Training on Rattan Production and Utilization Technologies in Myanmar was con-ducted last 2 to 6 March 2009 at the Central Forestry Development Training Centre, Hmaw Be. Thirty two participants from the academe, manufacturers, government re-search and regulatory offices, and People’s Organizations (POs) attended the training. Pos from Basein Township and Seilegyi Village (where the pilot demonstration sites are located) also attended the training. The opening program was graced by the Deputy Director General Prof. Kyaw Htun and Director of Forest Research Institute, Dr. Nyi Nyi Kaw. It was also attended by UNEP Consultant, Usein Thet and the Director of Plan-ning and Statistics Department, U Myint Swe. The ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project Director, Dr. Adeluisa G. Siapno, delivered the message. She also appreciated the diverse composition of the participants. Although the training covered only topics on production and utilization technologies, many participants coming from other aspects of the manufacturing industry i.e., technology, product design and marketing partici-pated in the training. During the opening ceremonies, a video about the project was also shown for the first time.

The training was conducted in partnership with the Forest Research Institute of the Ministry of Forestry of Myanmar and the Planning and Statistics Department, Minis-try of Forestry. After the lecture and hand-on training, the participants visited three rattan manufacturing sites in Yangon, Myanmar.

The resource persons for this training were Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, the Project Consultant, who lectured and demonstrated the topics on the Kiln Drying and Preserva-tion Treatment on Controlling Fungi and other Biodeteriorating Agents; Dr. Armando Palijon and Dr. Aida Lapis who presented the production aspects of rattan and bamboo propagation techniques.

With the initiative of the ITTO Focal Person, U Tint Khaing, and with the coopera-tion of the rattan manufacturers, a collection of handicrafts and other rattan and bam-boo products were also exhibited during this training. ***

After the training on rattan produc-tion and utilization conducted in Hmaw Be, Myanmar, the ITTO Project Man-agement Team headed by Dr. Adeluisa G. Siapno, the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project Director to-gether with Dr. Aida B. Lapis and Dr. Armando M. Palijon visited the pilot demonstration areas in Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand on March 6-8, March 8-11 and March 11-14, 2009, respectively.

The Project team visited the 25 hectare rattan pilot demo areas in Myanmar specifically located in Chaung Tha. This pilot demo area is considered as the first rattan plantation established in Myanmar. The area is planted with four species of Calamus. ( continue on page 6)

IN THIS ISSUE:

Training Programs in Hmaw Be, Myanmar conducted………..……..…….….... 1

M&E of Pilot Demonstration Areas

in Myanmar, Cambodia and

Thailand …………………...…...………….….. 1

Perspectives ..……………..…………………. 2

Highlights of Accomplishment for the

5 Components under the

ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN

Rattan Project…………………………….… 2-5

Views...Views...Views…...………………...…. 6

Featured Species ….………….....…...……… 7

Activity Notes………..………...…….………… 8

Rattan Trivia ………….…...……....….………. 8

Things to look forward…....……...…..………. 8

Training Programs in Hmaw Be, Myanmar conducted

M&E of Pilot Demonstration Areas in Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand

Pilot Demonstration Component The seven (7) participating ASEAN member countries com-

posed of Vietnam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myan-mar and Philippines are continuing the activities of the rattan pilot demonstration establishment. At present, the participating ASEAN member countries are conducting nursery maintenance, plantation management and maintenance and coordination with local field counterparts, i.e. communes, village or communities. Small group consultations and technology forums are continuously done.

After the training on rattan production and utilization conducted in Hmaw Be, Myanmar, the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project Team headed by Dr. Adeluisa G. Siapno, Project Director together with Dr. Aida B. Lapis and Dr. Armando M. Palijon visited the pilot demonstration areas located in Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand on March 6-8, March 8-11 and March 11-14, 2009 respectively.

