G11

Biodiversity loss in the Philippines

By Rochelle Mae E. Ledesma
The Philippines has been losing biodiversity at an alarming pace, as evidenced by a rapid decline in the quality
and number of ecosystems such as forests, coral reefs, and mangroves. This loss has a negative effect on
collective livelihood structures' long-term viability, political stability and governance, as well as the general
well-being of the nation.

According to the FAO definition, the as well as the creation of fish ponds,
Philippines has 7.2 million ha of forest have been major causes of rapid
ecosystems, comprising approximately deterioration in mangrove habitats.
24% of the total land area. It is however Fishing methods involving dynamite and
estimated that, between 2000 and 2005, cyanide are likely the most significant
the Philippines lost 2.1% of its forest cause of biodiversity destruction on
cover annually, representing the second coral reefs.
fastest rate of deforestation in Southeast
Today, the Philippines is working to stop
Asia (second to Myanmar) and seventh biodiversity loss and preserve what
in the world. The country’s agricultural remains of its fragile forests. To prevent
ecosystem is also noteworthy. The further environmental degradation, the
Philippines is part of the center of Philippines Department of Environment
diversity of rice, coconut, mung bean, and Natural Resources (DENR)
taro and yam, as well as the center of designates protected areas across the
origin and diversity of bananas in country, ranging from large natural
Southeast Asia. Yet this agricultural parks to wildlife sanctuaries. Chemonics
biodiversity is nowadays experiencing and USAID hope to enhance the
general decline, as is the land area management of these protected areas
devoted to these activities. through the B+WISER initiative.
B+WISER is a project developed by
Biodiversity loss in the Philippines stems USAID in cooperation with the
from habitat destruction, Department of Environment and Natural
overexploitation, chemical or Resources (DENR) to improve natural
environmental pollution, biological resource management and reduce
pollution and weak institutional and legal disaster risks. In partnership with the
capacities. The major proximate causes national and local governments and
of primary forest loss are commercial other stakeholders, B+WISER
conserves biodiversity in forested areas
logging, community logging, kaingin
and reduces forest degradation in
(slash and burn agriculture), and
targeted priority watersheds.
conversion of forest lands to other uses.
Extraction of fuel and building materials,
With a maintained healthy ecosystem and rich biodiversity, the biodiversity of plant
species would assist in the growth and abundance of animal species that feed on the
plants, ensuring that plant and animal species remain stable, and great sources of
medicine, food, herbs and meat for the benefit of the human society , and also including
a much better ecosystem function such as productivity and nutrient cycling, reduced
vulnerability of the ecosystem to disasters, as well as more stable community of
species.
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