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.

This study generally aims to synthesize the best practices and challenges in mangrove rehabilitation in the Philippines, Myanmar, Japan, China and India. It employed an in-depth review of secondary information such as policy documents and project reports, and participatory research activities with various mangrove stakeholders such as key informant interview and focus group discussion. Lessons and strategies obtained were used to develop a mangrove rehabilitation framework/guideline. The guideline was tested for suitability through case studies in the Philippines and Myanmar. It was concluded that mangrove rehabilitation will succeed if 1) it is built around an integrated and ecosystem-based approach that takes into account feedback between rehabilitation and other economic activities; 2) its scope is beyond mere planting; 3) local people are involved in planning and monitoring in addition to implementation; 4) all stakeholders are informed of their roles and responsibilities; and 5) species selection is based on ecological and silvicultural knowledge in conjunction with the needs and priorities identified by stakeholders.

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