Watersheds are vital for managing water resources, providing habitats for various species, and controlling floods, droughts and extreme climate events.
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed that around 6.8 million hectares of watershed areas were assessed as vulnerable to deforestation, biodiversity loss, erosion, floods, landslides and water pollution, while 14.2 million hectares were identified as critical for the national irrigation system.
This means that only 6.5 million hectares or 22% of the country’s total land area are protected either through presidential proclamations or coverage under the National Integrated Protected Areas System. “This watershed crisis is marked with spatial conflicts that have resulted in the increasing inaccessibility of water supplies; eroding water quality; degrading integrity of ecosystems; and worsening vulnerability to water and climate-related disaster risks,” it added.
The think tank added that laws such as the NIPAS ACT and the Forestry Code also allow for permits that enable development activities within watershed systems provided that activities are in compliance with legal standards and regulations. The study cited the case of Masungi Georeserve, located in the Upper Marikina Watershed, which continues to be threatened by illegal encroachments from resorts and land developments.Strong enforcement, halt to destruction needed to reverse decades of neglect of Upper Marikina watershedTo achieve a “more robust and transformative” watershed governance in the Philippines, LRC recommended the greater integration of watershed management councils into core local planning processes.
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