A total of 223.5 hectares of rattan plantation were established by the Project. Details on the rattan plantations being maintained by

(An excerpt from the inspirational message delivered during the training in Myanmar last March 2-6, 2009)

Dr. Aida B. Lapis is the Deputy Director of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project.

The project management team (PMT) acknowledges the fervent support of Director Nyi Nyi Kyaw for the project. We share a com-mon desire to conduct this training course for the benefit of the rattan researchers, manag-ers and farmers in Myanmar. In behalf of the

PMT, I acknowledge the untiring support and competent leadership

of U Tint Khaing, the project contact person in Myanmar.

The PMT acknowledges the good partnership of the project with another mover on rattan sustainable development, the CFC thru the INBAR. Globally, CFC supports a number of action pro-grammes not only in the ASEAN but in East Asia as well. Myanmar is so privileged to gain institutional cooperation and support on ac-

tivities such as this training as part of capacity building.

In the past, it is generally felt among ASEAN nations that non-timber forest products are very abundant. Various products come from our countries and export market is very robust. But now, the

industry is faced with difficulty of scarcity and shortage of raw mate-rials. For rattan, finished products like furniture are now developed with combination of steel, wood and other fibers. Seldom can pure rattan furniture be seen nowadays because of scarcity of rattans in the forests. Natural stands of rattan are located in the highlands making it difficult to harvest. Therefore, the life of rattan industry lies in the hands of farmers, local communities and other stakeholders who will support the development of rattan plantations to sustain the

raw material requirements of the industry.

This training program is very relevant to Myanmar. While Myan-mar may still have vast forest areas where rattans are abundant, it is timely develop plantations to ensure continuous supply of rattan canes. The ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN project considers this as an opportunity to share the information on rattan production and utiliza-

tion with all the participants.

At this moment, suffice it to say that all the participants will con-tribute in the rattan sustainable development in partnership with the other ASEAN countries towards providing alternative and additional

livelihood for the benefit of the less privileged. ***

Perspectives...

Highlights of Accomplishment as of June 2009 for the 5 Components

under the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project

2

the Project in partnership with the ASEAN counterparts are shown the table. Summary of established rattan pilot demonstration in the ASEAN countries.

Training Component Twenty (20) training programs on rattan production, process-

ing and utilization technologies were conducted in the Philippines (Camarines Sur, Bay, Kidapawan City, Puerto Princesa City and Paete, Laguna), Vietnam (Phung Ghia and Phuc Tien Com-munes), Lao PDR (Nasaithong and Phonhong Districts), Cambo-dia (Phnom Penh), Indonesia (Cirebon and Bogor), Myanmar (Hmaw Be) and Thailand (for regional rattan taxonomy training). Training completion reports for all the conducted training were already prepared.

Five training modules and technology guides were distrib-

uted during the training. These served as reference materials for the training. Also, respective training modules were prepared for the conduct of training.

A demonstration on the appropriate methods of applying production and utilization technologies was likewise conducted. Seeds, seedlings, planting tools, sound and infested/infected rattan samples, preservatives, sprayer, personal protective equip-ment, bleaching and finishing chemicals and other materials were brought to the training site for demonstration and actual hands on experience. At the end of the training, unique designs of finished products were prepared by the participants. Training Program on Rattan Production and Utilization Technolo-gies in Myanmar (Hmaw Be):

The training in Myanmar was conducted in March 2 to 6,

2009 at the Central Forestry Development Training Centre, Hmaw Be. Thirty two participants from the academe, manufactur-ers, government research and regulatory offices, and People’s Organizations (POs) attended the training. Pos from Basein Township and Seilegyi Village (where the pilot demonstration sites are located) also attended the training.

The ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project Director, Dr. Adeluisa G. Siapno, delivered the inspirational message and con-ducted lecture on the entire process of rattan production and utili-zation technologies. During the opening ceremonies, a video about the project was also shown for the first time.

