Flora of the geothermal reserves in the Philippines

Inglés. The Philippine geothermal fields are all associated with volcanism developed above trench and subduction zone systems. Portion of the remaining forest covers of the Philippines lies inside the geothermal sites. These sites harbors many indigenous and endemic species of the Philippines and offers potential source of restoration of degraded sites in the Philippines. The Philippines remains the world's second largest producer of geothermal energy for power generation. Currently there are six producing fields namely: Tiwi, Albay (PGI)Makban, Laguna (PG1)Tangonan, Leyte (PNOC-EDC)Palinpinon, Southern Negros (PNOC-EDC)Bacon-Manito (Bacman), Albay and Sorsogon (PNOC-EDC)and Mindanao, North Cotabato/Davao (PNOC-EDC). The development of geothermal resources inevitably causes some disturbances to the natural ecosystem in the vicinity of the development site, primarily land disruptions, air and water polluting emissions during well testing and power plant operation. However, the disturbance to the natural biological ecosystem caused by geothermal development is less severe than the development of alternative fuel that requires large areas for mining, transportation, and processing. Small quantities of minute particulate matter including rock, dust, haevy metals, such as lead, silver, and boron are also suspended in the steam. geothermal energy reduces the diversity of species in the total number of plants and animals in the area. The building of road opens up the area for increase in migration, tourism, cultivation of adjacent area and better road and service facilities. This changes are found in areas where vegetation are cleared or partially open-up for drilling,power plant development, road construction and facilitates for storage of materials and offices. Such is evident in geothermal areas where mostly pioneer species usually dominates in the area mostly belonging to Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae (Leguminosae), Poaceae (gram inae), and Verbenaceae (Lamiaceae). ferns, herbs, and vines, and shrubs occupied the open areas. The flora in the vicinities within the development and exploration area reduced the number of species and favors the growth of pioneer species in the area. The vegetation in geothermal reserves plays an important role as a mechanism of recharging the water of the reservoir. The trees and other vegetation in the watershed is part of the natural cycle of water in the hydrologic cycle. The vegetation also contributes to the continuous operations and life span of power generation of geothermal plants. However, there is a need for a comprehensive analysis and understanding of which species still exist. The adequate protection, rehabilitation and monitoring of geothermal reservation area should be always be part of the overall management.

Inglés. CF: Metro manila Commission Professorial Chair Lecture 21 Jun 2005 College, Laguna (Philippines)