CHAPTER I

Background of the Study

Wetlands comprise a diverse array of ecosystems that are either flooded

permanently or seasonally. They’re often along the coast, in the form of grassy marshes

or mangrove forests, but can also be further inland, like forested swamps or peat bogs

where water collects and saturates the ground. They’re often fed by rivers and

tributaries and contain lakes, (National Geographic, 2021). Wetlands offer a variety of

these resources. In the majority of Asian nations, wetlands are used for a variety of

activities, including fishing, agriculture, and animal grazing. Wetlands are home to a

wide variety of plants and animals, including those that are endangered, threatened, or

fragile, (Wray & Bayley, 2006). In addition to providing many direct benefits to humans

in the form of goods, foods, energy, and resources, this ecosystem can also be extremely

productive and ecologically diversified and provide flood control, nutrient retention, and

ground water recharge, (Mitsch & Gosselink, 2000).

Several of the historic civilizations benefited from the economic, social, and

ecological advantages that wetlands brought, (Islam, 2009). Wetlands are a critical part

of natural environments that offer a wide range of ecosystem services. In urban areas,

wetlands contribute to the livability of cities through improving the water quality,

carbon sequestration, providing habitats for wildlife species, reducing the effects of

urban heat islands, and creating recreation opportunities. However, maintaining

wetlands in urban areas faces many challenges, such as the reduction of hydrological
functions, changed water regimes due to barriers, contamination by wastewater, habitat

loss due to land-use change, and loss of biodiversity due to the entry of alien species,

(Alikhani, 2021). Some other threats that are also issues of concern in the Philippines are

exotic species introductions, over-exploitation, pollution and siltation (DENR, 2013).

Unsustainable use and over exploitation of resources make these ecosystem vulnerable,

(Ahmed, 2015).

Theoretical Framework

Biotic

Wetlands that are drained or partially dried can become a net source of methane and

carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, serving as a positive biotic feedback to global

warming. (Burkett and Jon Kusler, 2000). There are many different factors (biotic and

abiotic) that influence the function of wetlands. Since wetlands are often located in a

transition zone between an aquatic and a terrestrial ecosystem, their hydrological

fluctuation is inevitable. Biotic factors play a very important role in the production

processes in fish ponds, which determines the attention that they need to be studied in

fish farms. It is necessary to find the most reliable pathways to regulate the

production by autotrophs and purposeful formation of the desired biological regime in

the fish pond. Proper interpretation of biotic parameters and the factors that define them

are extremely important preconditions for forecasting and rational search of ways to

increase the productivity of the fish ponds, their management and finally for regulation of

fish production, (Terziyski et al, 2016). Biotic interactions potentially have an important
role in natural regeneration of coastal wetlands and research exploring biotic processes

affecting watland plants is critical for future conservation, restoration and management of

ecosystems worldwide, (Milbrandt et.al, 2006).

Economic

Economic use values of wetlands comprise the direct use of a wetland’s goods,

such as the consumption of fish for food, trees for fuel wood or as a building material,

and water for drinking, cooking and washing, (Brander et al., 2003). It must also be noted

that economic values in certain wetlands may be based on full utilization of the wetland

economic potential, while economic values of otherwetlands are not, (Brander, et al. ,

2003)It creates the employment opportunities such as paddy cultivation, vegetable

cultivation, small scale fishing, biodiversity balance,groundwater recharge, tule mat

production and gardening. (Food and Rural Affairs, 2005). Poverty reduction and wetland

conservation must go hand in hand because there is no other choice, either ethically or in

practice.

Significance of the Study

Wetlands are incredibly important ecosystems that provide a wide range of

benefits to both the environment and human society. Specifically to the following:

Local Communities: The study can provide valuable insights into the concerns,

perspectives, and experiences of the local communities residing near Gubaan's wetland. It
can help amplify their voices and contribute to decision-making processes that directly

impact their lives and livelihoods.

