Climate Vulnerability Assessment of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
Dec 1, 2023
Ifugao State University, Preserving Legacies
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This assessment investigates the climate vulnerability of the Ifugao Rice Terraces in the Philippines, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. It brings together traditional ecological knowledge and scientific projections to evaluate how climate change is affecting the terraces’ structure, agricultural function, and surrounding communities.
Methodology
The methodology was grounded in participatory research involving local farmers, indigenous leaders, and technical experts. Field surveys, hazard mapping, and oral history interviews were employed to understand climatic shifts and how they intersect with land use practices. This collaborative approach ensured that community priorities and adaptive traditions informed both the assessment and its recommendations.
Key Takeaways
The terraces are facing increasing threats from irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and erosion-driven landslides. These hazards not only impact crop yields but also jeopardize the cultural practices embedded in rice farming. Local knowledge systems were found to be vital in detecting early changes and adapting farming techniques.
Next Steps
Key next steps include institutional support for traditional agricultural methods, investment in slope stabilization infrastructure, and integration of climate resilience into heritage management planning. The report also calls for ongoing data collection and local youth engagement in site stewardship.