Stenochlaena palustris

You know what’s ironic? The fern this place was named after, though widely distributed, is now locally extinct in this area. How’s that?

Diliman is a species of fern with stems from 2 to 4 meters in length. It is used chiefly as tying material in the preparation of fish traps because of its durability in salt water. It is also used for making ropes and baskets.

Diliman (Stenochlaena palustris), nito (Lygodium spp.), lukmoy (Pothos spp.), and baling-use (Flagellaria indica) are some of the more important climbers in the Philippines. These climbers thrive well in both virgin and logged-over forest, and in bush and open areas. They are widely distributed throughout the archipelago.

Read more about other NWFPs here.

Ipo Dam Shuffle: Race for Reforestation

Isang daang pulo at isang dikya

May mga pagkakataon na hindi mo ipagpapalit sa kahit na ano pang bagay, o kahit na ano pang presyo, kahit na ilan pang kagat ng dikya ang kapalit.

Isa na ito dun.

Salamat, friends. Buo na ang taon ko. :)

Larawan kuha ni Brymac.

Call for volunteer divers

As a project staff of Conservation International - Philippines and an (inactive) EcoRescue volunteer, I’m reposting this (from the Ecorescue mailing list):

Calatagan, Batangas has a Crown of Thorns Starfish infestation. Conservation International has asked for help in providing volunteers for the removal of these starfish. EcoRescue has promised assistance to Conservation International.There are 20 slots open for this first trip. This expedition wil be an all expense paid trip. Transportation will be via carpool

Requirements:
1.  must be a scuba diver
2.  ideally you should be an advanced diver or an open water diver with a lot of dives under your belt
3.  a volunteer’s heart

The first trip will be on April 21 and 22. if you are interested to join the expedition please get in touch with Ricky Biyo at 0928-500-5542

Suceeding trips are already being planned. To know more about Crown of Thorns starfish infestation please go to these links:

http://www.cnntraveller.com/2003/spring_summer/starfish/
http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/search/search-cot.html
http://www.gov.mu/portal/sites/ncb/moa/farc/amas2003/pdf/p4.pdf
http://www.tellusconsultants.com/Thread/ACANTH.HTM

Maraming salamat po.

Boy Siojo
Program Director

If interested, you may contact me via YM, text, or email.
Thanks.

A Pledge for the Stewardship of the Earth

At this point in the existence of the Earth,
What is expected of me is to take the role
Of not only being a caretaker
Of the seas, the land and the skies,
With all of its rich endowments,
But also a healer of the Earth.

As I receive from the Earth,
So must I give in return to replenish it.
Therefore I pledge to be more of the Earth
Than a mere keeper by being a protector than a user.
Constantly nurturing the environment to a state
Whereby development compliments and not destroys,
Always mindful that the very things
That I do or don’t do, directly or indirectly
Affect the harmony and balance of nature
And can spell the difference.

Further, I pledge to take responsibility
To purposely direct my efforts
Towards the preservation of the gifts of the Earth.
The Priceless treasures owned by Humanity for all times.
This commitment I make on behalf of
And for the sake of Tomorrow’s children.