Assessing resiliencies, biodiversity of global significance and environmental goods and services of GIAHS [Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems]-designated Ifugao Rice Terraces [Philippines] in comparison to conventional rice paddies

This study was carried out by the University of the Philippines-Los Baños through funding support from the World Agricultural Heritage Foundation (WAFH). In order to study the effects of modernization-associated pressures on traditional rice-based agro-ecosystems, three upland irrigated farms (viz. Nagcarlan, Julongan and Ambabag) in Kiangan, Ifugao Province, Philippines were chosen as study areas. Nagacdan and Julongan (GIAHS sites) were chosen for this purpose while Ambabag, (a non-GIAHS site) was also selected to provide contrast to the preceding two agro-ecosystems. Changes in cultural identity, resilience, provision of economic services, crop diversity and biodiversity losses were recorded and the driving factors that underpinned these changes were dissected and analyzed. Using standardized tools and methodologies, the study was able to document wild scale cultural and biodiversity losses, lowered resilience, a diminishing capacity to provide ecosystem services (ES) and a severely eroded traditional crop base. Identified driving factors were the easy access to modern varieties, chemical inputs, information and microfinancing, education, market economy and Christianization. The farmers also disclosed that all these changes were heralded by the Green Revolution during the late 1960s to 1970s when high yielding varieties (HYVs) were promoted along with the intensive use of chemical inputs. Since then, Tinawon rice varieties had been discarded on a continuous basis and replaced with HYVs because of their perceived economic benefits. Consequently, age-old Ifugao farming rituals were also forgotten, rice conservation and varietal selection were no longer practiced, gender roles were reversed and there was an unfortunate shift from the traditional ugbbu system to paid labor. Moreover, the use of chemical inputs also resulted in the displacement of endemic fauna and the uncontrolled proliferation of introduced pests such as golden apple snail, giant earthworms and Asian swamp eels which wrought various forms of damage to rice crop and the terraces. The drive to earn more cash had also caused an increasing number of farmers to convert their swidden fields (habal) and some terraces to commercial gardens for high value vegetables. As for the woodlots (muyong), greatest diversity was observed for endemic trees and understory vegetation in barangay [village] Julongan. Unfortunately, field inspection in this village revealed that a significant number of endemic trees in the area had been girdled and left to die in preparation for the establishment of an arabica coffea plantation. Furthermore, since the muyong harbors large proportions of endemic species, it ensures constant water supply for the terraces, protects against soil erosion, mitigates the adverse effects of climate change, contributes to pollination and natural pest control and allows for a host of other essential processes in the agro-ecosystem. It can be concluded therefore, that these 3 farming communities are on the verge of a complete shift to a modern agricultural system-one that is yield-driven, highly influenced by market economy and marked by low bio-cultural diversity. Before this transformation becomes complete and all resources and the Ifugao culture becomes irreversibly lost, it is imperative that interventions of a multi-faceted nature be instituted the soonest. Finally, the following are recommended for further studies, scientific interventions and possible promulgation of policy aimed at conserving the Ifugao agro-ecosystem and the culture that is closely interlinked with it: 1. Provide a viable market and incentives for the cultivation of Tinawon rice using traditional farming rituals; 2. Carry out casual chain analysis to study direct and indirect drivers of ecosystem change and their impacts; 3. Conduct an economic valuation of ecosystem services; 4. Undertake ex situ and in situ conservation of indigenous crops in the area; 5. Develop policies and programs for the preservation of Ifugao culture based on inclusive discourse involving older farmers and their younger counterparts; 6. Carry out studies for the possible valorization of intangible Ifugao cultural heritage which is closely intertwined with the lives of people in the community; 7. Conduct studies to quantify financial losses due to pest infestation and into integrated pest control methods of these plants.