LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — In line with the Philippine government’s vision 2040 – “Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau will gather experts and provide an avenue for the exchange of experiences, and research results among scientists, researchers, academic practitioners, and policy makers regarding innovations on medicinal forest trees.
The conference will take place on September 5-7, 2023 at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga.
In support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 – Using natural resources efficiently; and SDG 3 – Good health and well-being, experts from ASEAN and non-ASEAN member states are invited to present their studies on the themes: Taxonomy and Ecology of Medicinal Forest Trees and Non-Timber Species Inside the Forest; Roles and Importance of Biotechnology; Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge Systems; and Policy Studies on Medicinal Forest Trees and Non-Timber Species Inside the Forest.
The conference will highlight the maximization of use of the available traditional medicine and other herbal products within the ASEAN region.
The first theme will center on the Taxonomy and Conservation Status of Philippine Medicinal Trees. This will be followed by the paper and poster presentation of the delegates. It will focus on the importance of taxonomy and ecology when it comes to conservation, management, and utilization of medicinal forest trees and non-timber forest species.
On the roles and importance of Biotechnology, the session will highlight the latest scientific research, state-of-the-art procedures and methods on the production, management, and utilization of medicinal forest trees and non-timber forest species. Some specific topics included are production and utilization of medicinal forest trees and non-timber forest species inside the forest, pest and disease control, pharmacognosy and phytochemistry, and medicinal products and advanced clinical research.
In terms of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge, the session will give emphasis on ethnobotanical surveys, links between traditional knowledge and medicine, and documentation of indigenous and traditional knowledge.
The Policy Studies on Medicinal Forest Trees and Non-Timber Species Inside the Forest will also be discussed. Presentations under this theme will focus on policy analysis and forest governance, patents and intellectual property rights as well as regulations and trade.
In order to ensure the quality and safety of healthcare and health-related products, exploring the utilization of traditional medicine and other herbal products will greatly contribute to the fulfillment of this vision. Through the conference, DENR-ERDB aims to unfold the great potential for research and development in the field of traditional medicine towards a healthier community and environment. Press release
