ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANTING NATIVE TREE SPECIES

In the words of Mr. David Ples:

“The main goal should be forest restoration and not just reforestation. Reforestation can mean just achieving more forest cover (more tree canopy) without regard for which species are planted. Forest restoration means to help a forest go back to the way it originally and naturally was. That means using the appropriate species native to an area. These species have evolved unique relationships with the surrounding fauna and other flora, and we want to bring back that high level of diversity that allows forests to function as they should - neat little ecosystems where the interdependence of native plants and animals allows the forest to perform services like oxygen production, carbon cycling, nutrient cycling, water drainage, etc. Using exotics is basically the equivalent of using a puzzle piece that doesn't fit the original picture. It disrupts that interconnectivity and may introduce undesirable negative effects, like exotics outcompeting native species or changing soil chemistry. We may be doing more harm than good by planting exotics, even if these exotics themselves thrive. Forest restoration can be a long and difficult process which requires us to take care of the seedlings and saplings we plant, so yes, sometimes their survival rate may not seem as good as exotics, but we have to put in the effort to choose species carefully and see their growth through, because it's better for us and our forests in the long run.”

Some examples of native/indigenous species:

Narra

Yakal

Apitong

Talisay

Kalumpit

Palosapis

Bitaog

Mangkono

Almaciga

Molave

Banaba

Acacia Confusa (Ayangile , Small Philippine Acacia, Native, Rare)

Some exotic species:

Gemelina

Mahogany

Acacia Mangium (Mangium, Exotic)

Acacia Auriculiformis ( Auri, Exotic)

Firetree (Delonix Regia)

India Rubber (Ficus elastica)

Makopa

Mangium

Mulberry

Panama rubber

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