Rainforestation National Trainer’s Training - Leyte, Philippines - Dec 2009

MODULE 1. Getting Started

• Introductions, leveling off expectations, discussion of training objectives and agenda, and house rules.

MODULE 2. Exploring the Biodiversity of the Philippines

• Explores the state of biodiversity in the Philippines and the major threats and impacts to biodiversity in the country, stressing the importance of conserving tropical ecosystems, especially tropical rainforests.

MODULE 3. Introduction to Philippine Forest Ecosystems

• Introduction to the 12 forest ecosystem types found in the Philippines and their characteristics, followed by an analysis of their values and uses, and the main threats and impacts they face.

MODULE 4. Introduction to Rainforestation Technology

• An overview of rainforestation – its history and development, key objectives, main implementation strategies that differentiate it with the conventional reforestation practice, as well as the ecological advantages and socio-economic benefits of rainforestation over it.

MODULE 5. Dendrological Characteristics and Phenological Observation of Indigenous Tree Species

• Collection of seeds from “mother” trees, the phenology of rainforest trees, the adequate timing for seed collection, and the most appropriate techniques for collecting seedlings. Identification of some key native tree species.

MODULE 6. Nursery Establishment and Seedling Production

• Hands-on training on different techniques in preparing the potting medium, constructing the seedling recovery chamber and shed beds, as well as proper site selection, and planting layout. Field exercises about sowing and transplanting in open beds, the care and maintenance of seedlings, the preparation of planting stock for field planting and the culling and grading of nursery plants. 

MODULE 7. Establishing a Rainforestation Site through Community Participation

• Steps in establishing of a rainforestation site: initial site assessments of the land, plan preparations through community/ adopter consultations, site establishment and development strategies, and management and monitoring schemes. Discusses different rainforestation typologies based on ecosystem types, and adopter requirements and needs.

Day 1

• Opening Program
• Leveling of expectations, training objectives, administrative issues
• Exploring Philippine biodiversity: fauna and flora
• Overview of rainforestation technology
• Nursery establishment
• Establishment of RF and typologies

Day 2

• Demo on nursery establishment and seedling production
• Cross visit to RF site: Patag and Cienda

Day 3

• Demo on site assessment in Brgy Puntana
• Demo on RF monitoring in Pob. District II

Day 4

• Fieldwork: Dendrological characteristics of indigenous trees
• Fieldwork: Phenological observations of indigenous trees
• Fieldwork: Wildling collection
• Demo and hands-on potting of wildlings
• Covering of growth chamber

 Day 5

• Fieldwork: RF establishment- land preparation, laying-out and staking, hauling and distribution of seedlings, digging/holding and planting
• Cross visit to RF site: VSU and Marcos RF demo farm
• Leadership Program (LP) presentation and guest presentation by LP participant on Integrated Watershed Management Approach

 Day 6

• Action plan presentations
• Synthesis and evaluation
• Closing program