Traditional forest conservation knowledge/technologies: The Case of the Ifugaos, Philippines

This paper looked into the traditional forest conservation knowledge/technologies in the Philippines as practiced by the Ifugaos in the Northern Luzon which contributes to sustainability of production systems. It described the various knowledge systems for natural resources management showcasing the different beliefs, culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples. The unique system of the Ifugaos in tending forests known as the "muyong system" could be viewed as a forest conservation strategy, a watershed rehabilitation technique, a farming system or an assisted natural regeneration (ANR) strategy. The knowledge system has been transmitted from generation to generation, making the lives ans aspirations of the indigenous peoples in harmony with their physical and social surroundings. Based on the present indications, the system plays a significant role in promoting the sustainability of the forest and the cultural and important values of the Ifugao people

Traditional forest conservation knowledge/technologies in the cordillera, northern philippines

In the Philippines, indigenous knowledge has been recognized to contribute to sustainability of production systems, having been validated for their technical and scientific soundness by many investigators. It was in 1992 that the Philippine government gave recognition to the potentials of indigenous knowledge systems following the Earth Summit in 1992. Prior to this, scientists/researchers, development workers and lawmakers in the Philippines were preoccupied with their craft seeking modern ways of doing and accomplishing things. Cordillera in the Northern Philippines is a host to many indigenous cultures like Isneg, Kalinga, Bontok, Kankanaey, Tingguian, Gaddang, Ayangan and Tuwali, Kalanguya or Ikalahan, Ibaloy and Karao whose traditional knowledge systems were subject of many studies and investigations. The paper describes the different knowledge systems for natural resources management in the Cordillera as practiced by the people with different beliefs, culture and traditions. The paper showcases different resource conserving experiences in these cultures like muyong and ala-a systems of the Ifugaos; lapat among the Isneg and Tingguians; inum-an, gen-gen, day-og, balkah, kinebbah, tuping and pamettey of the Ikalahans. These knowledge systems have been practiced by the indigenous peoples in the Cordillera and have been transmitted from generation to generation, making their way of life in harmony with their physical and social surroundings. While culture is environment specific, adoption/transfer of some indigenous technologies that may be fitting to other cultures and communities, with a little modification to suit their needs, can be done

Tree biomass and carbon stock of a community-managed mangrove forest in Bohol, Philippines

Mangrove plays a significant role in climate change mitigation particularly in carbon absorption and minimizing the detrimental impacts of sea level rise, salt-water intrusion and tidal surges. In Bohol Province, Philippines, a small coastal island community known as Banacon is one of the successful cases in mangrove reforestation. Recognizing the site's potential for a carbon sequestration project, a biomass and carbon stock assessment of mangrove trees was done. Using standard sampling techniques and allometric equations, tree carbon storage was measured across stand ages,namely 12-, 20- and 40-year-old plantations. Mature natural stands were also included in the assessment. By estimate, the 40-year-old plantation has the largest carbon density with 370.7 ton ha-1, followed by the 15-year-old plantation with 208.5 ton ha-1, 20-year-old plantation with 149.5 ton ha-1, and lastly by natural stand with 145.6 ton ha-1. Overall, Banacon mangroves are in a vigorous condition of storing vast amount of carbon. Local community and government should therefore sustain their commitment in coastal reforestation activities in order to enhance the mangrove carbon stocks. Policies and programs that can help provide incentives and livelihoods to local people who are largely dependent on mangroves should likewise be explored in order to sustainably reap the economic and ecological benefits of conserving mangrove forest