GE ELEC 1: Environmental

Science

Image Source: https://leverageedu.com/blog/bsc-environmental-science/

A Module

Prepared by:

JEAN A. BALDOZA
Instructor
College of Management
1st Sem SY: 2021-2022
 MODULE GUIDE

This module is designed for independent and discovery learning. As a student,

you are expected to oversee your own learning process by going through the
different tasks and activities prepared for you. Thus, it is necessary that you carefully
follow the directions.
Every lesson begins with the objectives and an introduction to guide and give
you an initial idea of the topic and the skills you are expected to acquire upon
completing the lesson. After which are these sections which provide you with the
instructions to follow, questions to answer, activities to accomplish, or texts to read
and understand. To wit:
• Let’s Get Started. In this section, you will be asked do an activity or answer
several questions to either activate your prior knowledge about the new
topic or review the past ones. In answering this part of the lesson, you
should only rely on your prior knowledge and NOT cheat by reading the next
section or searching for answers online.
• Let’s Read. This contains the text or readings about the topic. Be it known
that these materials are only outsourced from various print and online
references. Copyrights rightfully belong to the respective authors which are
cited at the end of the lesson.
• Let’s Remember. This contains a summary or a list of the major points or
ideas from reading.
• Let’s Do It. This is the formative assessment of the lesson where you will
answer questions to gauge your attainment of the objectives. Do as the
directions say. Should you need more space for your answers, attach
additional sheets of papers.
At the end of each module is a major output or a performance task that will have
you apply what you learned from the different lessons in the module. Instructions are
detailed for your compliance.
Should you have any concern or question about the lesson or the module, feel
free to contact me in the following platforms:
• SMS: 09300694944
• Facebook/ Messenger: Jean Baldoza
• E-mail: jean.baldoza@nwssu.edu.ph

Stay safe .

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 2 of 16

 Module 4

Module Title: Philippine Forest, it’s Biodiversity and Conservation

Module Description: This module contains the description of Philippine Forest and its
biodiversity as well as the cause and effect of deforestation and its conservation.

Purpose of the Module:

This module let the student better appreciate and foster the value of the different
types of Philippine Forest and grasp how dependent are we to the forest for survival.
Further, students will be aware on the cause and effects of deforestation in our daily lives
much more to the next generation. Thus, inculcate to the heart and mind how a simple act
of practice can help mitigate deforestation and conservation of the biodiversity.

Module Guide:
In using this module, students must bear in mind that they should have focus in all
the things they will read. At the same time, they must imagine that they are inside the
classroom while answering the activities given. If words are vague and hard to
understand, students must find time to unlock the meaning of those words on their own.

Students must follow the following:

1. Read the lessons carefully and with understanding,
2. Answer all the activities as instructed after each lesson,
3. Follow all the instruction written in this module and,
4. Submit necessary requirements on or before the deadline.

Module Outcomes:
.
1. Define forest and biodiversity.
2. Foster the value of Philippine Forest and its biodiversity.
3. Cite examples of environmental conservation being practiced.

Module Requirements:

At the end of this module, the students are expected to answer and complete the
tasks in this module.

Key Terms:

Forest, Biodiversity, Conservation, Deforestation

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 Learning Plan

Lesson 1: Philippine Forest its Biodiversity and Conservation

Let’s Hit These:

At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

• Define forest and biodiversity.
• Appreciate the significance of Philippine Forest and its biodiversity in our daily
lives.

Let’s Get Started:

Direction: Cite examples of Philippine Forest they have been and share their experience
while in the forest or give one example of forest in their locality then identify or describe the
vegetation.

Let’s Read:

PHILIPPINE FOREST AND ITS BIODIVERSITY

The Forest Management Bureau (FMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) defines “forest” as land with an area of more than 0.5 hectare and tree crown
cover1 (or equivalent stocking level) of more than 10 percent. Tree crown cover refers to the area
covered by the living branches and foliage of trees. It is often expressed as a percentage of total
land area. The trees should be able to reach a minimum height of 5 meters at maturity in situ
(original position/location)

According to the U.N. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nation), 25.7% or about 7,665,000 ha of Philippines is forested.Of this 11.2% (861,000) is
classified as primary forest, the most biodiverse and carbon-dense form of forest. Philippines had
352,000 ha of planted forest.

