Philippine Rainforests

Rainforests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions based on a minimum normal annual rainfall of 1750-2000 mm (68-78 inches). The monsoon trough, alternatively known as the intertropical convergence zone, plays a significant role in creating the climatic conditions necessary for the Earth's tropical rainforests. view more

The Phlippines Forest at Present

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Philippines is once a forested area which was most part of it turned into a wasteland. Back in 16th century the archipelago was entirely covered with forest, but on the later part of the 20th century, agricultural and commercial expansion was promoted. From 10 million hectares to 1 million hectares, estimated 9 million hectares loss in just 30 years from 1950 – 1980. Today, the forest that covers the archipelago drastically reduced. According to the present data by the DENR in the year 2004, the country’s forest already lost 75 percent or 23.9 percent of the country’s total land mass.
Commercial logging was the main cause of the deforestation in the Philippines after 1950. Although there was a logging banned issued in all provinces where forest covers less than 40 percent, legal logging still continue to some parts of the country, mainly on Mindanao where the logged trees was replaced by exotic trees for paper making. Regardless of the law, illegal logging is still widespread and often unchecked, including on those protected areas.
With the conversion of forests to a commercial area, wildlife has been greatly affected. Loss of habitats and place to multiply will push those animals to extinction. Species count has greatly decreased throughout the century. More animals been added to list of endangered species and some was declared extinct. This was mainly due to the damage of the people created due to exploitation of forest products, mining, pollutions, pesticides, conversion to agriculture and development projects.
Due to lack of government management, protected areas and sanctuaries can’t receive enough funds and resources to establish a complete protection over the area. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) should maximize its capabilities in order create and development more ways to preserve the remaining forests in the country. Without the help of the government, the total loss of the forest in the country would be possible.


Sources: http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/species/asia_strategy/pdf_downloads/forestsFO9.pdf
http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-45/4-45-forest.html


Author: Lernie Salamat 

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