchavoNovember 10, 2014 at 3:43 pm

Great article!

 Like
 Fredd OchavoNovember 10, 2014 at 3:54 pm

aside from the Bolivian Mahogany which you mentioned above, Auri (Acacia auriculiformis) is also self-
centered and vain. But until now, this species is still being used for reforestation at Mt. Balagbag which
is part of Ipo Watershed.

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 10, 2014 at 4:08 pm

I appreciate the compliment Fred Thanks for the info about Auri too! Would you happen to know
which groups are behind Ipo’s reforestation? I haven’t been there yet, but maybe we can reach out to
them.

 Like

JowaNovember 10, 2014 at 11:01 pm

Just shared your article, this is what I really fear the most. the day when our native species will
disappear along with the birds and insects. We plant too many mahoganies and non-native ornamental
plants. Also who knows what kind of diseases/viruses/bacteria these imported plants would bring to our
ecosystem. Our Baranggays, towns and cities are named after the our native trees (Maynilad,
Calumpang, Bakawan etc.) Lets keep planting native trees~!

 Liked by 2 people

Eric Gerard NebranNovember 11, 2014 at 4:43 am

Effie Trinket should be informed about this!

 Like

liquiddruidNovember 11, 2014 at 5:10 am

I’ve read about that dead forest in Bohol some 2 years ago and why it was one big clusterf*ck of a
mistake. Hopefully the DENR learns about it and adjusts their reforestation priorities.

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 11, 2014 at 7:03 pm

Thanks for reading Liquiddruid!

 Like

frchitoNovember 11, 2014 at 5:23 am

Reblogged this on Kalakbay at Katoto and commented:

To friends who might want to help, but don’t know how … here are some useful tips

 Liked by 1 person

Mike DoradoNovember 11, 2014 at 7:25 am

great article! We planted around 2000 mahogany trees in laguna. I wanted to get rid of them last year
after learning that mahogany is a dominant self centered tree. When typhoon Glenda hit us onky 16
remained. Nature is now giving me a chance to replace them with our native species.

I hope we can find a list of where to plant those local endangered species so that next time we go tree
planting we’re planting the right species.

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 11, 2014 at 10:30 am

Hi Mike! Based on the experience of people I’ve asked, you might have to do something to
rejuvenate the soil before native trees can grow in it again

 Like
 amadorandreaNovember 11, 2014 at 8:29 am

Maybe a factor to planting Mahogany is its use for construction. (Are they being planted to be harvested
via illegal logging??)

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 11, 2014 at 10:28 am

Hi Drei! From what I’ve read, I think you’re right. A big reason why Mahogany was imported to the
Philippines was for construction materials because they grow fast and need little help.
Unfortunately, they became a problem when people started falling in love with it a little too much
and started planting it outside of lumber plantations (which are supposed to be isolated from
natural forests).

 Like

jubiemNovember 11, 2014 at 9:14 am

thank you for sharing this. Its very informative and challenging. Conserve our environment the right
way.

 Like

klarenzNovember 11, 2014 at 1:08 pm

Informative article…just want to share of the 2 nat’l govt financed programs in cagayan valley, manggo
trees in middle sorrounded by 2 lanes narra and mahogany (very slow growing tree) as mark of division
of adjacent lot and the coconut tree planting. Can we consider this as reforestation program as the govt
rep. (DENR & Phil.coconut auth.) claim?

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 11, 2014 at 3:59 pm

 Thanks Klarenz! I’m not an expert, but that sounds like rainforestation farming for livelihood? That’s
another alternative to try. You can read about in this manual.

 Like

NoreenNovember 11, 2014 at 3:41 pm

Informative but hated your RG metaphor. Is it possible to share the article sans that picture?

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 11, 2014 at 3:56 pm

Thanks for the feedback Noreen! I was really wondering how people would react to that metaphor.
What do you think would be a good alternative to it? You can actually choose the picture that will
show when you share it on Facebook.

 Like

liquiddruidNovember 11, 2014 at 4:03 pm

Leave RG there. It’s your blog.

 Like

markbalidoNovember 11, 2014 at 6:34 pm

I have attended a planning on tree planting which will be implemented very soon, and I learned that not
all mahogany are exotic trees. There are species of mahogany which are natives in the Philippines.
Examples are lawaan and apitong. They are both species of mahogany.