Change in Forest Cover: Between 1990 and 2010, Philippines lost an average of 54,750 ha
or 0.83% per year. In total, between 1990 and 2010, Philippines gained 16.7% of its forest cover,
or around 1,095,000 ha. Philippines forests contain 663 million metric tons of carbon in living
forest biomass.

Biodiversity and Protected Areas: Philippines has some 1196 known species of amphibians,
birds, mammals, and reptiles according to figures from the World Conservation Monitoring
Centre. Of these, 45.8% are endemic, meaning they exist in no other country, and 14.7% are
threatened. Philippines is home to at least 8931 species of vascular plants, of which 39.2% are
endemic. 5.1% of Philippines is protected under IUCN (International Union for Conservation of
Nature) categories I-V.
[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 4 of 16
 Philippine forests may be classified into five broad types:

1. Dipterocarp Type.

Dipterocarp Forest in Puerto Princesa

https://www.google.com/search?q=Dipterocarp+Type+OF+FOREST+IN+THE+PHILIPPINES&source

This is the forest type in which members of the Dipterocarp family form the
predominating timber species, about 75 percent by volume. They thrive under a variety of
conditions, from moist river bottoms to hilly and mountainous country, and make up the
upper story in more or less pure stands. The lower stories consist largely of unmerchantable
species, of shrubs and vines, including the rattans. From the lumberman's point of view,
stands ranging from 100 to 200 m3 per hectare are sufficiently heavy to warrant the use of
mechanical means of extraction. This forest type is the main source of raw materials for the
lumber industry. About 70 percent of the entire lumber output is represented by six species
of the lauan family: White lauan, Pentacme contorta; red lauan, Shorea negrosensis;
tangile, S. polysperma; apitong, Dipterocarpus grandiflorus; yakal, Hopea sp.; and guijo,
S. guiso.

2. Molave Type. This type of forest is more open than the dipterocarp type and the volume of
timber per unit is much less, averaging 30 m 3 per hectare. It occurs in regions where there
are distinct wet and dry seasons, each of several months' duration. During the dry season,
the vegetation is largely leafless, but in the wet season it grows luxuriantly. Under certain
local soil conditions during the dry season, there are places approaching desert-like
conditions. On dry limestone ridges molave, Vitex parviflora, predominates.

Most of the species found in this type of forest produce woods that are highly valued for:
their natural beauty and durability. Among the most important are molave; narra,
Pterocarpus spp.; tindalo, Pahudia rhomboidea; ipil, Intsia bijuga; akle, Albizzia
acle; and banuyo, Wallaceodendron celebicum.

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 5 of 16

 Molave Forest in Siquijor

https://www.google.com/search?q=molave+forest&tbm

3.Pinetype forests
Occur in the high mountainous regions of northern Luzon and Mindoro. The stand, as a
rule, is open and scattered, averaging 45 m3 per hectare. The principal species is the Benguet
pine, Pinus insularis while tapulau, P. merkusii, is found in the high mountains of Zambales and
Mindoro. Tapulau is not as important commercially as Benguet pine. While the pines grow in
practically pure stands, hardwoods are found in mixture with them in areas protected from fires,
especially in draws at lower elevations. The timber of the Benguet pine is generally used for
mining and general construction purposes in the Mountain Province. These two species of pine
supply turpentine and rosin.

https://www.google.com/search?q=pine+type+forest+in+the+philippines&tbm

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 6 of 16

 4. Mangrove type occurs on tidal flats at the mouths of streams and on the shores of protected
bays. The species could be used for construction if they could be made more durable by
treatment. The stand is composed mostly of about seven species of the Rhizophoraceae
family. The mangroves are the principal sources of firewood, tanbark, cutch, dyewood, and
charcoal.Along streams in many parts of the tidal flats there grows the nipa palm, Nipa
fruticans. Its leaves are used for thatch, its sap for the manufacture of vinegar, alcohol,
wine, and sugar.

