The project intends to help local vine artisans find new sources of raw materials

The project, “Biological Studies of Economically Important Forest Vines in Camarines Sur and Albay Provinces,” will determine the volume and location of significant forest vines in the Bicol region. It will also study the factors affecting their natural growth and regeneration.

Jennifer Conda of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of DOST explained that “The supply of raw materials for handicraft production cannot rely on natural regeneration. Nursery or plantation establishment is necessary to support the needs of the handicraft industry.”

“This study will also evaluate the nutritional requirement, preferred environmental condition and appropriate propagation techniques of forest vines,” Conda noted.

Conda also pointed out that forest vines are among the least studied plant groups despite their promising use as raw materials for handcrafted items. Propagation and use of these materials for handicraft production can be an added source of income particularly for rural and forest dwellers.

The three-year project will be funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development.