Conservation nurseries play a crucial role in preserving the endangered and vulnerable Aquilaria species in the Philippines. These nurseries ensure sustainable propagation, genetic diversity, and long-term survival while supporting reforestation, commercial cultivation, and biodiversity conservation.
Objectives of Conservation Nurseries
✅ Propagation & Restoration – Grow Aquilaria seedlings for plantation & reforestation
✅ Genetic Conservation – Maintain a gene bank for rare & endemic species
✅ Sustainable Supply – Provide certified seedlings for sustainable agarwood farming
✅ Education & Research – Serve as a learning hub for farmers, researchers & investors
✅ Livelihood Support – Generate income opportunities for local communities & cooperatives
Targeted Aquilaria Species for Conservation
Indigenous Species (Native to the Philippines & Other Countries)
1️⃣ Aquilaria brachyantha – Binukat
2️⃣ Aquilaria cumingiana – Butlo
3️⃣ Aquilaria filaria – Lapisan (Lapnisan)
4️⃣ Aquilaria malaccensis – Bari (Endangered under CITES)
Endemic Species (Native Only to the Philippines)
1️⃣ Aquilaria apiculata – Mangod
2️⃣ Aquilaria citrinicarpa – Agododan
3️⃣ Aquilaria parvifolia – Butlong Liitan
4️⃣ Aquilaria urdanetensis – Makolan
Key Activities in Conservation Nurseries
1️⃣ Seed Collection & DNA Certification
✔ Collection from natural forests & mother trees
✔ DNA barcoding to verify species identity
✔ Seed viability testing for high germination rates
2️⃣ Germination & Seedling Propagation
✔ Controlled greenhouse environments for optimal growth
✔ Use of biotech-enhanced inoculation to boost resin formation
✔ Micropropagation (Tissue Culture) for mass production
3️⃣ Nursery Maintenance & Hardening
✔ Optimal soil conditions & organic fertilizers
✔ Water management & disease prevention
✔ Gradual acclimatization for field planting
4️⃣ Outplanting & Reforestation
✔ Establishment of Agarwood reforestation sites
✔ Collaboration with local farmers & cooperatives
✔ Integration with carbon sequestration & agroforestry projects
Strategic Locations for Conservation Nurseries
Luzon – Isabela, Cagayan, Aurora, Palawan
Visayas – Samar, Leyte, Negros Occidental
Mindanao – Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Zamboanga del Norte
Why These Locations?
✔ Favorable climate & soil conditions
✔ Presence of wild Aquilaria populations
✔ Strong support from DENR, DA, LGUs & NGOs
Collaboration & Funding Opportunities
Key Partners
✅ Government Agencies: DENR, DA, DOST, PCAARRD, CENRO/PENRO
✅ Academic Institutions: UPLB, DLSU, Visayas State University, CMU
✅ Private Investors & Cooperatives: Agarwood Growers’ Association of the Philippines (AGAP)
✅ International Conservation Organizations: CITES, ITTO, UNDP, WWF
Possible Funding Sources
✔ DENR’s National Greening Program (NGP)
✔ DOST Biotech Research Grants
✔ Private ESG & Carbon Credit Investments
✔ ADB, World Bank & ASEAN Biodiversity Funds
Next Steps for Setting Up Conservation Nurseries
Phase 1: Site Selection & Land Preparation
Phase 2: Seed Collection & Nursery Establishment
Phase 3: R&D on Sustainable Propagation Methods
Phase 4: Community Engagement & Farmer Training
Phase 5: Large-Scale Planting & Long-Term Monitoring