Mangrove Forest in Bohol

https://www.google.com/search?q=mangrove+type+forest+in+the+philippines&tbm=

5. Beach type. Above high-tide limits are sandy beaches, where the original vegetation has
been left undisturbed. The frontal zone usually consists of a tangle of vegetation, of
which pandan, Pandanus tectorius, forms a conspicuous part. The principal trees
are talisai, Terminalia catappa; dapdap, Erythrina variegata var. orientalis; botong,
Barringtonia asiatica; palomaria, Calophyllum inophyllum; agoho, Casuarina
equisetifolia; bani, Xylocarpus moluccensis; and tawalis, Osbornia octodonta.

Beach Forest in Aurora Province

https://www.google.com/search?q=beach+type+forest+in+the+philippines&tbm

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 7 of 16

 6. Midmountain and Mossy Type. Forests of this type, found on high and very rough
mountainous regions, are essentially protection forests. As a rule, rainfall and humidity are
high. Exposed to strong winds, the trees are mostly dwarfed and usually covered with
mosses, liverworts, filmy ferns, and epiphytic orchids. The
principalspeciesare Dacrydium spp., Podocarpus spp.,Eugenia spp., Decaspermum spp., Q
uercus spp., Myrica spp., Symplocos spp., and Tristania decorticata.

Mossy Forest, Mt. Balatukan, Northeastern Mindanao Island

https://www.google.com/search?q=Midmountain+and+Mossy+Type+in+the+philippines&tbm

Importance of Forest
Ecosystem services are commonly defined as the benefits people obtain from nature.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a United Nations report describing the condition and
trends of the world's ecosystems, categorizes ecosystem services as:

Provisioning Services such as food, clean water, fuel, timber, and other goods;
Regulating Services such as climate, water, and disease regulation as well as pollination;
Supporting Services such as soil formation and nutrient cycling; and
Cultural Services such as educational, aesthetic, and cultural heritage values, recreation, and
tourism.

Forests are among the most valuable natural resources in the Philippines. They provide a
range of ecosystem services, ranging from the provision of food crops, livestock, and fish to
providing recreational experiences. In 2013, the forestry sector contributed PhP5.26 billion
(0.12%) to the national gross domestic product (GDP) (2014 Philippine Statistical Yearbook).
Forests also serve as significant carbon sink and are vital for biological conservation and
environmental protection, locations for education and research, habitat for indigenous flora and
fauna, and resettlement areas. According to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
(NCIP), forests serve as home to some 12-15 million indigenous peoples and provide livelihood to
many families.

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 8 of 16

 BIODIVERSITY
Biological or biodiversity is the variety of the earth’s species, the genes they contain, the
eco-systems, the genes they contain, the eco-system which they live, and the ecosystem processes
of energy flow and nutrient cycling that sustain life. Further, Biodiversity is the variety of living
things, also makes the world a more beautiful and exciting place to live. Three kinds of
biodiversity are essential to preserve ecological systems and functions.

3 Kinds of Biodiversity

1. Genetic diversity- is a measure of variety of versions of the same genes within an

individual species.
2. Species diversity- describes the number of different kinds of organisms within individual
communities or ecosystem.
3. Ecological diversity- means the richness and complexity of biological community,
including the number of niches, trophic levels, and ecological processes that capture
energy, sustain food webs, and recycle materials within this system.

The Philippines is one of 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, containing two-

thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal
species. The Philippines ranks fifth in the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the
world’s flora. Species endemism is very high, covering at least 25 genera of plants and 49%
of terrestrial wildlife, while the country ranks fourth in bird endemism. The Philippines is
also one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots with at least 700 threatened species, thus
making it one of the top global conservation areas. The national list of threatened faunal
species was established in 2004 and includes 42 species of land mammals, 127 species of
birds, 24 species of reptiles and 14 species of amphibians. In terms of fishes, the Philippines
counts at least 3,214 species, of which about 121 are endemic and 76 threatened. In 2007, an
administrative order issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resourc es
established a national list of threatened plant species, indicating that 99 species were
critically endangered, 187 were endangered, 176 vulnerable as well as 64 other threatened
species.
This unique biodiversity is supported by a large variety of ecosystems, landscapes and
habitats, most of which are also greatly threatened by human activities. According to the
FAO definition, the Philippines has 7.2 million ha of forest ecosystems, comprising
approximately 24% of the total land area. It is however estimated that, between 2000 and
2005, the Philippines lost 2.1% of its forest cover annually, representing the second fastest
rate of deforestation in Southeast Asia (second to Myanmar) and seventh in the world. The
country’s agricultural ecosystem is also noteworthy. The Philippines is part of the center of
diversity of rice, coconut, mung bean, taro and yam, as well as the center of origin and
diversity of bananas in Southeast Asia. Yet this agricultural biodiversity is nowadays
experiencing general decline, as is the land area devoted to these activities.

