VOLUME 14 NUMBER 3MAY-JUNE 2013

FORUMs h a p i n g m i n d s t h a t s h a p e t h e n a t i o n

U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

Climate ChangeSupplementary Issue

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2 UP FORUM Volume 14 No. 3 May-June 2013 SUPPLEMENTARY ISSUE

UP FORUM: What sustainable changes can ordinary fisherfolk and their families do to help adapt to/mitigate the effects of climate change? How can they protect and iimprove their harvests while con-serving the marine environment?

Fishing communities can protect themselves from the compounding effects of anthropogenic activities and climate extremes in several ways.

On fishers, climate change and the UPV-CFOS

An Interview with Dr. Merlina Andalecio

First, they should recognize that they are not merely beneficiaries and users of resources but also stew-ards of the natural resources given not by man but by God. As resource stewards, fisherfolk should be at the forefront of initiatives that support and maintain sustainable activities and facilitate coastal resource con-servation and management.

The relentless destruction of marine and coastal habitats only exacerbates the risks from climate change, in which case, the fisher-folks will bear the brunt of the nega-tive effects. In response, they should be involved in the restoration of natural barriers such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses. Coastal communities who participated in mangrove reforestation, establish-ment of marine reserves or no take zones, and seagrass preservation have experienced improved physical protection from the full impacts of storms and waves, including con-trol of flooding or inundation of the coastline.

These strategies are considered more cost-effective compared to constructing man-made barri-ers such as concrete seawalls and dikes; they save lives and property during typhoon seasons; and they reduce the vulnerability of coastal livelihood sources. This will also minimize very high spending on relief and recovery. Restoration of coastal habitats will in the long run increase fish productivity and aquatic biodiversity of any given area. In situations where natural and man-made defenses will not suffice, fishing communities must be willing to be relocated, preferably to safer areas. Fisherfolk can also engage in rebuilding depleted fish stocks by strictly observing government fish-ing regulations which include lim-ited entry, seasonal and area closure, mesh size limits, appropriate fishing methods, among others. They should also participate in crafting innova-tive gear modifications to mitigate the problems.

We also encourage fisherfolk to make sure that their names are included in the registry of munici-pal fishers so that their interests are

protected and given priority in the granting of access rights to fish. While fisherfolk may compete for space and resources, they should recognize that they are not inde-pendent of each other in pursuing options/solutions to make their lives better. This means being part of fish-eries organizations and alliances that promote integrated coastal resource management. Collectively, they can take part in long-term planning on sustainable and wise use of resourc-

es, coastal disas-ter preparedness and emergency response.

Their inherent capacities and local knowledge can be used to modify and improve conven-tional practices supporting com-munity adapta-tion to extreme conditions. In addition, they should be willing to learn to raise their awareness and help them understand how climate change will impact their daily life, liveli-hood productivity and well-being. By actively par-ticipating, they can access information and influence decision-making especially with respect to devel-opment activities that may threaten their lives and re-sources. Collec-tive action is also a good strategy for deterring illegal activities. Along with these are af-fordable communication technology/tools such as mobile phones, radios, etc. that can be used to receive up-to-date weather forecasts and storm warnings.

UP FORUM: What are the cur-rent or indigenous practices of ordinary rural, fisherfolk/coastal families and communities that are already effective forms of climate change adaptation and mitigation—practices that can be enhanced, highlighted and trans-mitted to other communities?

The current practices of coastal fishing communities that are effec-tive forms of climate change adapta-tion include active involvement in mangrove reforestation projects and coastal clean-up.

These strategies are quite com-mon in many coastal areas in the Visayan region. Fishing commu-nities through the support of local government units, academic institu-tions and non-government organiza-tions have put up mangrove nurs-

eries to raise mangrove seedlings intended for replanting. Coastal clean-up has also been a regular activity to ensure that it is passed on to the next generation.

Other remarkable actions of fisherfolk consist of observance of fishing seasons, diverse pattern of fishing activities related to the kinds of fish exploited, location of fishing grounds and types of fishing gears; and engaging in alternative/supple-mental livelihoods.

