Adaptation of watershed areas and communities to climate change in Pantabangan-Carranglan watershed [Philippines]

Watersheds are a critical aspect of the economy and the environment in the Philippines. Approximately 18 to 20 million people inhabit the uplands of many watersheds and depend on their resources for survival. It is estimated that no less than 1.5 million hectares of agricultural lands presently derive irrigation water from these watersheds. However, despite their tremendous value, it has been observed that many watersheds are now in varying stages of deterioration largely due to population stresses. This could potentially serve to increase the vulnerability of their inhabitants to the impacts of future climate change and could have important implications for the viability of the economy and the environment that depend on these watersheds. To address the vulnerability of natural and social systems in the Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed, namely, forest and upland agriculture, water resources, and local institutions and communities, the project explored potential adaptation strategies developed by the various institution and local communities in the Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed (PCW) to cope with the impacts of climate change. This was undertaken through conduct of household surveys focus group discussions (FGDs), multi-stakeholders workshop and consultation meetings. Also, the study employed qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyze the information gathered through the above mentioned methods. The study also asked views of the local communities and stakeholders of the watershed to evaluate the impacts of climate change on the different land uses present in PCW. Vulnerability of each land use as well as the adaptation strategies being undertaken to cope with the impacts of climate change were also solicited. Results show that lowland and upland farms, natural forests, tree plantations and grasslands are vulnerable to climate change. Their degrees of vulnerability depend on their type. To minimize adverse impacts, appropriate adaptation strategies must be put in place.