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 9 of 16

 The Philippines derives large benefits from ecosystems. In particular, the country
recognizes the important role played by watersheds, river basins and coastal areas in the
environment and in society as a source of livelihood (supporting fisheries, recreation and
tourism and many other activities). For instance, a watershed with adequate forest cover
provides water that supports lowland agriculture, prevents soil erosion and siltation of coasts
and water bodies, and sustains the supply of surface and groundwater for domestic use.
Likewise, the forest ecosystem provides ecological services that benefit agriculture,
industries, water, and power needs. Production forest areas for tree plantations and
agroforestry activities are sources of jobs and revenues, with agriculture having represented
18.4% of the country’s GDP in 2007.
___________________________________________________________________

CAUSE AND EFFECT OF DEFORESTATION

Forest ecosystems play a key role globally, both in tackling climate change – by absorbing
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – and in adaptation to climate change by maintaining
ecosystem services and providing livelihood options.
Recent studies have reported that Deforestation or the directly human-induced conversion
of forested lands to non-forest lands is estimated to have occurred at the alarming rate of 13
million hectares per year in the period 1990-2005, accounting for 20% of global annual greenhouse
gas emissions in the late 1990s and making it the world second largest source of greenhouse gas
emissions.

Causes of Deforestation in the Philippines:

• Urban Construction – Forests are cleared to make way for the expansion of urban areas
including urban settlements, commercial establishments, roads, bridges, power plants and
others that have major impact on forest life. This results in loss of forest area and massive
deforestation.

• Agriculture – conversion of forest into agricultural land for growing crops, building farms,
ranches, and other lands for agricultural purposes. This includes the slash and burn farming
technique (kaingin)commonly practiced in the Philippines.

• Use for Fuel – Trees are cut down to be used as firewood or turned into charcoal, which
are used for cooking and heating purposes and as source of income among rural areas.

• Commercial Purposes – Deforestation can also be caused by clearing forests for oil and
mining exploitation. Forest fires can occur naturally or in most cases are deliberately acted
by man to clear huge forests. This leads to loss of forests and loss of habitat for the local
wildlife.

• Illegal Logging – many government agencies are fighting illegal logging to protect the
forests. However, any type of logging legal or illegal leads to deforestation. Trees are cut
down indiscriminately by logging companies, to fulfill the demands of the wood market.
This does not give a chance to the local wildlife and trees to regenerate and sustain
themselves which leads to loss of wildlife forever.

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 10 of 16

 Effects of Deforestation on Wildlife and Human Society:

• Erosion – When the soil is exposed to the sun upon deforestation, it becomes very dry and
infertile due to the loss of nutrients. When there is rainfall, it washes away the rest of the
nutrients, which flow with the rainwater into waterways.

Replanting trees may not help in solving the problems caused by deforestation. By the time
the trees mature, the soil will be totally devoid of essential nutrients. As a result, the land
will not be suitable for cultivation and will become useless. Large tracts of land will be
rendered permanently impoverished due to soil erosion.

• Disruption of the Water Cycle – Trees help maintain the water cycle in various ways.
They absorb water through their roots, which is then released into the atmosphere. A large
part of the water that circulates in the ecosystem of rainforests, for instance, remains inside
the plants.

When these trees are cut down, the climate will get drier in that particular area. The
groundwater tables are affected and will soon get depleted. The trees help in prevention of
running off of water and help the soil absorb the flowing water. When there are no trees,
water just runs off, leaving no chance for the groundwater tables to absorb more water
which will eventually lead to reduction in water resources.

• Loss of Biodiversity – Tropical rainforests only take up to 6 percent of the surface area of
the Earth, where about 80-90 percent of the entire species of the world exist. Due to
massive deforestation, about 50 to 100 species of animals are being lost each day. This
leads to the extinction of animals and plants on a massive scale. The animals not only lose
their habitat and protective cover, but they are also pushed to extinction.