The training was conducted in partnership (cont. on page 4)

(from p2, highlights of accomplishments)

3

with the Forest Research Institute of the Ministry of Forestry of Myanmar and the Planning and Statistics Department, Ministry of Forestry. After the lecture and hand-on training, the participants visited three rattan manufacturing sites in Yangon, Myanmar.

The resource persons for this training were Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, the Project Consultant, who lectured and demonstrated the topics on the Kiln Drying and Preservation Treatment on Controlling Fungi and other Biodeteriorating Agents; Dr. Armando Palijon and Dr. Aida Lapis who presented the production aspects of rattan and bamboo propagation techniques.

With the initiative of the ITTO Focal Person, U Tint Khaing, and with the cooperation of the rattan manufacturers, a collection of handicrafts and other rattan and bamboo products were exhibited during this training.

Training programs conducted by the Project. Research Component

Five (5) out of eight (8) research studies have been completed. The remaining on-going studies which include RPP-1, RPP-4 and RPI-5 are continuously implementing the activities indicated in their

work plan. Progress reports of the other on-going studies were sub-mitted to the Project Management Office. Networking Component

Regular Project Meeting: For this period, a total of four (4) pro-ject meetings of the Project Management Team (PMT) were under-taken to monitor the accomplishments vis-à-vis the objectives and targets of the project. These meetings addressed issues and con-cerns related to the implementation of project activities.

3rd PSC Meeting: Preparation for the 3rd PSC Meeting is un-derway. This will be conducted on August 17, 2009 at ERDB, Col-lege, Laguna, Philippines.

Project Newsletter: For this period, as a means of disseminat-ing information, the 5th issue of RATTANewsletter was circulated to the different partner agencies, ASEAN embassies, academic institu-tions and other local and international institutions. Current and back issues of the newsletter are also available at (cont. on page 5)

4

(from p3, highlights of accomplishments) Updates of the research studies.

the project website www.aseanrattan.org. These issues feature the highlights of the project activities conducted. Regular sections such as the Perspectives, Activity Notes, Bits, Rattan Trivia and Things to Look Forward were included with the addition of the Views…Views…Views and Featured Species.

Networking and link-aging: Coordination and linkaging activities were conducted with the follow-ing: (a) ASEAN Contact Persons for the updates of the project in their re-spective countries; (b) CFC-INBAR and Minis-try of Forestry, Myan-mar for co-sponsoring the training in Hmaw Be, Myanmar last March 2-6, 2009; (c) Office of Senator Edgardo Angara regarding the full proposal on “Providing Livelihood Option through Bamboo and Rattan Sus-tainable Development in Baler, Aurora”; and, (d) Camarines Sur State College (CNSC) for the signing of the Memorandum of Un-derstanding pertaining to the establishment of 2 hectare rattan plantation at the CNSC mini-forest.

(Impact assessment of specific interventions: Initial data on key informants and beneficiaries were gathered in five ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines and Viet-nam). These questionnaires were sent before the start of the pro-ject.

For this period, initial data on key informants or beneficiaries in Myanmar (Hmaw Be) were gathered. Moreover, post-implementation questionnaires for the impact assessment were distributed thru e-mail to the Contact Persons in the ASEAN countries. Completed questionnaires will be retrieved on Septem-ber.

There are four sets of questionnaires used for the following respondents: Household; Principal and Junior Researchers; Heads of Implementing Agency; and Firms involved in Preserva-tion, Bleaching and Finishing.

Each of the ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam) is supposed to have at least one respondent in each category. Out of the six (6) coun-tries, Indonesia has yet submitted the completed surveys.

The post-implementation questionnaires for the impact as-sessment were sent to Contact Persons for completion. Database

The project website, www.aseanrattan.org, is updated regu-larly. The following information were uploaded: five technology guides on rattan production and utilization produced by the pro-ject were published on the web for wider access and use by the public, issues of RATTANewsletter, component updates, species of the month, photos of rattan and rattan products and new arti-cles about the project.

