No abstract

Landscape fragmentation, the breaking up of land use type into smaller parcels, isdamaging watersheds worldwide. Without addressing its causes, landscape fragmentation canpermanently destroy habitats and compromise ecosystem services (ES) that a watershed provides.This paper aims to establish associations between watershed landscape fragmentation and ES byintegrating science (satellite imageries and fragmentation analyses) and local geographicknowledge (key informant interviews and focus group discussions) at different time periods. Usingthe case of the Baroro River Watershed in Northern Philippines, this paper posits that localknowledge, when integrated with scientific knowledge, becomes a significant medium throughwhich watershed landscape fragmentation and declining quality of ES can be better understood andaddressed. Results also indicate that people’s experiences and knowledge on ES coincide withwatershed landscape fragmentation as evidenced by satellite images and fragmentation analysesdone at different time periods. This implies that people’s knowledge is well grounded on facts andcomplements scientific knowledge necessary in crafting more effective landscape policies that cantackle watershed fragmentation. Study results are also crucial in providing information to serve asinputs in the development of a more robust watershed management plan; particularly inimplementing sustainable land uses without sacrificing the watershed’s overall integrity.

No abstract

This article argues that smallholder agroforestry farmers in the selected provinces in the Philippines have already been experiencing climate change in their respective areas as indicated by the change in the rainfall and temperature patterns. Using direct interviews and focus group discussions, the respondent-farmers highlighted that increased incidence of pests and diseases, stunted growth of crops, low crop productivity, delayed planting, delayed fruiting of some crops particularly perennial species, poor quality of produce, increased cost in farm operations, low income and decreased yield of some crops, are among the general impacts of climate change in their agricultural production systems. On the positive aspect, some crops had increased yield as an impact of climate change. The farmers employ their local knowledge and skills in adapting to the impacts of climate change. Among these include changing cropping patterns, integrating more crops in the farm, engaging in other off-farm and non-farm activities as additional source of income, changing the cultivated crops, mulching, and using organic fertilizers, among others. This article also highlights the benefits that the respondent-farmers derive from agroforestry, a land use management system that is currently being practiced in the study sites.

The present publication is the 4th issue of the APN Science Bulletin series to be published in the APN's Third 5-year Strategic Phase, which runs until March 2015. Issue 4 ( 2014) is a peer-reviewed publication that has become a main source, next to the APN website, for up-to-the-minute information on activities undertaken by the APN. As a landmark publication written by the global environmental community and supported by the APN, the bulletin focuses on issues of underpinning science that are policy-relevant. The 2014 Science Bulletin aims to satisfy readers in both the science and non-science communities who have a keen interest in Global Environmental Change in the Asia-Pacific region.