The use of traditional fishing gear (e.g., hook and lines, pots, traps), many of which are passive and de-signed to catch specific organisms, is encouraged. However, there are

places where the number of pots and traps is regulated so as to reduce the catch of susceptible and recovering species. Fishers would also reduce the number of days fishing, or fish-ing is limited to inland waters and rivers when bad weather restricts open sea fishing. Majority of fish-ers are also farmers and switch between rice-farming and fishing in response to seasonal variations in fish availability.

UP FORUM: Are there attitudes and values Filipinos must change or adopt to make these lifestyle changes stick? Will the new K-12 basic educa-tional system be able to teach these attitudes and values to the next gen-erations? Are there other ways that this awareness can be transmitted to the younger genera-tions?

Filipinos will reap the fruits of their efforts if they would only regard moral values as the foun-dation of all actions and responses. Being obedient, consci-entious, patient, concerned, and forward-looking are critical in respond-ing to the impacts of climate change and may only be evident because of the fear of God. Otherwise, abuses and defiance will always come in handy no matter how well-meaning environmental laws

and regulations are. Information, education and com-

munication are important tools in raising environmental awareness. The K-12 basic educational system is a good platform for honing the next generation and complementing moral recovery initiatives of indi-vidual families and religious orga-nizations in the country. Programs or subjects on values formation or lifestyle changes may be included in the curriculum.

Moreover, the offering of fish con-servation courses in the basic educa-tion courses as stipulated in the Phil-ippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550),

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UP FORUM Volume 14 No. 3 May-June 2013 SUPPLEMENTARY ISSUE 3

UP FORUM: What sustainable changes can ordinary farmers and their fami-lies do to help adapt to/mitigate the effects of climate change? How can ordi-nary farmers protect their crops and improve their harvests in spite of climate change?

Some affordable/sustainable changes:• Management (changes in cropping patterns, soil, landscapes and water, etc)• Techniques (introduction of new cultivars, change in irrigation techniques,

etc)• Infrastructure (e.g. changes in irrigation systems)

Some adaptation strategies/technologies in the Philippinesa. Enterprise diversification integrating climate change insensitive enterprisesb. Integrating agriculture with climate-insensitive enterprisesc. Crop diversification by integration of more tolerant crops, forage, and tree

species/varieties in the farming system. d. Strategic cropping calendar

• Modify cropping schedules by planting or harvesting earlier to adjust to al-tered rainfall pattern, soil moisture conditions, duration of growing period

• Take advantage of the wet period and avoid extreme weather events (ty-phoons, strong winds) during the growing period.

• Apply simple measures for handling rapid harvesting and post harvestinge. Cultural management strategies

• Use of stress tolerant species/varieties of crops, forages or trees (tolerantto drought, salinity, submerged condition, deep water)

• Use of crops with low water needsf. Protected cultural systemsg. Container production systemh. Mulchingi. Covercroppingj. Water management (water harvesting, small water impounding structures, small farm reservoir, Sorjan farming system

k. Water recyclingl. Soil and water conservation

• Contour farming, contour barriers, non-weeding during dry season, change in drainage management regimes, water conservation tillages

m. Water use efficiency of crops and irrigation systemsn. Pest and disease management• Use of resistant varieties, Integrated pest management, Preventive veterinary

care, o. Use of stress tolerant livestock species/breedsp. Use of stress tolerant forages or fodder treesq. Design of animal sheltersr. Savings, insurance s. Increasing adaptive capacity

• Increasing physical capacity• Increasing cognitive and linguistic capacity• Increasing resource availability• Better communication system• Reducing isolation• Strengthening availability of support systems• Increasing economic capacity

On farmers, climate change and the UPLB-CAAn Interview with Dr. Domingo Angeles and Dr. Jose Nestor Garcia

UP FORUM: What are the current or indigenous practices of ordinary rural farming families that are already effective forms of climate change adaptation and mitigation—practices that can be enhanced, highlighted and transmitted to other communities?

UP FORUM: Are there attitudes and values Filipinos must change or adopt to make their lifestyle changes stick? Will the new K-12 basic educational system be able to teach these attitudes and values to the next generations? Are there other ways that this awareness can be transmitted to the younger generations?