• Flooding and Drought – Forests can function to absorb and store great amounts of water
quickly when there are heavy rains. When forests and trees are cut down, this regulation of
the flow of water is disrupted, which leads to alternating periods of flood and then drought
in the affected area, leading to increased risks for people living nearby.

• Climate Change – Trees act as a storage place for carbon, since they absorb carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere, which is then used to produce carbohydrates, fats, and
proteins that make up trees. When deforestation occurs, many of the trees are burnt or they
are allowed to rot, which results in releasing the carbon that is stored in them as carbon
dioxide. This, in turn, leads to greater concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 11 of 16

 CONSERVATION

Conservation is the act of protecting Earth’s natural resources for current and future
generations.

SOIL CONSERVATION

Soil Conservation is a combination of practices used to protect the soil from degradation,
erosion, and depletion. First and foremost, soil conservation involves treating the soil as a living
ecosystem. This means returning organic matter to the soil on a continual basis.

SOIL CONSERVATION PRACTICES

1. Conservation Tillage
The soil conservation technique aims at addressing wind and water erosion by
covering the earth with vegetation (either crops or their residues) and limiting the
number of tilling operations. Another significant aspect is to choose the proper time
for field operations, depending on the soil types. For example, clay ones are better
to till after harvesting while other types are better to plow before seedling.

2. Contour Farming
The soil conservation method proves efficient in slope territories and suggests
planting species along the contour. Rows up and down the slope provoke soil
erosion due to water currents while rows along the contour restrain it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=contour+farming&source=lnms&tbm

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 12 of 16

 3. Strip cropping involves alternating strips of small grain (e.g. rye) or forage crops
(e.g. clover) with row crops like corn. It is used to control erosion by reducing the
velocity of wind and water. The forage and cereal grain rows tend to trap sediment
that may otherwise end up in watercourses.
Strip cropping is most effective in controlling erosion on a slope when it is placed
along the contour of the land. To control wind erosion, it works best if the strips are
placed at right angles to the direction of the prevailing winds.Another benefit of
strip cropping is the organic matter added from the forage or cereal crop rows.

https://www.google.com/search?q=strip+cropping+in+the+philippines&tbm=isch&ved

4. Windbreaks
As the name suggests, this soil conservation practice is used to reduces the power of
winds and its disruptive effect on soil. These are trees or bushes to shelter from
snow and winds planted in several rows. Depending on the number of rows, we can
distinguish windbreaks properly (up to five rows and shelterbelts (six or more)

https://www.google.com/search?q=windbreaks+in+the+philippines&tbm=

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 13 of 16

 5. Crop rotation is the practice of planting different crops sequentially on the same
plot of land to improve soil health, optimize nutrients in the soil, and combat pest
and weed pressure.

For example, say a farmer has planted a field of corn. When the corn harvest is
finished, he might plant beans, since corn consumes a lot of nitrogen and
beans return nitrogen to the soil. A simple rotation might involve two or three crops,
and complex rotations might incorporate a dozen or more.

https://www.google.com/search?q=crop+rotation&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved

6. Buffer Strips
These are tress and bushes on the banks of water bodies to prevent sediment, water
wash offs. Their roots fix the soil to avoid slumping and erosion, canopies protect
from excessive sunlight to water inhabitants and falling leaves are a source of
organic matter and food of minor aquatic animals.

https://www.google.com/search?q=buffer+strips&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 14 of 16

 7. Cover Crop
A cover crop is a crop you grow for the soil, instead of for your plate. The practice
of growing specific crops just for fertilizing and building the soil dates to the
Roman Empire. Cover crops add organic matter to the soil and add nitrogen in a
slow-release way that plants can handle, leading to less nitrogen volatilization (read:
waste!). Cover crops can also act as mulches if managed correctly, improve soil
physical properties in just one growing season, and attract beneficial insects and
pollinators to your garden. They are also beautiful!

8. Step away from Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides

Chemical application to control weed and pest infestations are harmful to the
environment and undesired in soil conservation. Switch to the alternative ways to
address the problem is highly important in agriculture and organic farming. Use
biological and cultural options when fertility is stored with green animal manure,
compost, crop rotation, and other methods of chemical control.