 Like
 Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 11, 2014 at 7:01 pm

Thanks for reading Mark! The Mahogany I describe here is Sweetenia macrophylla, but you’re correct
that there are native Philippine Mahogany species. But, based on what I’ve read, Apitong and
Lawaan/Lauan are better referred to as dipterocarps (which we need more of). Calling them
Philippine Mahogany may have added to the confusion that lead to people planting the exotic type.
Besides, it’s much better to use their local names

 Liked by 1 person

ohyesNovember 12, 2014 at 1:17 am

If, hypothetically, all the native trees and shrubs of a country with very few people belonging to
indigenous, tribal groups, were to be replaced by imported ones, and all the endemic animals of that
country get affected by this and become extinct, setting aside symbolic importance and any other
attachment to local wildlife, how exactly would this change that country’s human way of life aside from
incurring some losses in the tourism, food (exotic native animals), construction (native woods) and
agricultural (I don’t even see how this is connected) sector?

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 12, 2014 at 10:46 am

Good question! Here are some of the more direct things that come to mind:
1. Exotic trees are less resistant to typhoons (which we get 20+ each year) so they are less capable in
protecting communities/cities from landslides, flooding, and in acting as carbon sinks
2. When trees are gone, siltation into oceans and rivers is increased. This spreads anything from soil,
chemical runoffs, and organic materials that destroy coral reefs which are nurseries for fish,
threatening jobs and livelihood. This is a problem because 60% of municipalities in the Philippines
are coastal.
3. Loss of local wildlife means abundance of pests, leading to decimation of crops. Insect eating
birds help farmers generate higher yields. China led itself into a famine that caused millions to die
when Mao ordered sparrows be killed, which led to insect infestations eating up its supply of grain.

From those 3 alone, the effects will cascade into other ecosystems and sectors including the labor
market, disaster prevention, and poverty.

 Like
 CarlosNovember 12, 2014 at 9:30 am

The native vs exotic debate is old. Yes, native trees would be ideal, but you also have to understand that
the land is not the same as it was before when said species flourished. Lack of habitat due to human
encroachment is actually the greatest contributor to extincinction. Not what we label as invassive.
Because technically humans are the single most invassive of all species in nature.

Correct we do need trees so any bit helps. Whether it’s mahogany or nara, or a mango tree we need it.

To say mahogany or a certain species is invasive though is incorrect. Nature knows best, and it grows
what it can grow where it can grow it. We only label species we don’t like as invassive. Nature will grow
where conditions are favorable.

To understand it more I recommend you read Masanobu Fukuoka’s one straw revolution. Or Toby
hemenway’s gaias garden. These two books will help you understand why there is no such thing as in
invassive species. It’s only us humans who call it such.

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 12, 2014 at 10:25 am

Thanks for those resources Carlos! I agree that the main cause of extinctions is lack of habitat (part
of that is forests being transformed in to other use areas), but I have to disagree with your other
points.

As I’ve said in the post, Mahogany (the Sweitenia macrophylla kind) is not natural in the country.
Because of this, it has little relationships with other organisms in the local ecosystem. Organisms
have their ecological nich, and the environment has its own checks and balances that prevent one
species from overrunning the entire place. Nature does know best, which is why mahogany seeds
aren’t capable of spreading from South America to the Philippines on its own. If you think people
actively importing mahogany to the country is a natural process (like pollination), then where do you
draw the line? Do the buildings people put up in the middle of forests also count as natural?

Another example I can think of is climate change and global warming. They are both normal
processes, but they have been accelerated beyond natural levels due to the higher amount of
emmissions. Would you still call the rate it is affecting the world natural?

 Liked by 1 person

liquiddruidNovember 12, 2014 at 3:25 pm

 You have already contradicted yourself. You consider humans encroaching on forests as particularly
invasive, yet you don’t think it’s invasive when humans introduce trees from one habitat to another
and the latter gets disrupted.

“you also have to understand that the land is not the same as it was before when said species
flourished” — But of course! It’s precisely because of that human element.

 Like

KimberlyTheBraveNovember 12, 2014 at 2:29 pm

Reblogged this on Ang Manlalayag.

 Liked by 1 person

KimberlyTheBraveNovember 12, 2014 at 3:54 pm

Indeed.we should’ve already learned the dangers of invasive species by now,learning from our past
mistakes:) (golden apple snails and bufo marinus were supposed to help agriculture on pest
management but became pests themselves; mahogany prevents other trees from growing in its
periphery; janitor fish in laguna de bay wiped out other species in the area). Passion and good
intentions should always be partnered with informed actions
You have a great blog here :)))

 Liked by 1 person

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 12, 2014 at 6:26 pm

I hope that we’ll learn from those examples too, Kimberly “Passion and good intentions should
always be partnered with informed actions” <– I like that way you phrased that!

