Report 9 Flashcards
is a renowned biodiversity hotspot. It is located in Southeast Asia and consists of thousands of islands, making it one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions
philippines
The importance of biodiversity in the Philippines, lies in its crucial role in maintaining
ecological stability and promoting human well-being
BENEFITS OFFERED
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
FOOD SECURITY
MEDICINE AND PHARMACEUTICALS
ECONOMIC VALUE
ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE
GENETIC RESOURCES
SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL VALUE
Threats to Philippine Biodiversity
habitat loss
climate change
invasive species
overexploitation
pollution
agriculture and land use
mining
under habitat loss
deforestation
urbanization
agriculture
According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the country’s forest cover decreased from approximately ________ f its total land area in the early 20th century to just around________ by 2015. This represents a significant loss of forested habitats.
70% ; 23%
Deforestation in the Philippines is driven by
logging, both legal and illegal, as well as land conversion for agriculture and infrastructure development
_______________ also contribute to forest degradation
Slash-and-burn agriculture, mining, and forest fires
Urbanization in the Philippines is occurring at an alarming rate, with more people moving to cities and towns. This urban sprawl often leads to the clearing of natural habitats for ____________
residential, commercial, and industrial purposes
Urbanization can result in ______
habitat fragmentation, pollution, and the loss of green spaces, negatively affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
_____________ is a major driver of habitat loss in the Philippines. Forests and other natural habitats are often cleared to make way for __________
agriculture ; crop cultivation, including rice, sugarcane, and palm oil plantations
crucial for biodiversity and water regulation, are also drained and converted into agricultural land, exacerbating habitat loss
wetlands
under climate change
rising temperature
sea level rise
extreme weather
can have adverse effects on agriculture, water resources, and human health, potentially leading to reduced crop yields, water scarcity, and heat-related illnesses
increased temperatures
can also disrupt ecosystems and threaten biodiversity by altering the habitats and migration patterns of various species
warmer temperatures
The Philippines is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise due to its _______
extensive coastline and numerous low-lying coastal communities
Sea-level rise poses significant risks, including _______
These impacts can ________
coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and the increased frequency of coastal flooding
displace communities, damage infrastructure, and harm coastal ecosystems
has intensified extreme weather events in the Philippines, including typhoons (known as hurricanes or cyclones in other regions), heavy rainfall, and flooding
climate change
Increased rainfall and flooding can lead to ____
landslides, loss of lives, damage to homes and infrastructure, and disruptions to agriculture and transportation
under invasive species
competition
predation
habitat alteration
disease & pathogen
They can outcompete native species for resources like food, water, and habitat, leading to the decline or extinction of native species
competition
This can lead to population declines or even extinctions among native fauna
predation
Invasive plants can alter ecosystems by
hanging the structure and composition of vegetation, which in turn affects the availability of resources and the habitat for native species
Invasive species can introduce ______ causing significant harm to local ecosystems
new diseases and pathogens to native populations
examples of invasive species
water hyacinth
african catfish
golden appple snail
under overexplotation
overfishing
illegal logging
According to a report by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), around ______ of Philippine waters are overfished or fully exploited
60%-70%
Many commercially important fish species, such as ______ are subject to overfishing, resulting in declining catches and reduced income for local fisherfolk
tuna, sardines and groupers
The impacts of overfishing on marine life include the
disruption of food chains, reduced biodiversity, and the collapse of fish stocks
__________ indicate that illegal logging and unsustainable logging practices have led to the loss of thousands of hectares of forest annually
Data from the Forest Management Bureau (FMB)
under pollution
water pollution
air pollution
can have severe consequences for aquatic ecosystems. It leads to a decrease in water quality, oxygen depletion, and the introduction of harmful substances. These factors harm aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates, by reducing their habitat quality, causing diseases, and impairing reproduction
water pollution
is linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues among the Filipino population. It particularly affects vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. primarily caused by vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and the burning of fossil fuels and biomass for energy production
air pollution
under agriculture and land use
pesticides
monoculture farming
such as insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, are often used to control pests and boost crop yields. However, they can also harm non-target species, including beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic organisms, through direct contact, ingestion, or habitat contamination
pesticides
When predators feed on multiple contaminated prey, these toxins can become more concentrated
biomagnification
involves growing a single crop over large areas. This practice reduces habitat diversity for other plants and wildlife. It can lead to the displacement of native flora and fauna, as well as a decline in biodiversity
monoculture farming
under mining
habitat destruction
water pollution
involves clearing large areas of forests and other natural habitats to access mineral deposits. This habitat destruction can lead to the displacement and loss of numerous plant and animal species, including those that may be endemic or endangered.
mining
is a common problem in mining areas. It occurs when sulfide minerals in the ore react with air and water, producing acidic runoff that can contaminate surface and groundwater
Acid mine drainage (AMD)
can smother riverbeds and aquatic habitats, degrading water quality and destroying important breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic organisms
sedimentation from mining operations
PROTECTED AREAS AND CONSERVATION ZONES
TUBBATAHA Reefs Natural Park (UNESCO)
Mount Apo Natural Park
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS
Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources
Philippine Eagle Foundation
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act
The Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB)
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
initiatives involve local communities in biodiversity protection efforts. These projects often focus on sustainable resource management, eco-tourism, and environmental education.
Community-based conservation
are essential for fostering a sense of stewardship among the public and promoting responsible environmental practices
Educational programs and awareness campaigns
