Climate Change Threatens Ifugao Rice Terraces’ Stability

via Rappler, 26 May 2024: Editorial by Stephen Acabado – the Ifugao Rice Terraces face threats from climate change, invasive species, and economic pressures. Traditional cooperative systems like bachang and ubbu, essential for terrace maintenance, are being undermined by dependency on external funding. Reviving these practices, alongside modern conservation techniques, is crucial for preserving the terraces and the cultural heritage of the Ifugao.

The collapse at Batad is likely due to a climate change-induced prolonged dry season, which can cause the earthen or stone walls of the terraces to develop cracks. When the rains eventually come, these cracks may lead to wall failures, as the sudden inflow of water weakens the already compromised structures. This issue is compounded by additional challenges, such as giant earthworms and the Asian swamp eel (locally called kiwit) boring into the terrace walls, further destabilizing them. More importantly, economic pressures that result in abandonment and neglect further contribute to the instability of the terrace systems.

These factors, combined with the impact of climate change, will continue to threaten these magnificent agricultural terraces.

Source: [Time Trowel] Safeguarding the Ifugao Rice Terraces for future generations