Ecosystems and Development Journal

The link between electricity prices and carbon emissions: Exploring the urban-rural energy demand in the Philippines

Veronica Castillo-Dida — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Transitioning to cleaner energy may cause some volatility in electricity prices. This price volatility prompts households to consider alternative fuels like LPG, kerosene, charcoal, and fuelwood alongside electricity, especially when the price of electricity increases. With varying carbon intensity of each type of fuel households use, changes in household fuel composition may affect carbon emissions. This study seeks to answer how changes in residential electricity prices influence carbon emissions from energy consumption in urban and rural households. Through analyzing cross-price elasticities, this study aims to uncover how electricity price changes impact households' carbon emissions from energy use by looking at the price elasticities. The results showed that the estimated price-elasticities from the QUAIDS model reveal that amidst price volatility, rural households would still be more dependent on using the least CO2 -intensive energy alternative and more exposed to indoor pollution from burning fuelwood. Results also showed that compared to rural households, urban households are more consistent in contributing to higher CO2 emissions amidst the possible electricity price changes. Although the price responsiveness is generally inelastic, summing up the contribution of each household would have a considerable effect on a national level.

Analysis of youth workers’ characteristics and knowledge level in harvesting natural rubber in Liberia

Austin Gboo Yeanay, Myra E. David — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzed the characteristics and knowledge level of the youth workers in natural rubber harvesting in Liberia to sustain the rubber industry as a source of income for the youth sector. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 139 youth workers of a private rubber company. A two-choice category scale determined whether they performed steps and activities using the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training manual competencies. Descriptive statistics (percentage distribution, frequency, and mean) and Chi-square test were analyzed the data. Results revealed that majority of the respondents belonged to age bracket 15−35 years (68.4%), males (84.9%), married (54.9%), children of three to four (27.3%), from Nimba County (51.7%), completed junior high school (29.5%) but had no formal education (25.9%), residents in plantation (57.5%), tappers (95.7%), and employed for four to six years (64.8%). The frequency of performed steps was revealed highest in five out of the nine procedural steps as described in TESDA’s training module such as: 1) measuring tappable trees, 2) tapping criteria, 3) collecting and storing of latex and cup lumps, 4) installing tapping paraphernalia, and 5) coagulating latex and preparing formic acid. This suggests that the youth’s inadequacy of procedural science-based knowledge in harvesting latex, and those five steps were shared by the parents and adults on the plantation. Also, a medium level of knowledge and Chi-square analysis revealed a highly significant association between experience and skill. This may imply that they are practicing some form of science-based latex harvesting but inadequately done. Tools used in the plantation may be similar to some in the training manual but should be a subject for further study to determine the satisfaction in performance while using the tools. Using the SECI Model, knowledge in latex harvesting was sourced informally (tacit to tacit) from parents and adults and not through other knowledge conversion phases/activities like training.

A systematic review of medicinal nickel hyperaccumulator plants in Southeast Asia: A phytochemical perspective

Ian Jasper G. Retiro, Crusty E. Tinio, Marilyn O. Quimado — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Nickel (Ni) hyperaccumulators are unique plants that can accumulate high levels of Ni in their tissues without suffering from toxicity and garner attention due to their phytoremediation and ethnomedicine potentials. This study aimed to provide a list of Ni hyperaccumulators found in Southeast Asia, their geographic distribution, conservation status, phytochemistry, and medicinal properties based on research findings from various literatures and propose conservation measures for potential medical hallmarks. A systematic approach was employed by adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Items and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to gather data from various scientific sources, which resulted in the analysis of 55 Ni hyperaccumulators. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the correlation between the plant orders and the three components in which the positive and negative correlations exhibit the relationship of plant orders to the presence of medicinal plants, phytochemicals, and biological activities. The PCA revealed that Ericales (0.98), Malpighiales (0.95), and Myrtales (0.92) showed strong associations with medicinal properties and phytochemical diversity. Furthermore, the results indicated that 16 species (29%) possess documented medicinal properties, with the family Phyllanthaceae being particularly well-represented. Key phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics, known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties, were identified. However, 39 species (71%) remained unexamined for medicinal efficacy, highlighting a critical research gap. This highlights the need for further exploration of the pharmaco-medical properties of unstudied species. To safeguard their ecological and medicinal value, conservation efforts need to be prioritized in ultramafic ecosystems, where these plants predominantly thrive. Ni hyperaccumulators hold significant therapeutic potential; therefore, further research is essential to uncover their medicinal applications and broaden their contributions to ethnomedicine and phytochemistry.