Environmental Organizations: Findings from the study can be beneficial for

environmental organizations and conservation groups working to protect wetlands. It can

help them understand the local context, identify specific issues affecting the wetland, and

develop targeted conservation strategies.

Government Agencies: The study can provide government agencies, such as

environmental departments and local authorities, with important information about the

local community's perspectives on the depleting wetland. This can assist them in

formulating effective policies, regulations, and management plans to address the issue

and protect the wetland ecosystem.

Researchers and Academics: Researchers and academics can use this information to

further study the socio-economic and environmental aspects related to wetland

conservation and sustainable development.

Future Wetland Management Efforts: The study's findings can serve as a reference for

future wetland management efforts in other regions facing similar challenges. It can

provide valuable lessons and insights on community engagement, participatory

approaches, and the importance of integrating local knowledge into conservation and

management plans.

Statement of the Problem

 1. What are the factors contributing to the depletion of Gubaan’s wetland according

to the locals’ observation and experiences?

2. What are the perspectives of the locals’ in Gubaan about the depletion of their

wetlands?

3. What are the implications in the society caused by biotic or economic change?

Scope and Limitations

This study will focus on the locals’ perspective on this case and shed light on the

factors contributing to the wetland's depletion. The study will use qualitative research

methods, including surveys and interviews on Gubaan's locals'. Our research will be

conducted in Gubaan, Aurora Zamboanga del Sur and it will last only for about a month

to observe Gubaan's wetland and know the locals' perspective on depleting their

wetlands.

Definition of Terms

Array. An ordered series or arrangement.

Biodiversity. The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Carbon Sequestration. A natural or artificial process by which carbon dioxide is

removed from the atmosphere and held in solid or liquid form.

Contamination. The action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or

poisoning.
Diversified. Make or become more diverse or varied.

Economic. Is the study of scarcity and its implications for the use of resources,

production of goods and services, growth of production and welfare over time, and a

great variety of other complex issues of vital concern to society.

Exotic species. Plants, animals or microorganisms which are introduced by humans

into areas where they are not native.

Marsh. An area of low-lying land which is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide, and

typically remains waterlogged at all times.

Over-exploitation. Occurs when harvesting exceeds reproduction of wild plant and

animal species.

Siltation. The process of blocking something with sand or soil.

Urban. In, relating to, or characteristic of a town or city.

Wetlands- An area of land that is either covered by water or saturated with water.
 CHAPTER II

Review of Related Literature

Wetlands can be ascribed to the lands intermediate between terrene and marine

eco-systems where the water table is usually near the surface or the land areas that are

covered by shallow water. The essentiality of the wetlands globally is progressively

getting apt attention as they add to a healthy and loveable environment in various ways

(Richardson et al., 2016). Wetlands cover at least 6 % of the Earth’s surface. They play a

key role in hydrological and biogeochemical cycles, harbour a large part of the world’s

biodiversity, and provide multiple services to humankind. However, pressure in the form

of land reclamation, intense resource exploitation, changes in hydrology, and pollution

threaten wetlands on all continents. Climate change scenarios predict additional stresses

on wetlands, mainly because of changes in hydrology, temperature increases, and a rise in

sea level, (Wolfgang et.al, 2013). Soil properties are also an important determinant of the

distribution of wetlands. Research has shown that areas with high soil organic
matter contents and low soil salinity value are more conducive to enhancing the

distribution of wetlands, (Meng et.al, 2020). In addition, anthropogenic activities, are the

most influential factors attributed to wetland loss. Apart from wetland cultivation

for agriculture land use, (Bolca et.al., 2007). The process of urbanization is also an

important human impact on wetlands. This includes not only the creation of space for

urban development through backfill, but also the removal of some wetlands for the

consistency of the urban landscape (Ji et al., 2015).

Wetlands also play an essential role in the protection of global biodiversity.

Accordingly, wetlands are known as hot spots of biodiversity. However, they are the

most endangered ecosystems on the globe since they are ecologically sensitive yet

compatible systems . This characteristic has caused wetlands to offer great diversity due

to their origin, geographical location, water and chemical regime, dominant species, and

soil and sediment features .

