Dynamics and environmental impacts of coconut logging in Quezon, Philippines

Widespread coconut logging threatens the environmental and economic contributions of coconut agro-ecosystems. Understanding the dynamics and environmental impacts of coconut logging is imperative to address the issue. This study was done to analyze the extent, determinants, socio-economic and environmental impacts of coconut logging; estimate total economic value (TEV) of coconut resource and impacts of logging; and draw policy implications and recommendations. Coconut logging provided annual net incomes of P461,700 and P122,500/ha for the lumber processor and landowner, respectively, in the short-term, but considerable benefits from ecological services were foregone. Microclimate deterioration, flooding, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, reduced water supply and quality, and reduced carbon sequestration potential were observed environmental impacts. Socio-economic impacts included migration, income change, reduced supply of raw materials and displacement of tenants. At the regional level, volume of cut coconut trees is influenced by prices of copra and supply of forest log and timber. At the farm level, the extent of coconut logging was determined by total farm size, accessibility, size of intercropped parcel, planting density, age of coconut, permit-to-cut, tenure status and age of farmer, government policies and legislations a played significant roles in the preservation, management and potential loss of coconut resources. Farmers' willingness-to-pay (WTP) to preserve coconut was dependent on location, land use and total farm income. Preserving the coconut resources provided greater and long-term net benefits than cutting them for coconut lumber production. Partial coconut logging (with replanting) and intercropping with perennial crops (PCLWR-CPFS) was the most efficient production system. Although conversion of the farm into residential gave the highest net present value (NPV) of P 2.6 M/ha, PCLWR-CPFS was more desirable in terms of environmental implications. Coconut logging (without replanting) and keeping the land idle was a losing venture in the long-term. Effective implementation of coconut preservation laws, awareness campaign on impacts of coconut logging, promoting intercropping technologies, providing for equity among stakeholders, improving infrastructures and information network on coconut potentials and review of policies on land redistribution and recommendations to preserve and rehabilitate the coconut agro-ecosystems and industry.