By: For. Rysch Nae S. Subijano
“In holistic conservation, we don’t have to center geoheritage in conservation efforts, especially in areas such as the Tinipak River. I don’t want the geoheritage to overpower the call to conserve the ancestral lands of the indigenous people.”
This powerful statement by Ms. Naomi Irapta, Project leader for the Philippines, IGCP Project 692: Geoheritage for Geohazard Resilience, sets the tone for a nuanced exploration of geoheritage conservation in the Macolod Corridor. During the 10th episode of the Resilience Live webinar, Ms. Irapta presented a compelling case for balancing geological preservation with broader social and cultural considerations.
The Macolod Corridor, stretching from Taal to Banahaw, showcases an impressive array of geodiversity. This includes various volcanic formations, each with its own character and significance, and the Rizal Karst, featuring remarkable limestone formations at Masungi Georeserve and Tinipak River. However, Ms. Irapta’s presentation emphasized that these geological wonders exist within complex social and cultural landscapes.
Geoheritage conservation in this region faces numerous challenges, both natural and anthropogenic. While weathering and erosion constantly reshape the landscape, human activities such as resource extraction and uncontrolled tourism pose more immediate threats.
Ms. Irapta’s presentation highlighted the importance of taking a holistic approach to geoheritage conservation. Sites like Tinipak River and Masungi Georeserve provide unparalleled opportunities for education and appreciation of Earth’s processes while being integral to the lives and cultures of local communities, particularly indigenous peoples. This perspective aligns with the work of institutions like the UP Resilience Institute, emphasizing the need to consider both geological and social resilience in conservation strategies.
She presented “Local Geoheritage” not just as a scientific designation but as a lived experience for local communities. Both Tinipak River and Masungi Georeserve feature unique geological formations that tell the story of the Philippines’ ancient past, yet they are contemporary landscapes crucial to indigenous peoples and local communities.
Also, Ms. Irapta pointed out the potential conflict between geoheritage conservation and indigenous rights, highlighting the need to prioritize the rights and needs of indigenous communities in conservation efforts, even when significant geological features are involved.
In conclusion, Ms. Irapta stressed that we must conserve the Macolod Corridor and Rizal Karst’’s geoheritage with a broader, more inclusive approach to environmental and cultural preservation. As we face the challenges of climate change and rapid development, our approach to geoheritage must evolve to include not just the rocks and landforms but also the people who have lived with and shaped these landscapes for generations.
The conservation of these areas requires a holistic approach that integrates scientific research, community involvement, respect for indigenous rights, and innovative management strategies. By recognizing the multifaceted value of these landscapes – geological, ecological, and cultural – we can develop conservation measures that protect both the physical features and the human communities that give them meaning. The Macolod Corridor stands as a powerful reminder that our landscapes are not just geological wonders, but living spaces that embody the complex interplay between nature and human culture.
Resilience Live Episode 10 featuring Ms. Naomi Irapta may be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzCdlG2yTus
Mark your calendars! The next Resilience Live episode, Episodes 11 and 12, is scheduled for 29 August 2024 and will be conducted via Zoom conferencing. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for all the latest updates and join us for another insightful discussion on resilience and conservation efforts in the Philippines.
Note: Resilience Live Episode 11 was rescheduled due to Typhoon Carina. It will air on August 29 along with Episode 12.