Species distribution, local stewardship and economic value of batikuling (Litsea leytensis Merr.) in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon, Philippines

The nationwide tree planting of the Philippines through the National Greening Program aims to conserve biodiversity with greater attention to the utilization of native species. As one of the major approaches to forest ecosystem restoration, the government, including the academe, and civil society organizations cooperate in promoting native trees. A review was conducted that determined the 13 parameters of the sustainability of native trees in the greening initiatives, while the SWOT analysis revealed that native trees are prioritized a planting materials. Partnerships for technical assistance and funding are opportunities to plant more native species for reforestation and biodiversity conservation. Listea leytensis Merr. is a threatened native tree species and a premium hardwood species in the Philippines used for wood carving. It is used in the nationwide greening initiative and represents the many endemic tree species that need serious attention for conservation because of the continuing decline in habitat and population. Studies on L. leytensis species distribution, local stewardship, and economic value were conducted from August 2021 to December 2022 in Laguna and Quezon Provinces. The probability of the occurrence of L. Leytensis was determined based on local knowledge, published records of species occurrence, and environmental variables. Six pre-models were generated using MaxEnt, and the Final model had 19 uncorrelated variables after variable selection and reduction. Modeling L. leytensis' occurrence could help key sectors formulate appropriate strategies for managing its habitat for reforestation and industrial tree plantations. The institutional analysis highlighted in situ and ex situ conservation for L. leytensis, where the rules-in-use served as the action situation for institutions interacting in the downward, upward, and horizontal patterns. The aspects of evaluative criteria for the outcomes of interventions, were relevant, coherent, effective and efficient. However, the sustainability of the accomplishments of institutions is implied by the participation and community ownership of conservation activities, government policies, and funding. The economic value of non-use and non-market ecosystem services that stakeholders place on L. leytensis trees on farm and forest landscapes in Laguna and Quezon provinces was determined at PhP282.00 per individual per year. The respondents were found to be familiar with the role of L. leytensis trees, and the majority were willing to pay (WTP) for the improved species conservation program, reflecting concern about the value of L. leytensis. The statistically significant factors affecting their WTP were land and house ownership, educational attainment, ownership, and income. The respondents had a high level of support for the program, showing that funds may be raised for the conservation activities L. leytensis by mobilizing citizens' WTP in Laguna and Quezon.