The effect of urban sprawl on forest carbon stocks in La Mesa Watershed Reservation, Metro Manila, Philippines

Airah Shayne T. Sartagoda, Diomedes A. Racelis — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The La Mesa Watershed Reservation (LMWR) has experienced deforestation due to rapid urbanization. However, urban expansion at the expense of forest has resulted in changes in carbon storage in the watershed, which have not been fully quantified, hence this study. QGIS and TerrSet Land Change Modeler (LCM) were used to detect and map the emerging urbanization in LMWR using the supervised land cover classification generated from 2010 and 2020 Landsat satellite images. For the analysis of urbanization impacts on forest carbon stock, the transition from open forest to built-up areas was measured, and the carbon stock lost from the conversion was quantified using the 2020 forest resource inventory collected from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). The results revealed that the forest cover loss between 2010 and 2020 was directly associated with urban sprawling. About 28 ha of forests were converted into built-up areas, resulting in a carbon stock loss of 3,525.17 tons in tree biomass, equivalent to 12,925.62 tons of CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the total forest carbon stock in 2020 would increase by 1.42% if the forest were not converted into built-up areas and would have had 252,019.42 tons of carbon or sequestered 924,071.19 tons of CO₂. Thus, urban sprawl negatively influences the total forest carbon stock of the watershed. Urban sprawl, driven by socio-economic factors and whose human activities—such as waste disposal, livelihood, and illegal activities—seriously threaten any conservation, reforestation, and protection efforts in the area. However, urbanization provides critical space for housing, industry, and economic development, which may improve livelihoods and support societal progress. The trade-offs are evident as urban sprawl can significantly hinder reforestation, conservation, and protection efforts, exacerbating environmental degradation. Human activities associated with urban growth—such as waste disposal, livelihood pressures, and illegal practices—further contribute to the loss of valuable ecosystem services, necessitating careful planning and management to balance these competing land-use demands. The capacity of the watershed to effectively store carbon and provide other essential ecosystem services is contingent upon alterations in governmental spatial policy planning and management interventions that regulate urban land use development and guarantee the preservation of the existing forested areas.

Assessment of devolved forest management: The case of Mauban, Quezon Province, Philippines

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Effective forest management results from the collaborative efforts of the local government units (LGUs), community members, academia, and policy implementers. The devolution of certain forest management functions from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to LGUs, as mandated by the Republic Act No. 7160 (the Local Government Code of 1991), aims to achieve a more grassroots approach to managing and maintaining ecological balance. This study identified relevant policies, assessed their implementation using the case of devolved forest management in Mauban, Qvuezon Province, Philippines, and provided recommendations for improving devolved forest management functions. Data collection methods included key informant interviews, surveys, and desk research. Key policies supporting devolution included DAO No. 92-30, DENR – DILG Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1998-01, and DENR-DILG JMC No. 2003-01. These policies provided the legal and technical foundations for effective implementation. Survey results indicated that respondents benefited economically, socially, environmentally, technically, and through capacity-building activities. However, challenges such as lack of technical and financial assistance were also noted. Implementation strategies varied among five barangays in Mauban, considering existing tenurial arrangements within their jurisdiction. The study recommends the following: 1) reviewing and updating the policies on devolved forest management functions, 2) allocating a budget to perform devolved functions effectively, 3) amending paragraphs A and B of Sections 443, 454, and 463 of RA 7160, and 4) monitor and evaluate the devolved management functions, among others.

