THE
LANDSCAPE APPROACH
by
Antonio C. Antonio
July
15, 2013
QUESTION: (1) What kind of
research or management problem should the landscape approach be use?; and, (2)
Can you illustrate an environmental management research problem or issue
wherein the landscape approach is more appropriate?
To answer the two questions, please allow me to discuss the Caraga
Region. Region 13 (Caraga Region) is composed of the Provinces of Agusan
del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del
Sur and the Cities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag with a total of 70
municipalities. It is known to be the timber corridor and mining haven of
the Philippines. These two major industries (wood and minerals) are very
critical from the environmental standpoint but are high dollar-earners at the
same time. It is for this reason that I chose this Region where the
landscape approach could be used.
Why use the landscape approach for the Caraga Region? Because it
is a system approach and comprehensive in scope. It also includes in the
analysis all tangible benefits (timber, plants, animals and mineral resources)
which is native to the region as well as intangible resources that the
ecosystem provides.
The Caraga Region is also known as a hotbed for insurgency and the
CPP-NDF-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines – National Democratic Front –
New People’s Army) are quite active in this area. Wanting to exercise
control over the area, the NPA has often conducted terror campaigns while the
Military has also been conducting anti-insurgency operations the area.
This situation has brought about difficulties for government to be effective in
any program… including land assessment. I hasten to add that insurgency
is a socio-economic problem which can be solved only with socio-economic
solutions. If government can present, offer and operationalize a workable
and sustainable socio-economic program in the area, insurgency will be a thing
of the past for Caraga.
Considering these 2 issues:.. (1) The economic importance of the
industries in Caraga and (2) the insurgency problem there… there really is a
need for an effective ecosystem management program in Region 13… where the
landscape approach could be effective. There is so much resources in the
area and if left uncontrolled, these resources, rather than be used to foster
peace and goodwill, will be the very reason for the entire region’s ruin.
Just my little thoughts…
REFERENCES:
(Please
visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on
Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)
No comments:
Post a Comment