WATER CONSERVATION

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/conservation-efforts-why-should-we-save-water-3157877

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 15 of 16

 BUILDING WATER CONSERVATION TIPS:

1. Keep the plumbing system in good working condition

2. Recycle water from steam boilers as boiling feedwater or use them to flush toilets or for
cleaning/mopping floors.
3. Install meters on areas with high water consumption to allow determination of any
reduction in consumption when water reduction programs are put in place.
4. Install shut-off on water hoses or low volume/high pressure nozzles (LVHP) or flow
constrictors on faucets and showers to save on water
5. Install water catchment basins on downspouts and air conditioning systems and use the
residual water to water plants
6. Close water gate valves when not in use (e.g., Saturdays and Sundays)
7. Give only the right amount of water to customers who request for water and use the
residual water to water plants or to clean building surroundings or floors.
8. Post water conservation tips on conspicuous places within the building

INDOOR:

1. Repair running toilets and leaky faucets;

2. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and shaving;
3. Take shorter showers;
4. Don’t let the water run unabated while you wash dishes;
5. When taking a bath, use dipper from pail instead of running water from shower;
6. Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water
houseplants;
7. Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut
down on the number of glasses to wash;
8. Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use; and
9. Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.

Outdoor:

1. Water your plants and lawn early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it’s cooler.
Don’t water your plants during windy days or high noon;
2. Don’t water your lawn often. Never soak your lawn; grass does not need a lot of water;
3. Use pail and dipper instead of sprinklers when watering plants;
4. When cleaning your sidewalk or driveway, use a broom instead of a hose;
5. Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock
and granite mulching.
6. Use a pail and cotton rag when washing your car. Do not use a running hose and sponge;
7. Immediately report to concerned concessionaire any water leaks from busted pipes,
pilferage, etc;
8. Use recycled water (e.g., water used in dish-washing) for watering plants; and
9. Collect water from your roof to water your garden.

There are several ways to save water, and they all start with you.

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 16 of 16

 FOREST CONSERVATION

The Philippine government aims to meet its reforestation targets by cooperating with
various sectors of society. Private sector plantations will focus on timber production. Government
plantations will rehabilitate degraded forest areas and protect watersheds.

National programmes for conservation and management of forest genetic resources

In situ conservation

In-situ (‘on site’, ‘in place’) conservation is a set of conservation techniques involving the
designation, management and monitoring of biodiversity in the same area where it is encountered.
In situ conservation is the conservation of living resources by maintaining them in their natural
ecosystem in which they occur. Examples are national parks, sanctuaries, natural reserves, reserves
of the biosphere, sacred grooves, etc.

Ex situ conservation

Ex situ conservation (off site) is the conservation of areas outside their natural habitat. Botanical
gardens, zoological parks, seed banks, cryopreservation, field gene banks, etc. are examples of it.
Both native and domesticated animals are well protected and collected in botanic gardens,
zoological parks, wildlife safari parks, arboretums, etc.

Integrated Protected Area Systems

The main strategy for protecting and conserving biodiversity in the Philippines is the establishment
of an integrated protected area system (IPAS). The IPAS was set up to protect and preserve a
representative sample of all ecosystems and habitat types in the country, as well as their plant and
animal species.

In June 1992, Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Area
Systems (NIPAS) Law, was passed. The law, which is being implemented by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has the following special features:

• It requires the designation of a buffer zone to stabilize protected areas whenever and
wherever applicable;
• It recognizes ancestral rights and includes community interests with concern for
socioeconomic development;
• It requires the development of standard planning for site-specific management;
• It establishes the Integrated Protected Areas Fund (IPAF), a trust fund which will form the
basis of a sustained financing system; and
• It adopts a decentralized system of protected area management.

[GE ELEC 1]: [Environmental Science] 17 of 16

 Institutional Framework for Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources

The Philippines has promulgated several laws and policies dealing with conservation, protection,
and sustainable use of natural resources. Several laws directly or indirectly related to protecting
and conserving forest genetic resources are detailed below.