Wetlands are considered as one of the excellent natural resources in urban areas.

Wetlands are one of the most important green-blue infrastructure components with their

wide range of services. The optimal use of wetlands increases the social and

environmental sustainability of urban areas. In particular, wetlands situated in urban areas

are a fundamental element of urban ecosystems. Urban wetlands provide various

ecosystem services and vital suppliers to the human communities. These include coastal

area conservation , water quality rectification, reducing air pollution, carbon

sequestration , and recreation and leisure, (Alikhani, 2021).In developing countries,

notably in Asia, wetlands provide thousands of poor individuals with food and economic

security, (Rana et.al, 2009).

 Many cities consider the conservation and restoration of urban wetlands as a

strategy in urban planning that can make cities more resistant to climate change.

However, while wetlands play an essential role in cities and offer various services, these

services are drastically under pressure due to rapid urban expansion. In fact, the

urbanization and the development of cities have presented wetlands with many

challenges, such as (i) direct habitat loss due to land reclamation and dredging, (ii)

changed water regime by barriers, (iii) contamination by wastewater, garbage, and

pesticides, and (iv) biodiversity loss due to the introduction of alien species, (Alikhani,

2021).

According to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, urban and peri-urban wetlands

are located inside and around urban areas and their suburbs. Wetlands can be either

natural or artificial, i.e., constructed and can also be permanent or temporary, containing

a low water depth of not more than 6 m of water. In principle, urban wetlands are

classified as natural and constructed. Natural wetlands (NWs) include rivers, lakes and

their flood plains, swamps, estuaries, peatlands, tidal flats, coral reefs, and mangroves,

while constructed wetlands (CWs) include artificially constructed canals, drains,

reservoirs, artificial lakes, fish and shrimp farming ponds, ponds, rice fields, and

stormwater treatment sites, (Alikhani, 2021).

Climate Change

Because of their position where land and waters meet, wetlands are at risk of

damage from climate change. Effects of climate change on wetlands may include: loss of
carbon stored in soil, changes in soil structure, more frequent drying or flooding, changes

in plant or animal communities, saltwater intrusion to freshwater coastal wetlands, and

changes in timing and amount of water available to wetlands fed by snow melt. Most of

the carbon stored in wetlands is in the soil, where carbon cycling and microbial processes

take a long time to develop. For example, the organic soil in peatlands can take thousands

of years to develop- it can take up to 250 years for just one inch of peat to

accumulate. Disturbance of those systems can result in loss of the carbon stored in those

soils to the atmosphere. It is estimated that oxidation of disturbed organic soil contributes

a substantial amount of CO2 to the atmosphere.   Undisturbed wetlands store nearly twice

as much carbon as wetlands disturbed by human activities. Warmer temperatures and

changes in precipitation can also increase the loss of carbon stored in wetland soils.  The

combination of wetland disturbance from human activities and changes in climate may

have greater impacts on wetland functions than either stressor would alone. In addition to

changes in temperature and precipitation, coastal wetlands will be impacted by sea level

rise. The changes to wetlands that may happen with climate change can alter water

quality, water quantity, and habitat functions, (Yahnke, 2019).

In the driest state in a dry continent there are few natural wetlands and many of

these are salty and semi-permanent in nature, very few are fresh. Climate change is

already affecting the precious few natural wetlands, resulting in some water bodies being

inundated for shorter periods of time or drying up altogether (Farrington, 2014). Climate

change scenarios predict additional stresses on wetlands, mainly because of changes in

hydrology, temperature increases, and a rise in sea level, (Junk et.al., 2013). Changes in
land use, water use and climate can all impact wetland functions and services (Thorslund

et al., 2017).

