Philippines develops forest DNA database to combat illegal timber trade

The Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is developing a forest DNA database to combat the illegal timber trade. Managed by the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), the Philippine Forest DNA Database will function as a molecular reference system to identify timber species at a biological level.

Traditional wood identification relies on physical and anatomical characteristics, which can become difficult to recognize once timber has been cut, processed, or degraded. The new DNA-based approach allows authorities to identify unknown wood samples and endemic species, including those protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Through the newly established Wood and Non-wood DNA Laboratory, researchers can extract DNA from wood samples to determine their species. This technology is intended to provide law enforcement with scientific evidence to verify forest products at checkpoints, ports, and markets, even after they have been turned into finished goods.