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 

Deforestation, a Growing problem in the Philippines

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Forest in our country are very rich in biodiversity. Many of our plants and animals could be found in the rainforests. It is due to the constant high temperature and humidity in the tropics. Unfortunately, many forests are threatened due to deforestation. The primary reason are commercial logging and cutting of trees to provide for their agricultural needs.
There are so many effects of deforestation in our country. Not only the giant trees will be lost but also the species living in the forests will disappear. Some of it are the tarsiers and the Philippine eagle. And we should not wonder why our country experiences consistent flashfloods and landslides."According to the recent reports of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDMC) about 262,107 families have lost their homes while about 1.355 million people have been affected." Some negative consequences of deforestation also include the disruption of water cycle and climate change.


During the 20th century the Philippine Forests covers almost 70%. But due to massive forest exploitation, excessive annual cuts and weak reforestation efforts it dropped to less than 20%. Based on the analysis almost 9.8 million hectares of forests were lost. If deforestation won't be stopped there would come a time that the natural resources and biodiversity in forests will be lost. And if there would be continuous abuse of resources it is estimated than there would be no more rainforests left within 15 years.




We should make a move now. We should protect our environment. Let us restore our trees and save Mother Earth. 


Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation_in_the_Philippines http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/forest1.htm
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/deforestation-a-growing-problem-in-the-philippines-4124319.html http://schoolworkhelper.net/2011/06/effects-of-deforestation/

Author: Tyrone Magararo

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