Gov’t extends assistance to ecotourism resort

Owners of Le Petit Baguio, a five-hectare, private nature park in Orani, Bataan, requested the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Research and Development (PCARRD) and the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) for assistance in developing the area.

With cottages, clubhouse, and nature trail, Le Petit is designed for better appreciation of the country’s unique flora and fauna. According to Jean Paul and Lucie Chambouleyron, Le Petit’s owners, people who have visited the area became more aware and conscious of the fragile forest ecosystem and the need to protect the environment.

Thus, to improve the existing botanical park and establish pilot plantations of bamboo, narra, and teak, PCARRD and ERDB agreed to provide necessary technologies to Le Petit. In collaboration with the private nature park, PCARRD and ERDB, both Los Banos-based agencies, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) early this year.

The MOA states that ERDB shall contribute some planting materials from its nursery. If planting materials are not available, ERDB shall help Le Petit in looking for the assistance on the proper care and maintenance of the plants. Both agencies shall also assist in enhancing awareness and appreciation of the project among the people through information, education, and communication materials.

A technical assistance group composed of experts from PCARRD and ERDB has visited and assessed the area. The group has identified the various species of trees and plants in Le Petit. Planting area for bamboo, narra, teak, and medicinal plants has also been surveyed and identified. Furthermore, the group has also given training and lecture on the propagation of bamboo using one-node cutting.

With the collective efforts of PCARRD, ERDB, and Le Petit, this project is expected to boost efforts on biodiversity, conservation and ecotourism. – Leila C. America, S&T Media Service