Conducted by VSU
, Started on 2023 -
Completed on 2026
Ongoing
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This research is part of the project titled "Ecological Assessment and Conservation of Aquilaria spp. through
Sustainable Agarwood Production in Leyte Island, Philippines" (ECo-SAP), based at Visayas State University (VSU).
It was implemented in April 2021 as part of the Internationalization Program at VSU.
Before conducting this research, a Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) was executed on December 1,
2023, between the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences at Nagoya University (NU), part of the Tokai National
Higher Education and Research System (THERS) in Japan, and VSU in the Philippines (see Annex 1). This agreement
falls under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established between NU and VSU in September 2022 (see
Annex 2). The CRA ensures legal compliance and protects all researchers involved—including students and faculty
from both institutions—while safeguarding the welfare of those participating in the conservation-focused research on
threatened Aquilaria species.
In alignment with legal and ethical standards, prior informed consent (PIC) was secured from the barangay and
municipal local government units of Abuyog, Leyte. Furthermore, a Wildlife Gratuitous Permit (DENR 8–GP No. 2024-
25) was obtained from the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) Region 8 on June 13, 2024 (see Annex 3). This permit was essential for the lawful conduct of field
activities, including the collection and transport of voucher specimens of the study plants from the research sites in
Abuyog to other locations within the Philippines.
The research was carried out in the tropical lowland evergreen rainforest on Leyte Island, a forest type prevalent
throughout Southeast Asia and recognized as the most widespread among plant communities in the region. This
ecosystem is characterized by complex interactions between vascular plants and woody vines (lianas) (Fernando et
al., 2008). It includes both mixed dipterocarp and dipterocarp forests typical of the Philippine lowlands (Ashton, 1997).
Moreover, this research comprises three interconnected studies. Study 1 focuses on the distribution and
population dynamics of two Aquilaria species in the tropical lowland evergreen rainforests of Leyte, Philippines. Study 2 assesses the phenological characteristics and associated insect pollinators of these species. Study 3 explores clonal propagation techniques to support sustainable agarwood production and the conservation of A. cumingiana and A. malaccensis.