Environmental zoning for biodiversity conservation in Linwaan, Eastern Samar, Philippines
2005
Casas, E.V.Jr.
This study combines ecological and social criteria in land use planning in order to identify "hot spot" areasand subsequently prescribe policies and management options. It demonstrates that biodiversity corridor approach would conserve biodiversity better than the present concentric zoning paradigm. The flora and fauna surveys used protocols on research design and sampling. Areas at lower elevation have slightly greater biodiversity indices (BI) values. Although BI values were from alpha diversity level, findings underscored the importance of preserving plant and animal species especially "hot spot" areas. The social survey used interview schedules, questionnaire and focused group discussion. Environmentally aware stakeholders were perceptive in preserving biodiversity, creating corridors and effectively delineating land for Man and land for Nature. Majority of stakeholder respondents (83-96%) viewed the biodiversity corridor as very important. They proposed 50m on both sides of rivers/creeks as riparian corridors. At the farm level, 90% of PO/FEC [peoples' organization]/[forest-edge communities] respondents indicated willingness to reserve portions of their farmlots for biodiversity conservation. GIS [geographical information system] mapping revealed the hot spots were at lower elevation areas and considered very critical. This is where biodiversity is high but also absorbs heaviest human pressure. If concentric zoning paradigm is applied, it shall have extirpated 21 avifaunal species, 8 mammalian fauna and threatens 283 plant species among which are 196 tree species and 128 endemic species. Reorientation of biodiversity project implementors is needed on the importance of restoration and preservation of some natural habitats which are high in biodiversity at lower elevations. It is recommended that environmental zoning be adopted.
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