 Liked by 1 person

mylaNovember 13, 2014 at 9:23 am

 You got a very good article. Im from Bohol and im very sad to hear that we have a dead forest in
our province. Our government should step forward and educate people about this matter. They
should be distributing seedlings that are really eco friendly. I just hope that they are aware of the
impact of planting mahogany trees. Reeducate people. Create awareness. When i was a kid i
used to grow mahogany as these is being taught and distributed for tree planting. I hope our
children should be educated first. Im a mother and and ofw. In my own little way i will start
educating my children. Good luck to your cause. Im sharing your article now

 Like

ohyesNovember 13, 2014 at 9:39 am

Yes I agree that the introduction of other species of flora and fauna will ‘destroy’ the current
ecosystem of an isolated area such as the Philippine archipelago, but at the same time the same
ecosystem will adapt to the change, including humans. Trees in particular have a neat way of
‘terraforming’ their occupied region. In my opinion this is no different from, say, the hypothetical
extinction of the carabao. Even if it changes things, maybe to the extent of affecting the human
population, I still don’t see why it’s an issue. Maybe you’re talking about preserving the
ecological status quo?

 Like

igolNovember 13, 2014 at 9:18 pm

Exactly! Thanks for taking the effort to raise public awareness on this issue. it was tough enough getting
the DENR to agree on the 5 million native tree seedlings. As foresters, the lot of them should have known
better yet they insist on doing this. Something doesn’t feel right. Neither the science nor the socio-
economic aspects make any sense….

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 14, 2014 at 10:27 am

Thanks for reading Igol! I agree, but one of their reasoning behind it is that exotic trees will be able to
provide livelihood when they are harvested several years after they plant. Whether the benefit of
that is greater than the benefit of ecological services of native forests, is another topic

 Like
 George Isaac Florendo AsibalNovember 15, 2014 at 5:05 pm

Nice post. Brings a lot of awareness. Kinda gets your blood boiling on how our government can be so
stupid sometimes.

Why not diversify though? I think you can plant both native and exotic trees/plants. You just have to
design the land properly. Have you guys heard of permaculture?

Check out what this guy has been doing on his land —–> https://www.facebook.com/renanteareola?
fref=nf

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 17, 2014 at 10:08 pm

Thanks for reading George! Haven’t seen an application of permaculture yet, but I agree that
combining both can definitely be beneficial. As long as you do the proper preparations, of course.

 Like

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MARLON E CEBALLOSNovember 17, 2014 at 2:11 pm

Thank you for posting the true situation of the different tree planting/growing/parenting.

This will enlighten the minds of different organizers and will focus on the most applicable solutions to
address climate change and disaster risk and reduction.

MARLON E CEBALLOS
Special Project Chairman/ Public Relations Officer- Board of Director ,
Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc.-XII

CEO,
505 Disaster Rescuers for Emergencies, Assistance and Management.
 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 17, 2014 at 10:06 pm

Hi Marlon! I hope this will be helpful in your work. If you’ve got other issues you think should get
more attention, let us know

 Like

lifelustwandergirlNovember 18, 2014 at 5:01 pm

Amusing to read this post because I got myself involved in one of these tree planting activities. Thumbs
up for the information provided here.!

 Like

Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 18, 2014 at 5:46 pm

Thanks for reading Patty! That makes two of us who got into tree planting before knowing how it
should be done.

 Liked by 1 person

daxNovember 20, 2014 at 4:56 pm

Thank you for this post and the links you included along with it. Really useful stuff.

