THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has emphasized the significance of advancing research and knowledge on medicinal plants and forest trees.
The one-day Asean Conference on Medicinal Forest Trees held on September 7 in New Clark City, Pampanga gathered around 117 participants from Southeast Asia. It underlined the role of researchers in increasing awareness about the potential benefits of the important natural resource.
In a statement, Director Maria Lourdes G. Ferrer of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) urged participants of the conference to continue championing research, innovation, and responsible management of the country’s natural resources, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and information sharing to bring about transformative change.
“Through your rigorous research, innovative thinking, and unwavering [resolve] to responsible stewardship of our natural resources, we have unearthed possibilities that will undoubtedly expand beyond the limits of current knowledge,” Ferrer said.
She noted that the conference discussions not only deepened understanding, but also promoted linkages for the advancement of medicinal non-timber forest species.
Besides the inadequate research support, the conference acknowledged the shortage of published literature on medicinal forest trees. It also emphasized the substantial threats posed by forest degradation and habitat loss to vital medicinal forest tree species. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for more ethnobotanical and pharmacological research on medicinal plants and forest trees.
The ERDB recommended integrating the said issues into the DENR’s “Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Agenda.” Simultaneously, efforts will continue in collecting data on medicinal forest trees and conducting ongoing ethnobotanical and pharmacological research.
To enhance science communication, there will be an improved information and education campaign on the medicinal value of forest trees, along with increased promotion of RDE on medicinal forest trees.
The publication of research results will continue to raise awareness and encourage the use of these valuable resources.
“Together, we can fully realize the medicinal potential of our forest trees, creating a brighter and healthier future,” the ERDB director concluded.
Image credits: DENR-ERDB