Topography

Coastal wetlands mainly include ecosystems of mangroves, coral reefs, salt

marsh, and sea grass beds. As the buffer zone between land and sea, they are frequently

threatened from both sides. The world coastal wetland lost more than 50% of its area in

the 20th century, largely before their great value, such as wave attenuation, erosion

control, biodiversity support, and carbon sequestration, was fully recognized. World

wetland loss and degradation was accelerated in the last three decades, caused by both

anthropogenic and natural factors, such as land reclamation, aquaculture, urbanization,

harbor and navigation channel construction, decreased sediment input from the

catchments, sea level rise, and erosion, (Bellerby et.al, 2018).

Wetlands are important to global ecosystems and are easily affected by changes in

climate, soil properties, terrain, and human disturbances. Results showed that terrain

conditions had negative effects on the distribution of wetlands, (Li et.al, 2021). Wetland

soils are unique, with patterns and processes characteristic of both upland (oxidized) soils

and aquatic (reduced) sediments that vary spatially and temporally. Periodic to

continuous inundation and saturation drives a number of aerobic and anaerobic microbial

processes that provide critical ecosystem functions and services, including water quality

improvement through denitrification and cycling of carbon and greenhouse gases,

CO2 and CH4. Because of their often high plant productivity and slow rate of
decomposition, wetland soils are an important global sink for carbon. The variable

physical (texture, bulk density) and chemical (pH, redox potential) properties of wetland

soils affect the ability of wetlands to perform these ecosystem services and act as carbon

and nutrient sinks. Intertidal wetland soils have been recognized as potential sources of

greenhouse gases (GHG), including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous

oxide (N2O), and anthropogenic activities influence the quantities and patterns of

the GHG emissions from wetland soils through changing the environmental settings and

substrates regulating the productions of the GHGs. The impacts of various anthropogenic

activities, including tidal restriction, deforestation, nutrient enrichment on the soil to

atmosphere GHG fluxes in intertidal wetlands, are overviewed in this chapter. The

responses of GHG emissions from wetlands depend on the species of gases and the

anthropogenic activity, (Mobilian & Craft, 2022).

Human Activities

Wetlands are vital ecosystems with numerous ecological, social, and economic

benefits. However, wetlands are facing increasing pressure from human activities,

leading to their depletion and degradation. Human activities such as fossil fuel burning,

traffic jams, forest fires, factory gas emissions, garbage collection and deforestation are

on the rise in the present. As a result, environmental changes such as global warming,

changes in rainfall patterns, the occurrence of acid rain, and changes in surface

temperature can be identified with changes in the Earth's atmosphere. Such conditions

strongly affect the plant and fish communities. Today, many wetland organism species

are threatened with extinction. Also, with the change in the climate of the wetlands, the
arrival of invasive organism species in these zones, has threatened the endemic species

and their survival in the wetlands. Invasive species have significantly impact on natural

ecosystems, especially wetlands and damage of the ecosystems is immense (Wijeratne,

2015).

When a wetland functions properly, it provides water quality protection, fish and

wildlife habitat, natural floodwater storage, and reduction in the erosive potential of

surface water. A degraded wetland is less able to effectively perform these functions. For

this reason, wetland degradation is as big a problem as outright wetland loss, though

often more difficult to identify and quantify. Destroying or degrading wetlands can lead

to serious consequences, such as increased flooding, extinction of species, and decline in

water quality. Human activities cause wetland degradation and loss by changing water

quality, quantity, and flow rates; increasing pollutant inputs; and changing species

composition as a result of disturbance and the introduction of nonnative species. A

wetland’s characteristics evolve when hydrologic conditions cause the water table to

saturate or inundate the soil for a certain amount of time each year. Any change in

hydrology can significantly alter the soil chemistry and plant and animal communities.

