Evaluation the sustainability of resin production practices in Samar, Philippines and their influence of the conservation of Almaciga [Agathis dammara (Lamb.) Rich]

Date

2002

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the sustainability of tapping practices for Almaciga resin production in Samar and their impacts on the conservation of almaciga. Four levels of analysis were done : first level analyzes the relationship of the socio-economic factors with the resing tapping practices, second level focuses on various resin tapping practices in the study area in relation to predetermined set of evaluation criteria, third level concentrates on the relationship of the practices with the resin yield, and the fourth level looks at the relationship of the practices with the total number of tree deaths. Trend analyses were done in the first, third, and fourth levels of analysis. Regression and correlation analyses were likewise conducted to support the results.The second level, which is the emphasis of this study, has been placed on analyzing whether or not the current practices significantly deviated from the ideal practices stipulated in DENR Ordinary Minor Forest Products Licensing (DENR Form F-16) and ITTO-FPRDI guidelines in resin tapping. The study assumed that unsustainable practice would be at least 25 percent higher than the maximum requiremtn or 25 percent lower than the minimum requirement for tapping activities. Results were then validated using the Chi-square test.Majority of the respondents are within the working age of 21-59 years; has finished primary education; and Waray in origin. The average monthly household income was computed to be PhP3,000 while the average monthly expenses was pegged at PhP2,000. Income of the respondents generally comes from resin tapping with farming as an alternative source. Many of them are more than 8 years in the industry and are responsible for about 200 trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) of 1 meter and above/respondent. Except for the choice of DBH, the trend analyses of resin tapping practices with age indicates that young tappers tap almaciga unsustainably. That is, they made longer, wider and deeper cuts, and harvest the resin more frequently. The same trend was observed with education, number of years devoted in tapping, and attendance on training. Highly educated respondents and those respondents who are new to the industry and have not attended any training on proper Almaciga tapping made cuts longer, wider, and deeper that what is sustainable. In contrast, income did not show any influence over resin tapping practices except for the choice of DBH and harvest cycle. Unsustainable practice in the area identified in this study are cutting width, cutting length and the harvesting cycle. As practiced in the area, the maximum tapping width and length is far beyond the recommendation. Similarly, the harvesting cycle used also exceeded the recommended harvesting days.Both economic and environmental implications for this situation are high. For one, the unsustainable tapping increases the number of death of tree in the concession area considered in the study. The primary cause of tree deaths identified was termite attack. Deep, wide and long wounds on the bark create an avenue for these organisms to infest the tree and slowly cause it to die. Unless resource managers in

2 the area would find an effective management strategy to address these unsustainable tapping practices, income from resin will not only be adversely affected, but the Almaciga stand will continue to be threatened.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 2002 E8 A22

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