Legazpi City, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Project, in partnership with Sorsogon State University (SorSU) and the Philippine Pili Industry League, Inc. (PhilPILI), convened at the Inter-Agency Forum on the EU Regulations on Pili Nut Export on April 10–11, 2025.

The forum brought together regulatory agencies, researchers, and industry leaders to address emerging challenges in pili nut exportation, particularly those involving raw materials with genetic content. In light of the EU’s export conditions set in 2023, the forum addressed the legal complexities of pili nut’s classification, phytosanitary standards, and its conservation status as a threatened species.

DENR-BMB emphasized the importance of treating Pili not just as a crop commodity, but also as a valuable genetic resource for exploration of other potential uses and for conservation. The Bureau also reaffirmed its role in leading the implementation of commitments forged during the forum.

Among the outputs were policy recommendations and actions that will help streamline export regulations, enhance compliance with ABS protocols, and protect local genetic resources.

At the end of the two-day activity, the stakeholders agreed to:

  • Combat illegal exports and enforce existing biodiversity laws
  • Promote sustainable harvesting and processing methods
  • Invest in pili-focused research and capacity building
  • Advocate for an integrated, multi-agency policy framework

This collaborative forum is a crucial step toward ensuring that the pili value chain is both inclusive and sustainable, while conserving and safeguarding the Philippines rich biodiversity.