An Overview Of Our Solution
- Population Impacted:
- Continent: Asia
Address
Sta. Monica
Puerto Princesa
Philippines
Population impacted
Size
around 2,000 residents
Major Occupations
Local resources the community depends on, and for what purpose
Local threats to resources
Climate Hazards
Level of sensitivity
Level of adaptive capacity
The road should be replaced with a bridge to restore the ecological processes in the lake, reduce hazard risk, and naturally improve food security and livelihood for the community.This is the plea of the Tagbanua tribes and I have tried to request to the Provincial government but doesn't have an action yet. Demolish/ relocate the informal settlers beside the lake to reduce direct sources of pollution that cause algal bloom and minimize human vulnerabilities being a natural flood control. The indigenous group are not staying near the lake, which is actually part of their ancestral lands, because they value its ecological importance. However, they find difficulties in prohibiting migrants to settle and compete with them in the use of resources. Empower the indigenous people to assert their right and improve their livelihood sources through organizing training-workshops on human rights and environmental laws.
Ecological Costs
Ecological Benefit
Economic Indicators used to measure benefit
water quality of lake, diversity of fishery resources, normal growth of aquatic macrophytes
Economic Cost
Cost for the removal of road and construction of bridge, relocation site/expenses for the informal settlers
Economic Benefit
Increase sources of food and livelihood for the community
Ecological Indicators used to measure benefit
Attendance/community participation in road to bridge renovation, voluntary demolition/relocation, and community-environmental conservation activities such as coastal clean-up, mangrove planting, etc.
What were/are the challenges your community faced in implementing this solution?
The challenge being faced in the implementation of these solutions was the dialogue with the government for funds, with the informal settlers to relocate, and with the community to participate. However, I believe that it will not totally serve as a hindrance as long as there will be an open communication and that the law will prevail.
Describe the community-based process used to develop the solution including tools and processes used
The research I am currently doing entitled "A macrophyte-based assessment of ecological status, socio-economic potential and human vulnerabilities of Tagbunsaing Lake, Berong, Quezon, Palawan" is part of my graduate studies. I am still analyzing the data that I have gathered and writing the results. The study focused on how can the presence of macrophytes indicate water quality and soil nutrients, its existing and potential uses and as well as the hazards to human through interviews and focus group discussions.
Climate hazard of concern
How does your solution reduce the exposure of and buffer/protect the ecosystem affected?
The replacement of road to bridge aims to return back the normal flow of water in and out of the lake, clean and remove the algae through the water movement, restore the diverse fishery resources within the lake, control the growth of macrophytes, etc. Demolition/relocation of informal settlers can reduce pollution that cause algal bloom and minimize hazards for human. Empowering the indigenous people will equip them with knowledge and skills that will make them more ready for managing their resources.
How has your solution increased the capacity of the ecosystem to adapt to potential climate changes?
By restoring the normal flow of water in and out of the lake, this ecosystem will have an increased capacity to serve as buffer against coastal flooding, storm surge, etc. Demolition/relocation of informal settlers can reduce pollution sources and reduce clearing of mangroves (Nypa and Lumnitzera) Empowering the indigenous people will prepare them to be better adapted to potential climate changes and disaster management
How does your solution reduce the exposure of and buffer/protect the communities affected?
These solutions reduce the exposure of both the indigenous groups and informal settlers to potential climate change impacts since it targets to move them away from the risks or hazards that it may cause them like a more ecosystem-friendly infrastructure, policies, and programs.
How does your solution reduce the sensitivity of the communities affected?
These solutions reduce the sensitivity of the communities to climate change since they will have alternative livelihood sources, they will be moving away from potential risks/ hazards near the lake, and they will be more prepared through the increased awareness.
How has your solution increased the capacity of local communities to adapt to potential climate changes?
The solutions mentioned were also from the opinions of the local communities, especially of the Tagbanua tribes. They believe that with the renovation of their road to bridge, they will have more foodand livelihood sources even with changes in the climate. They also believe that they will be able to restore the lake if there will be no people living near the lake, and that all these will increase their capacity to be prepared for potential climate change impacts.
Can this solution be replicated elsewhere?
Yes, ecosystem restoration can also be done elsewhere with similar problems.