The Philippine constitution has the following provisions relating to the conservation of tree
species:

• Support and protection by the State for the right of all Filipino people to a balanced and
healthy ecology in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature (Sec. 16, Art. II);
framework of national unity and development (Sec. 22, Art. II).
• State ownership of all natural resources, except for agricultural lands (Sec. 2, Art. XII).
• Full control and supervision by the State of exploration, development and use of natural
resources either by directly undertaking such activities or by entering into co-production,
joint ventures or production-sharing agreements with Filipino citizens or Filipino-owned or
controlled corporations or associations (Sec. 2, Art. XII).
• Small-scale utilization of natural resources (Sec. 2, Art. XIII).
• Determination by Congress of the specific limits of forest lands by marking their
boundaries on the ground (Sec. 4, Art. XIII).
• State protection of the rights of indigenous cultural communities to their ancestral lands to
ensure their economic, social, and cultural well-being (Sec. 5, Art. XII).

_______________________________________________________________________

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting plant and animal species and their habitats. As
part of the world’s ecosystems, wildlife provides balance and stability to nature’s processes. The
goal of wildlife conservation is to ensure the survival of these species, and to educate people on
living sustainably with other species.

Co-existence – the way forward

To develop and support “co-existence” models, where people can also benefit from wildlife
comeback, for example through wildlife watching and nature-based tourism. This will grow the
acceptance of wildlife returning and will support co-existence.

Strategizing and strengthening law enforcement

The archipelagic nature of the Philippines makes patrolling a difficult task for law enforcement
teams, who already have insufficient resources. Through science-based research, monitoring
animal populations and recognizing the uniqueness of each ecosystem, Conservation International
is able to train protected area staff and inform crime prevention, law enforcement and policy-
making strategies. This allows authorities to prevent both domestic and syndicated wildlife crime
— breaking patterns that put Filipinos in criminal danger and that harm the environment.

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 Improving attitudes, awareness, and livelihoods

Conservation International and partners are working with local communities to help them
understand how their livelihoods are directly linked to the health of nature, and the necessity to
conserve these natural resources and wildlife — thereby effecting a reduction in unsustainable
behaviors. This effort is implemented with respect to indigenous communities’ ancestral domains
and will be integrated into local development plans. By incentivizing and providing training for
sustainable livelihoods, our work allows communities to transit away from unsustainable, and
often illegal, work towards that which benefits themselves and nature.

Exercise #1

1. Define forest and biodiversity.

2. Enumerate the different types of Philippine Forest.
3. How are you going to appreciate the significance of forest and biodiversity in our life?
4. How can we effectively conserve our natural resources?

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 Let’s Do This:

Task #8

Direction: Choose one Forest located in Calbayog City listed below and answer the
following questions:

Forests in Calbayog City

1. Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape

2. City Forest and Marble Park
3. Calbayog Centennial Forest

A. Name of the Forest:

B. Specific Location of the Forest:

C. Type of Philippine Forest:

D. Vegetation:

E. List of animals living in the Forest:

F. Your Pledge how are you going to protect and conserve the forest:

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 References:

Cunningham, William P. & Cunningham, Mary Ann. (2006) Principles of Environmental

Science: Inquiry and Applications. Third Edition. McGraw Hill.

Miller, Tyler G. & Spoolman, Scott E. (2011) Introduction to Environmental Science.

Second Edition.Cengage Learning Asia Pte. Ltd.

https://www.conservation.org/philippines/projects/protecting-biodiversity-in-the-philippines

https://eos.com/blog/soil-conservation/

https://www.fao.org/3/x5347e/x5347e06.htm

https://mwss.gov.ph/water-conservation-tips2/

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/conservation/

https://rainforests.mongabay.com/deforestation/2000/Philippines.htm

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/wildlife-conservation/

https://organicgrowersschool.org/gardeners/library/basics-of-cover-cropping/

https://rodaleinstitute.org/why-organic/organic-farming-practices/crop-rotations/

https://www.usaid.gov/philippines/energy-and-environment/bwiser

https://www.vedantu.com/question-answer/an-example-of-ex-situ-conservation-is-a-
sacred-class-12-biology-cbse-5fe09d7bc782396cceaf74c4

legacy.senate.gov.ph/publications/SEPO/AAG%20on%20Philippine%20Forest_Final.pdf

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