Half of Philippines’ watersheds unprotected; policies fall short, report saysHalf of Philippines’ watersheds unprotected; policies fall shor...
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network
Half of Philippines’ watersheds unprotected; policies fall short, report says
by Keith Anthony S. Fabro on 25 October 2023
A recent report finds that more than half of the Philippines watersheds are unprotected, despite the vital role they play in supporting water supplies, ecosystems and mitigation against climate change.
“The current watershed policy and governance framework does not respond to the realities and needs of our people and our environment,” one activist says.
According to an independent scientist, the Philippines is ahead of most of its neighbors when it comes to recognizing the importance of watersheds, but “too many legal instruments” and lack of “coordination and enforcement” lead to inadequate protection in practice.
The Philippines’ watersheds are essential for regulating the country’s water supply and quality, supporting ecosystems and mitigating floods and droughts. However, a recent study finds that more than half of these vital basins are susceptible to environmental risks such as large-scale mining and infrastructure development, leading activists to call on the government to implement stronger measures for protection and rehabilitation.
A recent report by the Philippine-based Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) reveals that out of the 14.2 million hectares (35 million acres) of critical watersheds, 7.7 million hectares (19 million acres), or 54%, are unprotected.
https://www.lrcksk.org/publications
Attached link
https://news.mongabay.com/2023/10/half-of-philippines-watersheds-unprotected-policies-fall-short-report-saysTaxonomy
- Watershed Management
- Watershed
- Integrated Watershed Management
- Watershed Management
- Watershed District