The Early Years

The Fern and Nature Society of the Philippines, Inc. (FNSPI) was originally established as the Fern Society of the Philippines in 1975. The main objective is the preservation through propagation of ferns and other indigenous and endemic flora species in the Philippines. The Society adopted the fern as its symbol, a reminder of the lush tropical rainforests that once dominated the country.

Governance

The first office of the FNSPI was at the National Museum in Manila.

The Society is governed by its Board of Directors elected by the General Membership during the annual General Membership Meeting in November. The Board of Directors will elect among themselves the officers consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor.

The term of a member of the Board and/or Officer is two years with possible re-election.

The Society meets every 2nd Saturday of each month.

The Society has the following standing committees: Ways and Means, Membership, Sunshine, Publicity, Documentation, Special Trips, Special Projects, Education and Lectures and Show Participation.

Funds are generated mainly from the Annual Membership Fees and endowments from members and non-members of the Society. Other sources of funds come from proceeds of other projects and activities.

Membership in the Society is by invitation of existing members of the Society and upon approval by the Membership Committee.

FNSPI Activities – Local and International

FNSPI is recognized internationally through its participation in international exhibits held in Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore. The FNSPI participated in the 10th APOC Exhibit held in Goyang City, Korea and in several international orchid and plant shows. FNSPI was the Champion in the Johor Bahru International Orchid and Plant Show at Johor Bahru, Malaysia in 1988. Bronze Award in the 3rd International Flower Festival in Sanya City, China. And garnered several plaques of recognition for most of the other participated exhibitions.

The Society is frequently invited and participates in exhibits conducted by other local plant societies like the Philippine Horticultural Society, where FNSPI exhibit was awarded as the Most Outstanding Exhibit. Similarly at the UP-Los Banos Garden Show in 1995, FNSPI was awarded the Best Landscape Exhibit.

FNSPI supports government projects through participation in project such as the FloriKultura 1998 sponsored by the Department of Tourism held in Paskuhan Village, San Fernando, Pampanga. FNSPI participated in several government tree planting and greening programs of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Among its many civic projects FNSPI developed the Fern Garden at the National Museum. FNSPI landscaped the frontage of the Philippine General Hospital. And in 2014 FNSPI established the Fern Garden at Quezon City Memorial Circle.

In line with its advocacy, FNSPI conducted a plant exhibition on “ The Versatile Fern “ in 1995. Lectures and demonstration on Ferns were held for members and guests. The Society encourages and holds landscaping competitions among its members and other plant societies.

FNSPI supported the programs and activities of other environmental groups such as the Orchidarium Project of Clean and Green Foundation, the Arroceros Forest Park of Winner Foundation, and the Earth Day Network Philippines Inc. tree planting and reforestation program.

BGCI Membership

FNSPI is a member of the prestigious Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), an international association of institutions with an interest in promoting botanic gardens worldwide. FNSPI has and continues to collaborate with various individuals and government agencies in establishing Botanic Gardens in keeping with its advocacy.

Literature

• Dolera, N. A., Florento, C. O., Lichauco, M. A., & Tarriela, F. G. (2002). Oops-- Don't Throw Those Weeds Away! Philippines: Fern and Nature Society of the Philippines.

This book showcases the economic uses and value of various species of weeds and other plants.

• Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy, Hortica Filipina Foundation, Inc., & Binhi Project (2012). Philippine Native Trees 101: Up Close and Personal. Philippines: Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy.

Publication of this book was supported by FNSPI members. It features the value of endemic and indigenous trees.

The Future

FNSPI continues to pursue its advocacy through the active participation of its members in the various current and future projects of the Society.