This paper discussed effects of lowland-associated influences on upland ecology, food security and biocultural diversity in the Sarangani farming communities of the Philippines. In the uplands of Sarangani Province, t...This paper discussed effects of lowland-associated influences on upland ecology, food security and biocultural diversity in the Sarangani farming communities of the Philippines. In the uplands of Sarangani Province, the conservation of traditional rice varieties, the centrality of rice in tribal life, and the continued observance of planting rituals attest to its cultural significance and convey a common desire for cultural preservation and community solidarity. Economic and socio-political pressures had transformed tribal communities, although vestiges of traditional farming systems are still being practiced in remote sitios（villages）. Changing land use patterns had also resulted in shrinking farm sizes and consequently in food insecurity in the Sarangani uplands. Extractive industries（i.e. logging, mining and charcoal making） and swidden farming were observed to cause widespread environmental degradation, while modern agriculture had undermined the capacity of indigenous peoples to survive because of their complete dependence on lands and resources. With the reality that cultural and biological diversities are inextricably linked, trans-disciplinary strategies coupling indigenous knowledge systems with scientific knowledge should, therefore, be instituted to save the Sarangani upland ecosystem, the indigenous peoples and their tribal resources.展开更多
Recent research has showed increasing interest at the vital role of irrigation ponds that plays at biodiversity conservation,and provides ecological functions at a wide range.However,many irrigation ponds were abolish...Recent research has showed increasing interest at the vital role of irrigation ponds that plays at biodiversity conservation,and provides ecological functions at a wide range.However,many irrigation ponds were abolished due to the economic and societal transformation in the rural.In particular,small-scale ponds were abolished and rebuilt to other public uses based on the consensus building process among the community.At the same time,civil organizations also launched initiatives to conserve irrigation ponds for its ecological significance or landscape scenery.However,study pertinent to the small scale ponds in the rural setting is largely neglected.This research aims at revealing the current situation of the utilization and management of small irrigation ponds using a case study of Noto Island in Ishikawa Prefecture.It was found that irrigation ponds are still under the traditional co-management of rural community.The most important finding in this study is that the traditional management of pond water use largely contributes to mitigate the harvest loss from natural disasters such as drought in the face of extreme climate.However,irrigation ponds are facing the threat of degradation due to the sharp decrease of farm population and the existing large number of part time farmers.Therefore,the small scale irrigation ponds and pertinent management and water use allotment should be revalued for its functions at a wide range from the biological and ecological functions and human knowledge system to mitigate disaster threats.展开更多
基金funded by the Department of Agriculture-XII was conducted jointly with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Sarangani Province
文摘This paper discussed effects of lowland-associated influences on upland ecology, food security and biocultural diversity in the Sarangani farming communities of the Philippines. In the uplands of Sarangani Province, the conservation of traditional rice varieties, the centrality of rice in tribal life, and the continued observance of planting rituals attest to its cultural significance and convey a common desire for cultural preservation and community solidarity. Economic and socio-political pressures had transformed tribal communities, although vestiges of traditional farming systems are still being practiced in remote sitios（villages）. Changing land use patterns had also resulted in shrinking farm sizes and consequently in food insecurity in the Sarangani uplands. Extractive industries（i.e. logging, mining and charcoal making） and swidden farming were observed to cause widespread environmental degradation, while modern agriculture had undermined the capacity of indigenous peoples to survive because of their complete dependence on lands and resources. With the reality that cultural and biological diversities are inextricably linked, trans-disciplinary strategies coupling indigenous knowledge systems with scientific knowledge should, therefore, be instituted to save the Sarangani upland ecosystem, the indigenous peoples and their tribal resources.
文摘Recent research has showed increasing interest at the vital role of irrigation ponds that plays at biodiversity conservation,and provides ecological functions at a wide range.However,many irrigation ponds were abolished due to the economic and societal transformation in the rural.In particular,small-scale ponds were abolished and rebuilt to other public uses based on the consensus building process among the community.At the same time,civil organizations also launched initiatives to conserve irrigation ponds for its ecological significance or landscape scenery.However,study pertinent to the small scale ponds in the rural setting is largely neglected.This research aims at revealing the current situation of the utilization and management of small irrigation ponds using a case study of Noto Island in Ishikawa Prefecture.It was found that irrigation ponds are still under the traditional co-management of rural community.The most important finding in this study is that the traditional management of pond water use largely contributes to mitigate the harvest loss from natural disasters such as drought in the face of extreme climate.However,irrigation ponds are facing the threat of degradation due to the sharp decrease of farm population and the existing large number of part time farmers.Therefore,the small scale irrigation ponds and pertinent management and water use allotment should be revalued for its functions at a wide range from the biological and ecological functions and human knowledge system to mitigate disaster threats.