Web visitors (January to June 30, 2009). For this period, a total of 37,133 web visitors accessed the website and 3,158 pages were requested.

ASEAN Rattan Database. The database structure for the ASEAN Rattan Information System was prepared by the project, including its Entity Relationship Diagram. Web applications for

on-line publication of the database are being pilot tested. Some of the visitors of the ITTO Rattan Project Museum are

the following:

5

(from p4, highlights of accomplishments)

Graph showing web visitors as of June 30, 2009.

Web visitors as of June 30, 2009.

Month Number of requests Number of page

requests

1. January 2009 3,167 405

2. February 2009 4,231 507

3. March 2009 3,523 650

4. April 2009 11,480 629

5. May 2009 9,480 632

6. June 2009 5,252 335

TOTAL 37,133 3,158

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

Jan-09 Feb-09 Mar-09 Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09

Number of requests

Number of page requests

Ministry of Forestry, Myanmar.

ASEAN delegates

Mr. Oliverio Laperal, Mr. Boy Echduce and others.

Usec. Manuel Gerochi and Asec. Teresita Samson.

6

M&E of Pilot Demonstration… from page 1 In Cambodia, the Project Team met with the Acting Director of Forest Re-search Institute, Mr. Souphal. Dr. Siapno presented some ideas for future research collaborations in the ASEAN region. The Team visited the pilot demo site Bucor Natural Park in Prek Tnout, Kampot Province. Linear planting on both sides of the creek going to the Bucor Natural Park and block planting at the lower portion of the park covering a total area of 20 hectares were done by the participating community people. The species used include Plectocomia sp., Daemonorops jenkensiana, Calamus palus-tris and C. Viminalis. In Thailand, 3 rattan pilot demo sites located inside the different Silvicul-tural Research Stations of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation were visited namely the Lum Pao Lumsai in Kachanaburi, Tuak Khao Bantud and the Songkla Silvicultural Research Stations. In the first site visited (Lum Pao Lumsai), about 40% to 50% for C. viminalis mortality was observed due the exposure of the plant to direct sunlight since total clearing was conducted during the site prepa-ration. Thus, it was suggested that watering and no brushing and weed-ing be done during this part of the year so that seedlings are protected from direct sunlight. In the second site visited, the Tuak Khao Bantud, about 2000 seedlings of rattans (C. palustris, C. longisetus and, C. javensis) were still being raised on nursery beds. Further, enhancement of 3 hectares of existing plantation inside the station is being done com-posed of mixed species of rattans (C. palustris, C. longisetus, C. javen-sis, C. perigrinus, C. blunii, C. manan, C. caesius and Daemonorops angustifolia). The last site visited in Songkhla, was known for its rattan research and demonstration. Mr. Somboon Boonyuen, the Station’s Forest Officer presented the accomplishments with regard to the Pilot Demonstration of the ITTO Rattan Project. On the ground, 2 hectares rattan plantation with very high survival rate of 98% was observed. An-other 10 hectares (62.5 rai) of existing rattan plantation of mixed species (C. palustris, C. perigrinus, longesitus, C. manan, C. rudentum and other species) inside this research station were enhanced and being main-tained as commitment to the ITTO project.

Dr. Armando M. Palijon’s field impressions on pilot demo in Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand

On March 7 to 13, 2009, the ITTO Philippine-ASEAN Rattan Project Team composed of Dr. Adeluisa G. Siapno, Project Director and Director of Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau (ERDB); Dr. Aida Baja-Lapis, Deputy Project Director; and Prof. Armando M. Palijon, Pilot Demonstration Component Leader officially travelled to the three participating ASEAN coun-tries. The travel aims to conduct Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of pilot demonstration sites in Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand.

