Evaluating the Potential of Mindanao's Forests for Climate Change

Education and Outreach

Mohammad Shuaib K. Gani

3rd Year College of Forestry Program, Cotabato State University at Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato
City

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study:

Climate change is a global environmental challenge that poses significant threats to

ecosystems, livelihoods, and the well-being of communities worldwide. In the context of
Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, the region's forests play a crucial role in
climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and the provision of various ecosystem services.
Recognizing the importance of Mindanao's forests in mitigating and adapting to climate change,
there is a growing need to explore their potential for climate change education and outreach
initiatives.

Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, is home to diverse forest ecosystems
that have the potential for climate change education and outreach. Climate-resiliency field
schools involving smallholder farmers in Mindanao have been found to advance climate-smart
farming practices, including organic farming, rice intensification, and the establishment of
community seed banks (Chandra et al., 2017). These initiatives demonstrate the importance of
engaging local communities in climate change adaptation and mitigation practices to build
resilience and promote sustainable land management.

Furthermore, forest inventory data from protected forest ecosystems in Mindanao show their
carbon storage potential, which is comparable to managed tree plantations, emphasizing the
significant role of Mindanao's forests in mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks,
absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (Marin et al., 2015).
However, the implementation of development projects aimed at reducing deforestation and
establishing forest plantations faces challenges such as land eligibility and transaction costs,
and requires the involvement of local communities (Lasco, 2008). Overcoming these constraints
is essential to realize the potential of Mindanao's forests in contributing to climate change
mitigation efforts.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the recognized significance of climate change education and outreach, there is limited
research specifically focusing on the potential of Mindanao's forests as a platform for such
initiatives. While various studies have examined the ecological and socio-economic aspects of
Mindanao's forests, there remains a gap in understanding how these forests can be effectively
utilized to raise awareness, build capacity, and foster climate change resilience among local
communities and stakeholders.

1.3 Objectives

The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the potential of Mindanao's forests for
climate change education and outreach. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Investigate the existing climate change education and outreach efforts in Mindanao, with a
focus on forest-related initiatives.

2. Assess the perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes of local communities, forest practitioners,
and other stakeholders towards climate change and its impacts on forests.

3. Identify the barriers and challenges hindering the implementation of effective climate change
education and outreach programs in the context of Mindanao's forests.

4. Propose recommendations and strategies to enhance the utilization of Mindanao's forests

for climate change education and outreach, considering the unique socio-cultural and
ecological context of the region.
1.4 Significance of the Study

This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the potential
of Mindanao's forests as a means to educate and engage local communities and stakeholders in
climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The findings will provide insights into the
design and implementation of effective climate change education and outreach programs,
specifically utilizing forest ecosystems as a platform for engagement. The study's outcomes are
expected to inform policymakers, environmental practitioners, and educators in developing
targeted interventions and strategies to enhance climate change awareness and resilience in
Mindanao.

1.5 Scope and Limitations

This research will focus on Mindanao's forests and their potential for climate change education
and outreach. The study will involve selected communities, forest practitioners, and other
stakeholders within the Mindanao region. While efforts will be made to ensure a representative
sample, the study's findings may not be generalized to the entire population of Mindanao.
Additionally, the research's temporal scope will cover the period up until September 2021,
based on available literature and information.

1.6 Organization of the Thesis

This thesis is organized into five chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research
topic, highlighting the background, objectives, and significance of the study. Chapter 2 presents
a comprehensive review of relevant literature, exploring concepts related to climate change
education, forest ecosystems, and community engagement. Chapter 3 details the research
methodology, including the study design, data collection methods, and analytical approaches.
Chapter 4 presents the findings and analysis of the study. Finally, Chapter 5 offers a discussion
of the results, recommendations, and conclusions derived from the research, along with
suggestions for future research directions.
In conclusion, this research aims to evaluate the potential of Mindanao's forests for climate
change education and outreach. By understanding the existing initiatives, perceptions, and
barriers, this study intends to provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance
climate change awareness and resilience in the region.

Works Cited

Chandra, A., M. Shrestha, and M. Gurung. "A Study of Climate-Smart Farming Practices and
Climate-resiliency Field Schools in Mindanao, the Philippines." World Development, vol. 98,
2017, pp. 389-403.

Lasco, Rodel D., et al. "Climate Change and Forest Ecosystems in the Philippines: Vulnerability,
Adaptation and Mitigation." Journal of Environmental Science and Management, vol. 11, 2008,
pp. 80-92.

Marin, A. R., et al. "Carbon storage potential of four long term ecological research (LTER) sites in
Mindanao, Philippines based on forest inventory data." vol. 24, 2015.

Rodel, D., Lasco., Florencia, B., Pulhin. "Philippine Forest Ecosystems and Climate Change:
Carbon stocks, Rate of Sequestration and the Kyoto Protocol." 2003.

Lasco, Rodel D. "Tropical Forests and Climate Change Mitigation: The Global Potential and Cases
from the Philippines." Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, vol. 5, no. 1, 2008, pp. 81-
98.