Cultivation | Conservation Strategy | Conservation Nurseries
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)
- Aquilaria brachyantha – Binukat
- Aquilaria cumingiana – Butlo
- Aquilaria filaria – Lapisan (Lapnisan)
- Aquilaria malaccensis – Bari (Endangered under CITES)
- Endemic Species (Native Only to the Philippines)
- Aquilaria apiculata – Mangod
- Aquilaria citrinicarpa – Agododan
- Aquilaria parvifolia – Butlong Liitan
- Aquilaria urdanetensis – Makolan
Key Activities in Conservation Nurseries
- Seed Collection & DNA Certification
- Collection from natural forests & mother trees
- DNA barcoding to verify species identity
- Seed viability testing for high germination rates
- Germination & Seedling Propagation
- Controlled greenhouse environments for optimal growth
- Micropropagation (Tissue Culture) for mass production
- Nursery Maintenance & Hardening
- Optimal soil conditions & organic fertilizers
- Water management & disease prevention
- Gradual acclimatization for field planting
- 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