Values Filipinos must change:• Belief that a small act does not result in large environmental problems• Attitude of producing more at the expense of the environment

For the new K-12 basic educational system to teach these attitudes and values to the next generations, awareness of climate change and preparedness should be in-tegrated in the basic educational system. Other ways to increase awareness among the younger generations include:

• Using the mass media to disseminate information • Knowledge sharing • Creating community-based communication systems• Exploring indigenous knowledge on climate change• Exploring the role of religion

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4 UP FORUM Volume 14 No. 3 May-June 2013 SUPPLEMENTARY ISSUE

Article 7, Section 117 can now be enforced with the K-12 program. By these, the young generation can be exposed to the value of fish resourc-es conservation and protection for sustainable fisheries development of the country. There are also other means by which information can be conveyed to the younger generations such as through the media or social networks. Extension programs can also be designed for the kids.

UP FORUM: What are the proj-ects/programs of the UP College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences related to developing a culture of climate change and environmental awareness? What more can UP and the UPV-CFOS do?

The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) has been conducting research, develop-ment and extension projects on the management of ocean and coasts in response to the complex effects of natural variability and anthropogen-ic activities. Some research projects that we are presently implementing include assessment of the perfor-mance of local marine protected areas, community-based post har-vest fisheries technology transfer program, improving the production technology of some fisheries com-modities (e.g., milkfish, shrimps, algae) in support of sustainable live-lihood development in coastal areas. We are also implementing a col-laborative research project entitled, Coastal Area Capability Enhance-ment in Southeast Asia, supported by Research Institute of Humanity and Nature. The project examines the ecosystem and processes of Batan Bay in Aklan which include inventory of fishing boats, gears and methods; monitoring of fishing activities and catch statistics; and examining the effects of climate on fishing activity/productivity. One of the outputs of the project is a digital library of fishing operations that will be useful for fishery managers and decision-makers.

The CFOS is also active in exten-sion activities. It provides technical assistance and diagnostic services; published IEC materials, and con-ducted lectures, seminar-workshops and advocacy work on ocean and coastal issues. For example, the Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies (IFPDS) promoted the sustainable utiliza-tion of resources at the local level through its publication “Ang Banta-laan” and the “Lakbay, Turo, Laro”, which is an extension activity that

UP FORUM: What are the projects/programs of the UP College of Agriculture related to developing a culture of climate change and environmental awareness? What more can UP and the UPLB-CA do?

See Table at right.

--------------------Dr. Domingo Angeles is dean of the UP Los Baños College of Agriculture, while Dr. Jose Nestor Garcia is a researcher under the Agricultural Systems Cluster of the UPLB-CA. Email them at uplbcado@yahoo.com.

exposes Grades 4 to 6 students on environmental concerns with focus on climate change. The Summer In-ternship Program for the Philippine Science High School introduces the sophomore students to the culture of research in the University. We also provide technical assistance to educate the coastal communities on climate change issues and concerns so they can better strategize or plan to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability. This is done by offering trainings, workshops and lectures on coastal zoning and plan-ning, coastal resource management, and climate change adaptation. At the University level, we have already institutionalized UPV Inte-grated Coastal Management (ICM) which is concerned in preserving coastal environmental integrity and espousing the concept of partnership among stakeholders in the service of the larger community. It engages UPV in training and extension, research and development of cur-ricular programs on ICM.

What more can we do? In the development of degree programs in the graduate and undergraduate, levels it is important to be cognizant of incorporating climate change and environmental concerns, in general. As a public service University, we hope to strengthen our partnerships with concerned stakeholders in-cluding forging collaboration with international organizations. The CFOS will need to revitalize its College of Fisheries and Ocean Sci-ences Extension Program (CEOP) which is an extension and outreach program fully committed to fisheries development through the application of knowledge and effective delivery of services to address critical needs and concerns of stakeholders. We also need to employ creative means to provide extensive appreciation and awareness among wider audi-ence. The implementation of the K-12 program is the best avenue for the CFOS to collaborate with basic education institutions in the devel-opment of fisheries conservation and environmental courses as well as in capacitating them in the conduct of research and development. Internal-ly, there is also a need to build our capacity in conducting multi-disci-plinary and policy researches that will support the review of existing policies and regulations.--------------------Dr. Merlina N. Andalecio is an associate professor at the In-stitute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo. Email her atmerlina_andalecio@yahoo.com

ON FISHERS ...continued from page 2

ON FARMERS ...continued from page 3