DENR-9 warns poachers, collectors on illegal plant trade
By Nonoy Lacson
Published Sep 10, 2020 08:13 am
ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Zamboanga Peninsula (DENR-9) warned collectors of wild flora directly from the forest, especially those considered as threatened species, that they need to secure a permit first before making any purchase.
Photo by Nonoy Lacson/ MANILA BULLETIN
DENR-9 Executive Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez said wild flora plan poachers caught gathering wild plants in the forest without a permit are violating Republic Act 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Rodriguez said Department Administrative Order No. 2017- 11 stipulates that “the collection and trade of threatened species are prohibited unless such acts are covered by a permit issued by the DENR.
She added that the collection of wild plant species within the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) sites strictly for research purposes will require Gratuitous Permits issued by the DENR.
If the wild plants collected are classified as critically endangered, violators can face imprisonment from 6 to 12 years and a fine of P100,000 to P1 million.
It was learned that several wild plant gatherers are collecting wild flora from the hill site and mountain and selling these to plant lovers at a price ranging from P500 to P20,000 each.
Photo by Nonoy Lacson
Among the wild flora considered as critically endangered are the Giant Staghorn (Platycerium grande), Waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana), and multiple species of Rafflesia.
Other threatened species include lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus firmsus, Aeschynanthus littoralis, and Aeschynanthus ovatus), and Zebra Plant (Alocasia zebrina).
Wild plants act as important reservoirs and sources of insects, mites, and nematodes, she said.
She added that certain wild plant species may be indispensable to a vector as its alternate host, acting as an essential intermediary in the ecology of the virus.
Rodriguez has instructed the different DENR-9 field offices to strengthen the surveillance and monitoring of illegal plant trade and strictly impose fines and penalties on the offenders.
Photo by Nonoy Lacson/ MANILA BULLETIN
DENR-9 Executive Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez said wild flora plan poachers caught gathering wild plants in the forest without a permit are violating Republic Act 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Rodriguez said Department Administrative Order No. 2017- 11 stipulates that “the collection and trade of threatened species are prohibited unless such acts are covered by a permit issued by the DENR.
She added that the collection of wild plant species within the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) sites strictly for research purposes will require Gratuitous Permits issued by the DENR.
If the wild plants collected are classified as critically endangered, violators can face imprisonment from 6 to 12 years and a fine of P100,000 to P1 million.
It was learned that several wild plant gatherers are collecting wild flora from the hill site and mountain and selling these to plant lovers at a price ranging from P500 to P20,000 each.
Photo by Nonoy Lacson
Among the wild flora considered as critically endangered are the Giant Staghorn (Platycerium grande), Waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana), and multiple species of Rafflesia.
Other threatened species include lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus firmsus, Aeschynanthus littoralis, and Aeschynanthus ovatus), and Zebra Plant (Alocasia zebrina).
Wild plants act as important reservoirs and sources of insects, mites, and nematodes, she said.
She added that certain wild plant species may be indispensable to a vector as its alternate host, acting as an essential intermediary in the ecology of the virus.
Rodriguez has instructed the different DENR-9 field offices to strengthen the surveillance and monitoring of illegal plant trade and strictly impose fines and penalties on the offenders.