Pilot Demonstration in Myanmar. In Myanmar, the Philippine delegation visited the pilot demonstration estab-lished in Chaung Tha, which is about six (6) hours drive from the training center in Hmaw Be. The team met the officers of the different villages covering the pilot demonstration sites. Accordingly, this pilot demonstration is the first rattan plantation estab-lished in Myanmar. U Tint Khaing, the ASEAN Contact Person (CP), consid-erably followed the protocol developed for the establishment of the plantation. Four species of Calamus were used for the pilot plantation namely : C. flori-bundus, C. erectus, C. viminalis, and another Calamus. sp.

During the establishment, rituals were done by the community. Though the CP did not have much belief on such ritual, he respected the community’s culture and he even joined during the rituals which were combined with prayer and candle lighting around the area.

About 25 hectares (62.5 acres) were already planted. During our visit, we have noticed that under brushing of vegetation was conducted. Soil around the newly planted seedling was newly cultivated and mounded. Mulches were likewise provided on each of the newly planted seedlings.

A lot of benefits have accrued to the CP due to the establishment of rattan pilot demonstration. People interested on rattan: individuals, busi-ness people, industry operators and others have contacted the CP and asked about rattan nursery propaga-tion and plantation establishment, an indication that rattan production in Myanmar from artificial plantation is promising.

High military officer in the Division has visited the pilot demonstration and has commended Mr. Khaing for this endeavour. Mr. Khaing is becoming popu-lar rattan expert in the country and because of this Project, he is now very much recognized in the Ministry.

Pilot Demonstration in Cambodia. The Team visited the pilot demo site located in Bucor Natural Park in Prek Tnout, Kampot Province which is about 5 hours drive from Phnom Penh. Mr. Roth Rem, one of the leading members of the community implementing the rattan pilot demonstration including the secre-tary of the village met the Project Team. At the community rattan nursery, it was observed that there are 4,300 seedlings of Plectocomia sp., Daemono-rops jenkensiana, Calamus palustris and C. viminalis are still (cont. on page 7)

VVVVIEWSIEWSIEWSIEWS…V…V…V…VIEWSIEWSIEWSIEWS…V…V…V…VIEWSIEWSIEWSIEWS…………

U Tint Khaing, ASEAN CP.

being cared and maintained, accord-ingly, reserved forreplacement of the mortalities in the plantation. The pilot demo site covers a total area of 20 hectares with linear planting on both sides of the creek going to the Bucor Natural Park and block planting at the lower portion of the park. The species used include Plectocomia sp., Daemonorops jenkensiana, Calamus palustris and C. viminalis. After monitoring, the team pro-ceeded to the natural stand of C. jen-kinsiana and edible fruit producing Calamus sp. wherein a lot of canes are already harvestable. Accordingly, the harvesting rule being followed in the community is selection cutting of ma-ture canes that have more than 10m in length. Those canes that have not reached this length are not harvested. As of this time this is still being fol-lowed, accordingly.

Back to Phnom Penh, the team had a very fruitful meeting with Mr. Souphal, the Acting Director of Forest Research Institute. Director Siapno presented some ideas for future research collaborations in the ASEAN region.

Mr. Chhang Phourin, the Project’s Contact Person discussed the accomplishments and the future plan of activities. Report on the progress including the financial aspects of the pilot demonstration was prepared. Similarly, the team was also so surprised of the accomplishments of Cam-bodia in the establishment of the pilot demonstration.

Pilot demonstration in Thailand. Three pilot demonstration sites were

visited in Thailand located in the Lum Pao Lumsai in Kachanaburi, Tuak Khao Bantud and Songkhla Silvicultural Research Stations. In the first demo site, it was noticed that the plantation has about 40-50% mortality for C. viminalis. This is due to the total clearcutting conducted during the site preparation. Thus, it was suggested that watering be done and no brushing and weeding be done during this part of the year so that rattan seedlings and seeds are protected from direct sunlight.

