Bio-diversity

The project shall respond to the ecological balance of the marsh has been, and still is, threatened by increasing human interventions within and around it. First, the deforestation of surrounding mountains and hills (watersheds) has caused the erosion of topsoil. The Suitability Assessment observed heavy silt deposits in the rivers and on to the marsh. Due to heavy siltation, the rivers and the marsh have become shallow, and the volume of water they can hold gradually diminished. On the other hand, excess waters from irrigation systems usually overflow to the communities, submerging rice and corn fields and other agricultural areas. (It should be noted that the marsh is the catchments or drainage of several rivers in the so-called Cotabato River Basin.) Second, modern agricultural technologies with heavy use of inorganic and chemical-based inputs that are drained into the marsh have significantly affected the natural condition of its waters. Some towns in the periphery of the marsh have vast irrigated rice fields that use chemical inputs (inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides). All these toxic chemicals are drained into the marsh through the natural river and irrigation systems. Third, the unregulated cutting of freshwater tree species, as well as, illegal fishing has disturbed the natural integrity of the marsh environment. Finally, some areas around the marsh have become sites of armed conflicts mainly between the Moro Liberation Fronts and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The major outbreak of armed confrontation that hit the area started in the early part of 1970 until the Tripoli Agreement was signed in December 1976. The latest and one of the most devastating gunfights between the government armed forces and the Moro Fronts took place in the marshy part of Pikit, North Cotabato in February 2003. Thus, the project aims to initially provide the needed components and opportunities to protect, conserve and rehabilitate the marsh from further destruction and improve agricultural productivity and eventually contribute in improving the socio-economic condition and the quality of life of people. Objectives of the project: The proposed project aims to continue and expand the development interventions previously assisted by UNDP-Small Grant Programme, particularly in the following areas: 1. Establishment of Ligawasan Marsh development and protection cluster shall be developed and made functional through the active role of MDFI, MINSUPALA, LYASDI, and other PO s organized under the project implementation. 2. 4 new PO s organized and developed into a functional organization through the initiative of 4 PO s organized by MDFI under the UNDP/SGP support. 3. 40 hectares of freshwater forest is delineated and planted with local forest trees species. 4. 40,000 assorted seedlings of freshwater tree species are produced in community nursery. 5. Environmental Councils and Bantay sa Pawas are organized in each of the barangays covered. 6. Information and advocacy materials are produced and distributed, and symposiums and forums are conducted. in the barangays covered. 7. At least 20 members of each PO are directly participating in agricultural and fishing production using sustainable and natural technologies. 8. At least 20 women are directly involved in handicrafts production using local raw materials. 9. Preventive health and sanitation systems are in-placed in each barangay through nutrition education, processing and use of local herbs, and production of healthy foods 10. Botika sa Barangay distributing locally produced medicines is established in at least 2 barangays.

Philippines