| Author | Clarete, Marilou Montilla |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.NR-93-10 |
| Subject(s) | Watershed management--Philippines--Baguio
|
| Note | A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resource and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. NR-93-10 |
| Abstract | The present policy of excluding people from watersheds has increasingly been difficult
to carry out with increasing population. This is particularly true with the small (336 hectares)
Busol Watershed Reservation in Baguio City, where 436 families reside. The City Government
of Baguio has been trying to evict the residents of Busol to stop the process of rapid degradation
of its resources. However, this is difficult to implement as there are legitimate ancestral land
claimants in the area. Instead, legitimate Busol residents can be made partners in the regreening,
rehabilitation and protection of Busol.
Rapid rural appraisal technique was used in identifying and analysing the communities
residing in Busol, and the external agencies, public and private with stakes in what happens in
the Busol watershed. It is also used in classifying on what basis these communities can best
work together, and in seeking recommendations based on the communities and the agencies
interests. The land use and economic activities undertaken by residents were also assessed to
evaluate their impacts on the area's resources. Consultation, review of researches, and direct
observations were used in drawing up recommendations as to what type of forest and fruit trees
are suitable for planting in the area. A Geographic Information System (using ARC-INFO
software) was used to facilitate the terrain analysis.
Busol Watershed was found to be in a critical condition. Its soil is already shallow.
Given its topographic and climatic condition, its vegetative cover and the unsustainable cropping
practices of the farmers, it is estimated that the soil in areas presently cultivated will be lost in
six (6) to twelve (12) years if there are no changes in 'land use, and no soil and water
conservation measures will be employed in the area. There is an urgent need also to curtail
agricultural activities in areas unsuitable for agriculture. Areas presently cultivated and having
above 40 percent slope must be abandoned and planted to forest trees to have a permanent
cover. The eroded and erodible areas and headwater portions must also be planted to forest trees
to stabilize the soil and regulate the flow of water in the watershed.
Any agroforestry schemes that can be introduced in the area must address the soil erosion
problem and allow the residents to continue their cutflower and cash crops production in areas
suitable for agriculture, as a basis of livelihood. |
| Year | 1993 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. NR-93-10 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | King, David J.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Apisit Eiumnoh;Hussain, Md. Zakir; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1993 |