Common hydrologic alterations in wetland areas include: deposition of fill material for

development, drainage for development, farming, mosquito control, dredging, stream

channelization for navigation, development, flood control, diking and damming to form

ponds and lakes, diversion of flow to or from wetlands, addition of impervious surfaces

in the watershed, thereby increasing water and pollutant runoff into wetlands. Although

wetlands are capable of absorbing pollutants from the surface water, there is a limit to

their capacity to do so. The primary pollutants causing wet-land degradation are
sediment, fertilizer, human sewage, animal waste, road salts, pesticides, heavy metals,

and selenium. Pollutants can originate from many sources, including, runoff from urban,

agricultural, silvicultural, and mining areas, air pollution from cars, factories, and power

plants, old landfills and dumps that leak toxic substances, marinas, where boats increase

turbidity and release pollutants. Wetland plants are susceptible to degradation if subjected

to hydrological changes and pollution inputs. Other activities that can impair wetland

vegetation include: grazing by domestic animals, introduction of nonnative plants that

compete with natives, and removal of vegetation for peat mining, (EPA, 2001).

Biotic Change

Climate change is identified as a major threat to wetlands. Altered hydrology and

rising temperature can change the biogeochemistry and function of a wetland to the

degree that some important services might be turned into disservices. (Shokoufeh Salimi

et al., 2021). Wetlands that are drained or partially dried can become a net source of

methane and carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, serving as a positive biotic feedback to

global warming. (Burkett and Jon Kusler, 2000). There are many different factors (biotic

and abiotic) that influence the function of wetlands. Since wetlands are often located in a

transition zone between an aquatic and a terrestrial ecosystem, their hydrological

fluctuation is inevitable. Although they have been known to be resilient to change in

general, they may still be highly susceptible to hydrological changes, especially when this

change is exacerbated by other sources of disturbance such as climate change, pollution,

urbanization and changes in land use, (IPCC, 2007).

 Climate change can affect wetlands by direct and indirect effects of rising

temperature, changes in rainfall intensity and frequency, extreme climatic events such as

drought, flooding and the frequency of storms. Altered hydrology and rising temperature

can change the biogeochemistry and function of the wetland to the degree that some

important services might be turned into disservices. This means that they will no longer

provide a water purification service and adversely they may start to decompose and

release nutrients to the surface water causing problems such as eutrophication,

acidification and brownification in the water bodies, (Corman et al., 2018). Wetlands

within and downstream of urban areas are particularly valuable, counteracting the greatly

increased rate and volume of surface-water runoff from pavement and buildings. The

holding capacity of wetlands helps control floods and prevents water logging of crops.

Preserving and restoring wetlands together with other water retention can often provide

the level of flood control otherwise provided by expensive dredge operations and levees,

(ERIT, 2023).

Often conjuring images of dank, smelly, mosquito-infested wastelands, upon

closer look, wetlands are actually biologically diverse and productive ecosystems. Home

to a variety of plant life, including floating pond lilies, cattails, cypress, tamarack, and

blue spruce, wetlands support diverse communities of invertebrates, which in turn

support a wide variety of birds and other vertebrates. Primary consumers from

crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insect larvae to muskrats, geese, and deer rely on the

abundance of algae, plants, and detritus for food. Wetlands also support a variety of

carnivores, including dragonflies, otters, alligators, and osprey. Thus, wetlands of the

world maintain biologically diverse communities of ecological and economic value,

(Cherry, J. A. ,2011). The water in a wetland is influenced by activities upstream, and the

use of water in a wetland has an impact on the water quality and quantity downstream.

For example, high rates of extraction for agricultural use will affect the amount of water

flowing out of a wetland, not just the amount in the wetland itself. It is essential to

consider these flows when determining management options for wetlands, (WMI, 2014).

Allen-Diaz et al., (2004) reported that in tropical and sub-tropical wetlands the aquatic

plants act as bio filter, as they intake large amount of organic as well as inorganic

nutrients from the eutrophic water bodies enriched pollutant through various

dynamic processes, e.g. water cycle, nutrient cycle and food chain, therefore known as

‘Kidney of the Landscape’ or ‘Biological Super Market’ by the experts or the areas

where the soil is saturated with water are crucial incubators known for the high

species diversity.

