Soil and Water Conservation Initiatives in Rehabilitating Degraded Tropical Karst Lands Based on case study entitled : “Rainfed Agriculture in Central Philippines : SWC Initiatives in Rehabilitating Degraded Tropical Karst Lands” Authored by : Dr. Elpidio T. Magante and Dr. Rumila C. Bullecer, both from RCE Bohol-Bohol Island State University, Main Campus, Bohol, Philippines Presented by : Dr. Elpidio T. Magante, at Asia Regional Forum on Biodiversity, Cha-am, Thailand, November 2011 The vast rainforests of Bohol island in Central Philippines have been largely stripped off, starting with almost 400 years of Spanish colonization (1521-1898), resulting in biodiversity loss, and vulnerability to erosion and landslides. This was aggravated during World War II and the ensuing postwar rehabilitation, which required the cutting of a large number of trees to rebuild homes and other structures. Slash-and-burn agriculture then became rampant from 1960s to the 1980s. As a result of decades of plunder, the forests of Bohol have now been reduced to grasslands and rangelands. The hills in the village of Limocon in the town of Valencia in Bohol have become denuded, marginalized for crop production, and vulnerable to landslides after years of slash and burn agriculture. A 27-hectare site in the area became the subject of rehabilitation and development. Soil and water conservation initiatives (SWC) have since resulted in gradual but continuous development of the area. Research and Methodology A recent study documented the achievements and the processes utilized by the Bohol Island State University (BISU) in rehabilitating a typical degraded karstic old rangeland in Southeast Asia. The study gathered lessons and experiences and disseminated replicable development approaches involving farming communities. Primary data were gathered mainly through actual field visits, investigation, documentation of personal notes of the area’s development history, and discussion of the experiences of the principal author and main area developer. Photographs and 12 THE ASIA REGIONAL FORUM ON BIODIVERSITY documents of related events were taken from the University’s official records. Informal interviews of the farm caretakers and key farmer-informants were also made. The Study Site About 50 percent of the Limocon HERM family farm (14 hectares) has been developed into forested areas (10 hectares) and agroforestry farms (4 hectares). Some 13 hectares still need to be developed. The area has an elevation of 100 to 120 meters above sea level. The topography is rolling to moderately steep. The geology belongs to the Upper Miocene-Pliocene (sedimentary rocks) and soils consist of Faraon Clay (primarily clay-loam). The microclimate is generally dry with peak rains from June to October and a daytime temperature of 270-290C for the most part of the year. Major crops grown in the village including the study site are corn, rice, vegetables and coconuts, bananas and root crops like sweet potato, taro and cassava. Figure 1. Development Map of HERM Farm in Limocon, Valencia, Bohol, Philippines.
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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