The Landscape Approach

THE LANDSCAPE APPROACH

by Antonio C. Antonio

July 15, 2013

QUESTION:  (1) What kind of research or management problem should the landscape approach be use?; and, (2) Can you illustrate an environmental management research problem or issue wherein the landscape approach is more appropriate?

To answer the two questions, please allow me to discuss the Caraga Region.  Region 13 (Caraga Region) is composed of the Provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur and the Cities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag with a total of 70 municipalities.  It is known to be the timber corridor and mining haven of the Philippines.  These two major industries (wood and minerals) are very critical from the environmental standpoint but are high dollar-earners at the same time.  It is for this reason that I chose this Region where the landscape approach could be used.

Why use the landscape approach for the Caraga Region?  Because it is a system approach and comprehensive in scope.  It also includes in the analysis all tangible benefits (timber, plants, animals and mineral resources) which is native to the region as well as intangible resources that the ecosystem provides. 

The Caraga Region is also known as a hotbed for insurgency and the CPP-NDF-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines – National Democratic Front – New People’s Army) are quite active in this area.  Wanting to exercise control over the area, the NPA has often conducted terror campaigns while the Military has also been conducting anti-insurgency operations the area.  This situation has brought about difficulties for government to be effective in any program… including land assessment.  I hasten to add that insurgency is a socio-economic problem which can be solved only with socio-economic solutions.  If government can present, offer and operationalize a workable and sustainable socio-economic program in the area, insurgency will be a thing of the past for Caraga.

Considering these 2 issues:.. (1) The economic importance of the industries in Caraga and (2) the insurgency problem there… there really is a need for an effective ecosystem management program in Region 13… where the landscape approach could be effective.  There is so much resources in the area and if left uncontrolled, these resources, rather than be used to foster peace and goodwill, will be the very reason for the entire region’s ruin.

Just my little thoughts…

REFERENCES:

·  The Caraga Region (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga)

·  Caraga Region, Philippines (http://www.philippine-islands.ph/en/caraga-philippines.html)

·  Caraga (http://lmp.org.ph/default/index.php?)

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