 Like

Ed AbuanNovember 22, 2014 at 1:52 am

HI, you are partly right in what you were writing but otherwise, many of them are not really supported
by science or research or plane common sense. The first question you should ask when doing tree
planting is to ask yourself: What for? Then you will start to consider factors that will guide you. If you are
planting for environmental reason, then you start with the wrong foot. Why? You don’t need to plant!
Nature can take care of itself. Want evidence? Go around the city or town or barangay where you are
now and take a look at lots which are left alone and undisturbed. Even with a concrete on top of the lot
you will soon find out grasses and small herbs starting to grow. In just few months you will soon find out
(assuming the lot remained undisturbed) that small shrubs usually leguminous start emerging and
before the year ends, small trees will start to emerge. The common ones are called manzanitas, binunga
and balanti. There are also species belonging to the jackfruit family like is-is. If you are planting to use
the wood later on, then you would consider trees with high value and preferably local or endemic and
not introduced. You have choices of dipterocarps which have the species red and white lauan, bagtikan,
yakal, guijo, apitong and many others. There are other types of premium wood producing trees like
narra , tindalo, molave, nato and ipil. Mahogany and gmelina are two of the common exotic trees with
lumber highly acceptable and widely used by many furniture makers in the country. It is very hard to
collect seeds of dipterocarps because they don’t flower every year and once they do flower and produce
fruits these are easily attacked by insects or eaten by small animals. Besides, it will take 50 to 100 years
to grow them to commercial size. You may be wrong to believe that narra is a threatened species. It is
very easy to propagate and there are many sources of trees where you can collect fruits. The real
threatened species which I seldom see now is Tindalo. Mahogany and gmelina takes only 8 to 15 years to
become harvestable. That is why, it might be wrong and purely ignorant to simply lump all introduced
species as bad like mahogany. Want examples of introduced trees or plants in the Philippines? Examples
are avocado, corn, cacao, coffee. Are these plants bad? I wish to write so much more. Hope to do soon.
God bless.

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Feeling EnvironmentalistNovember 23, 2014 at 11:10 pm

Hi Ed! You brought up a lot of good discussion points. I wrote this primarily to make people think
whether what they are doing is really having the effect they want it to. This is why I especially like the
“What for?” question you presented: because most people enter tree planting for the broad purpose
of “helping the environment”. What I included here is the way one common example (mahogany)
doesn’t do that.

If you read until the end, I said that if you want to plant trees to cut them down later on for lumber
go for mahogany. Same goes with cacao, coffee, etc. which are all part of the government’s NGP and
have become sources of livelihood and everyday food. I agree with you that we definitely need them
despite being exotic to the Philippines (I can see where you’re coming from because I didn’t really
include this point for the sake of brevity and focused instead on the aforementioned purpose). The
problem I stated in the article still exists though when they’re planted in areas where the good they
bring is being offset by the bad (in watershed/protected/national park areas with great ecological
worth) making it not contribute much towards “helping the environment” part.

You could also click on the links in the article itself to check the sources I used. I’d appreciate it if you
can let me know if you find something that shouldn’t be there. Maybe you can let me know too when
 you get to write more about the points you raised to make more people understand the importance
of having a purpose

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moirainori77November 25, 2014 at 7:14 am

Reblogged this on Sunflowers for Moira and commented:

For tree-planters and tree-lovers out there.

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karinsnatureblogDecember 16, 2014 at 9:46 pm

There is the ‘ Trees for the Future ‘ organization’s who is specialised in growing sustainable forests with
great success for over 20 years.Amongst other projects they have they replant desdicated areas with the
correct trees who have been cut down but also grow mixed sustainable forest gardens which feed the
farmers and give them also a income without having further need to take down existing trees.
They are all professionals and can be hired by any government around the globe.So tree planting yes,
but best left to professionals who have studied nature.

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JPDecember 17, 2014 at 9:46 am

Hello po. Sadly the authorities here are behind in recognizing invasive plants. Here is what other experts
and countries think about Acacia auriculiformis (an iconic but invasive plant in the Philippines) from
cabi,org:
“In Florida, USA, A. auriculiformis is a category 1 alien plant (Langeland and Burks, 1998). Space et al.
(2000) list A. auriculiformis among species that are invasive elsewhere and are invasive or potentially
invasive on the Pacific island of Chuuk. Similarly, PIER (2001) grouped A. auriculiformis among species
that are known to be invasive elsewhere, and are common or weedy in Tonga. Further monitoring in the
anticipation that this species might spread more rapidly was recommended. A. auriculiformis is
presently rare or uncommon in American Samoa but was listed among those naturalized species
considered invasive elsewhere and classed as common or weedy. A. auriculiformis is also listed as a
category 2 invasive plant species in the Bahamas (BEST Commission, 2003). Islam (2002) reports that
following recent introduction of this species to Bangladesh, A. auriculiformis germinates naturally in
plantation forests and prevents the germination of native species. It is one of 17 plant species named on
a preliminary list of invasive alien species for Singapore (Tan and Tan, 2002). Starr et al. (2003)
recommended the eradication of A. auriculiformis in Hawaii, USA, where it is presently sparingly
cultivated on Maui, to prevent its invasion.”

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