Another site visited was the Tuak Khao Bantud Silvicultural Research Station. About 2000 seedlings of rattans are still being raised on nursery beds. The team was informed that enhancement of 3 hectares of existing plantation inside the station composed of mixed species of rattans (C. pal-ustris, C. longisetus, C. javensis, C. perigrinus, C. blunii, C. manan, C. cae-sius and Daemonorops angustifolia) is a continuing activity.

The last site visited, the Songkhla Silvicultural Research Station, was known for its rattan research and demonstration. The Station’s Forest Offi-cer, Mr. Somboon Boonyuen, presented the accomplishments with regard to the Pilot Demonstration of the ITTO Rattan Project.

On the ground, 2 hectares (one hectare for each of the rattan spe-cies: C. palustris and C. longisetus) with very high survival rate of 98% were observed. The rattan species were interplanted with Hopea odorata and Azadirachta elegans. Another 10 hectares of existing rattan plantation of mixed species (C. palustris, C. perigrinus, longesitus, C. manan, C. ruden-tum and other species) inside this research station were enhanced and being maintained as commitment for the ITTO project. ***

Family Name: Calamus merrillii Becc. Subfamily: Calamoideae Tribe: Calameae Subtribe: Calaminae Local name: Palasan, Acab-acab (Bagobo) Distribution: Philippines: Luzon (Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Mas-bate, and Palawan), Visayas (Panay), and Mindanao (Agusan, Davao, Lanao and Basilan, Island).

Characteristics: Stem is 50-100 m tall, cane 6-7 cm diameter; with

sheath 10 cm diameter and the sheath spines dense, fibrous, brown to black, close semi-ring; Internodes 10 cm long; knee elongate, folded, spines along leafsheath mouth; ocrea 4-15 cm long when immature. Leaves are alternate, 30 cm apart, 3 m long, terminated into a subpendant powerfully clawed rachis one half as long. Leaflets are regular linear lanceolate de-scending, sublucid and similarly green on both sides, with 3 nerves and bristly on both. Inflorescence is 35-55 cm long; female spadix 130-250 cm long; bracts tubular, subtending the rachilla. Fruit is globose-ovoid, yellow in color, with scales having 21 vertical rows and narrow grooved; scale margin frizzy. With only one seed per fruit; globose or rounded, flat on one side, smooth brown in color.

Habitat: It is an endemic species that can be found in primary and secondary forest with an altitude ranging from 500-1200 masl.

Uses: This species is the most preferred rattan cane in the Philippines. Its cane is smooth and with high finishing quality. The whole stems are used for the manufacture of bent wood chair frames, as cable for ferry boats, standing rigging for sailing vessels, for hauling logs, and sometimes to hold short suspension bridges. On the other hand, split canes are used for mak-ing mats, baskets, hats, chairs, various kinds of fish traps, and for bottom and backs of cane-bottomed chairs.

References: Baja-Lapis, A.C. 1983. Gross Morphological Characteristics of Twelve Com-

mercial Philippine Rattans. MS Thesis. UPLB Graduate School, Col-lege, Laguna.

Baja-Lapis, A.C. 1999. Growth Response of Palasan, Calamus merrillii to Different Light Intensity and Moisture Regimes. PhD. Dissertation, UPLB Graduate School, College, Laguna. 175pp.

Baja-Lapis, A.C. and B.B. Servaz-Audijie. 2004. Checklist of Southeast ASEAN Climbing Palms. A Compilation. ARCBC, College, Laguna. 40pp.

Beccari, O. 1908. Asiatic Palms - Lepidocaryoideae. Part I. The Species of Calamus. Annals of Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta 11 (1): 1-58pp.

Dransfield, J. and N. Manokaran (eds.) 1994. Rattans. PROSEA Founda-tion, Bogor, Indonesia.

Govaerts, R. and J. Drandsfield. 2005. World Checklist of Palms. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond Surrey, UK. 223p.

