Landscape Fragmentation, Ecosystem Services, and Local Knowledge in the Baroro River Watershed, Northern Philippines

Mark Anthony M. Ramirez, Juan M. Pulhin, Josephine E. Garcia, Maricel A. Tapia, Florencia B. Pulhin, Rex Victor O. Cruz, Catherine C. De Luna and Makoto Inoue
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Mark Anthony M. Ramirez: Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies, Inc. (REECS), Quezon City 1109, Philippines
Juan M. Pulhin: College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Josephine E. Garcia: College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Maricel A. Tapia: College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Florencia B. Pulhin: College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Rex Victor O. Cruz: College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Catherine C. De Luna: Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Makoto Inoue: Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa City 359-1192, Japan

Resources, 2019, vol. 8, issue 4, 1-29

Abstract: Landscape fragmentation, the breaking up of land use type into smaller parcels, is damaging watersheds worldwide. Without addressing its causes, landscape fragmentation can permanently destroy habitats and compromise ecosystem services (ES) that a watershed provides. This paper aims to establish associations between watershed landscape fragmentation and ES by integrating science (satellite imageries and fragmentation analyses) and local geographic knowledge (key informant interviews and focus group discussions) at different time periods. Using the case of the Baroro River Watershed in Northern Philippines, this paper posits that local knowledge, when integrated with scientific knowledge, becomes a significant medium through which watershed landscape fragmentation and declining quality of ES can be better understood and addressed. Results also indicate that people’s experiences and knowledge on ES coincide with watershed landscape fragmentation as evidenced by satellite images and fragmentation analyses done at different time periods. This implies that people’s knowledge is well grounded on facts and complements scientific knowledge necessary in crafting more effective landscape policies that can tackle watershed fragmentation. Study results are also crucial in providing information to serve as inputs in the development of a more robust watershed management plan; particularly in implementing sustainable land uses without sacrificing the watershed’s overall integrity.

Keywords: landscape fragmentation; watershed; ecosystem services; local knowledge; Philippines (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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