Economics

Wetlands are a critical part of our environment. Though commonly seen as

wastelands, wetlands are not areas that need to be drained, filled in, burnt off, and re-

purposed. They are ecosystems that support biodiversity and perform an array of

ecosystem services. They provide us with our essential needs such as freshwater and fish.

Our shores are protected from tsunamis and storm surges because of them. They reduce

the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants, and improve water quality. Wetlands are also

home for a wide diversity of life and even support plants and animals that are found

nowhere else, (DENR, 2023). Economic use values of wetlands comprise the direct use

of a wetland’s goods, such as the consumption of fish for food, trees for fuel wood or as a
building material, and water for drinking, cooking and washing. (Brander et al., 2003). It

creates the employment opportunities such as paddy cultivation, vegetable cultivation,

small scale fishing, biodiversity balance, groundwater recharge, tule mat production and

gardening. (Food and Rural Affairs, 2005).

Urban agriculture has the potential capability to enhance self-reliance,

representing an important avenue to regain cultural and farming knowledge. It also

allows the marginalized especially the poor ones and women to strengthen their

household ties and food security, providing employment and source of income for them

(Kilelu, 2003) However, due to the urgent need to meet the food demand of the rapidly

growing urban population, the high rate of unemployment in most urban cities, and the

high poverty level, urban agriculture is presently taking over natural wetlands in and

around urban cities. (Mougeot,2000). Wetlands are key in serving the locals with food,

farming, grazing area for animals, and raw materials harvested for crafts (Oguttu et.al,

2008). It must also be noted that economic values in certain wetlands may be based on

full utilization of the wetland economic potential, while economic values of other

wetlands are not, (Brander, et al., 2003).

CHAPTER III

Methodology
 This chapter presents the research methodology of the study. It includes a

discussion on the research design and methods covering the research instrument, research

sample, research participant, research environment, data collection procedure, and data

analysis.

The research methodology used in this study is a case study approach. A case

study is an in-depth investigation of a particular individual, group, or situation. In this

case, the study will focus on locals’ perspective in depleting Gubaan’s wetland. The case

study approach allows for a detailed analysis of the perspective of the research

participants.

Research Design

The study will utilize a qualitative case study approach to capture the locals'

perspective on the depleting Gubaan's wetland comprehensively. Qualitative methods

allow for in-depth exploration of subjective experiences and perceptions. This design will

facilitate a deeper understanding of their perspectives and the significance they attribute

to the wetland.

Research Instrument

Semi-structured interview will serve as the primary research instrument. The

interview guide questionnaire will consist of open-ended questions designed to elicit rich
and detailed responses from the participants regarding their experiences, perceptions, and

observations related to the wetland.

Research Sample

A convenience sampling technique will be used to select participants who have

direct knowledge and experience with the Gubaan's wetland. The sample will include

local residents, fishermen, farmers, environmental activists, and community leaders based

on their availability and willingness to participate. The sample size will be determined

based on the collected data, where new information ceases to emerge.

Research Participants

The participants will be individuals who owns fishponds but now converted to

rice fields. They will represent diverse perspectives and occupations within the local

community, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Research Environment

The study will be conducted in barangay Gubaan, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur

specifically focusing on the wetland area. Field visits will be made to observe the wetland

firsthand and gain a contextual understanding of the environmental changes and

challenges faced by the locals. Moreover, wetlands help to prevent flooding and
minimize the damage caused by storms, which is particularly important for those who

live in flood-prone areas.

Data Collection Procedure

Data collection will involve conducting face-to-face with the participants during

weekends. The interviews will be conducted with the participants consent to capture their

responses accurately. Field observations and document analysis may also be employed to

supplement the interview data.

Data Analysis

The researchers will use content analysis as we will analyze and interpret their

responses in the collected data. The field notes will be transcribed, coded, and

categorized into themes and sub-themes related to the locals' perspectives on the

depleting wetland. The identified themes will be analyzed to draw meaningful

conclusions and address our statement of the problem.