Traditional methods cited in softening climate change impact

Business World (Philippines): Experts have recognized the effectiveness of traditional forest management practices of indigenous peoples (IPs) in mitigating the impact of climate change. "IPs are most commonly referred to as victims of the adverse effects of climate change, but in real terms, IPs are actually the solution," Victoria Tauli-Corpuz chairman of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples said in a press briefing held yesterday in Manila.

"Through their traditional knowledge and practices in managing the environment, IPs had maintained the integrity and sustainability of their ecosystems," she added. Specifically citing practices in the Cordillera region, Ms. Tauli-Corpuz said "time-tested" practice could be replicated nationwide. …Practices cited were:

• "Batangan" from Mt. Province which bans the cutting of trees without community permission;
• "Manalum," also from Mt. Province, where water supply is equally distributed for irrigation
• "Muyong" from Ifugao or a water-gathering system from the rain forest; and
• "Lapat" from Apayao and Abra, which regulated the use of natural resources by requiring all community members and neighboring groups to refrain from excessive and abusive cutting trees, gathering rattan, hunting and fishing…

The Nagacandan rice terraces in Ifugao, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Shot by Shubert Ciencia, Wikimedia Commons via Flickr, under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license