Contributor: For. Kharina G. Bueser

7

FFFFEATUREDEATUREDEATUREDEATURED S S S SPECIESPECIESPECIESPECIES ... ... ... ... (from p6, Views...Views...Views)

♦ MOA Signing of the Rattan Project with the Camarines Norte State College, May 11-12, 2009. Dr. Aida B. Lapis, the Deputy Project Director, and Dr. Armando M. Palijon, Pilot Demonstration Component Leader, joined the CNSC as they celebrate the “Field Day in TLC”. Dr. Lapis delivered a message and impression during the two-day activity and was given a Plaque of Appreciation. Part of the activity was the Forging of the Memorandum of Agreement for the Rattan Project of the Campus with the ERDB. Also, the launching of the project “Establishment of Research and Development Technology Demon-stration Center in CNSC” was conducted of which the rattan plantation is one of its components.

Do you know that rattans have many traditional uses which contribute to the survival of countless forest-based indigenous communities? Dr. C. Ren-uka (2001) of India enumerated some of these uses. In Nicobar Islands, India, the spiny sheath of rattan is used for scraping coconut while the tribal people of northeastern India make extensive use of long canes in bridge construction. In addition, cer-tain species of rattan are used in tribal rituals, festi-val and which have great cultural values.

According to Renuka (2001), one of Nepal’s ethnic groups, the Tharu people, use rattan sticks in their temples, considering them to be holy and ca-pable of deflecting evil spirits. Every rattan inside the compounds of the temple are protected and prohibited from harvesting (Renuka, 2001).

In the Philippines, particularly the Mangyan tribe in Mindoro Oriental, uses rattan splits together with nito as skirt called “Yakis”.

In Bangladesh, rattan is considered as important natural resources from the forests but the rattan industries are beginning to shut down due to resource depletion and shortage of raw materials. Indigenous people from this country are using young leaves, roots and shoot tips of rattans as medicines and vege-tables.

In Sri Lanka, 18 of the 24 district are involved in rattan craft and consider it as a traditional occupation.

Some of the traditional uses of rattan, excluding cane, are the following: food (fruit, palm heart), medicines (fruits, palm heart, roots), dye (red resin from fruits), thatching (leaves), cigarette paper (leaflet), vermifuge (leaves), toothbrush (leafsheath), grater (leafsheath/petiole), and fishing pole (rachis). (Source: Renuka. C. 2001. Uses of Rattan in South Aisa. A. Perlis (Ed). Un-asylva Rattan Vl. 52 No. 205. FAO, Rome, Italy.)

♦ 3rd PSC Meeting is scheduled on August 17, 2009 at ERDB, College, Laguna, Philippines.

AAAACTIVITYCTIVITYCTIVITYCTIVITY N N N NOTESOTESOTESOTES ... ... ... ...

The RATTANewsletter is produced bi-annually and is mainly

aimed to promote cooperation among ASEAN member countries by providing information on the activities carried out with regards to Rattan resources. It is also available on-line at www.aseanrattan.org.

Executive Adviser: Dr. Adeluisa G. Siapno Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Aida B. Lapis Editors: Dr. Armando M. Palijon and For. Imelda C. Pangga Writer/Layout Artist/Circulation Manager: For. Kharina G. Bueser

YOUR QUERIES, COMMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE MOST WELCOME! Please CONTACT US at: ITTO-Philippines– ASEAN Rattan Project Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau College, Laguna 4031 PHILIPPINES Tel.No.: (6349) 536-2229, 536 2269 local 230 Telefax: (6349) 536-4051 Email:itto@aseanrattan.org, contact.us@aseanrattan.org; itto_rattan@yahoo.com Website: www.aseanrattan.org

TTTTHINGSHINGSHINGSHINGS TOTOTOTO LOOKLOOKLOOKLOOK FORWARDFORWARDFORWARDFORWARD…………

8

RRRRATTANATTANATTANATTAN TRIVIATRIVIATRIVIATRIVIA…………

Yakis