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

Results of the study showed that 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 than 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 deaths of tree in the concession areas 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 the organisms to infect the tree and slowly cause it to die. Unless reosurce managers in 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