Mapping the geographical reach of bamboo products: The case of Pangasinan, Philippines

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Bamboo is a versatile resource for subsistence, commercial applications, construction, and conservation. Given the economic advantages it offers stakeholders along the value chain, this study focuses on identifying and characterizing the key players in the bamboo industry in Pangasinan, Philippines, while mapping the geographical flow of bamboo products. Fifty-six respondents participated in the research, utilizing a tracking approach to identify marketing channels from production to consumption. Snowball sampling was also employed to identify bamboo processors. Results reveal that the bamboo value chain comprises two main groups of players: upstream (including harvesters of bamboo poles and pole traders/consolidators) and downstream (comprising product processors, product traders/consolidators, wholesalers, exporters, and consumers). Bamboo poles are primarily sourced locally, particularly from Pangasinan and Tarlac. The products produced include nipa huts, various handicrafts (such as winnowing trays, chicken coops, vases, fruit baskets, steamers, and bird feeders), furniture (including sala sets), engineered bamboo items like plaques, and other bamboo products such as chicken cages. The processing of these products involves three key stages: pre-processing (cleaning and straightening poles), assembly, and finishing (sanding, polishing, and applying protective coatings). These bamboo products are sold within the province and through market intermediaries, extending as far as Region I, Region III, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and the United States. Intermediaries are important for enhancing market reach, and online marketing strategies are effective tools for connecting processors with potential buyers.

Assessment of the physical properties and conditions of stacked harvested industrial tree plantation logs in selected sites in the Caraga Region, Philippines

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Caraga region boasts the nation's highest log production, primarily from Falcataria falcata (L.) or falcata, a key industrial tree plantation species (ITPS), and Gmelina arborea Roxb. (gmelina) and Acacia mangium Willd. (mangium). This study aimed to address the research gap regarding the condition of harvested logs in Caraga by determining the physical properties of the stacked harvested logs and documenting the landing site conditions. Sound and infested logs were taken as samples at each landing site. Information like species, stacking duration, extent of deterioration, biodeterioration agents, and log dimensions were determined. Gross features, as observed in the end-grain of the samples, were characterized, and the physical properties of the sample logs were determined. Identification of biodeterioration agents (termites and fungi) in the samples was also conducted. A notable disparity in physical properties was observed between the two sets of logs. Infested logs showed higher moisture content, lower density, and specific gravity than sound logs. The species of fungi and termites present in the logs are Auricularia cornea, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Macrotermes gilvus, respectively. The findings underscore the significance of proper log storage at landing sites. This study supports the development of effective infestation mitigation strategies and improved practices in handling and stacking harvested logs.

Experiences of migrant Aeta communities with the National Greening Program implementation: The case of Sitio Ditao, Cadaclan, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The National Greening Program (NGP), a national reforestation initiative towards economic security and poverty reduction, has been involved in upland communities since 2011. In 2021, the program shifted to the Family Approach to Reforestation, where benefits are distributed directly to individual families instead of through People’s Organizations (POs). With the change in implementation, this study analyzed the practice of equitable benefit-sharing after the shift to the NGP Family Approach through the case of the migrant Aeta community of Sitio Ditao, Barangay Cadaclan, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Using ethnographic methods such as in-depth interviews and participant observation to conduct immersion in and full enumeration of the community, this study established the ethnohistory of the Sitio Ditao Aeta community, understood the context of their involvement in the NGP, and determined the changes in their experiences with the NGP due to the changes in its implementation. The experiences of the Sitio Ditao Aeta community demonstrated that social equity was more evident under the family approach than in the former scheme since it allowed individuals to have more agency in decision-making, gave them more control over the benefits and opportunities, and maintained the work specificity of the gender ideology of the community. Despite these positive changes, the family approach also had negative repercussions in terms of income and leadership. As NGP sites became smaller, fewer people were involved when the payment for site development decreased. Mobilizing the organization's members became more difficult because the benefits went directly to the beneficiaries. Hence, the migrant community preferred the former strategy despite the social equity provision of the family approach. This preference has implications that should be considered for the future directions of the NGP and other forest conservation projects.