Analysis of the contemporary drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Southern Sierra Madre Region, Philippines

The Philippines is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Unfortunately, threats to limited natural resources have been pervasive due to decreasing forest cover. In solving deforestation and forest degradation (DFD), it is important to know the practices and policies that contribute to the status of the forest. Unfortunately, these drivers and policies vary temporally and spatially. With the changes in the world and the Philippines in the past years, updating the causes of DFD is imperative. This study seeks to provide an up-to-date analysis of the key drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Rodriguez, Rizal, and General Nakar, Quezon, in the Southern Sierra Madre region of the Philippines. The determination of the local stakeholder perception of the drivers of DFD was done through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and a review of the literature. The study identified several key drivers of DFD, including upland farming, infrastructure expansion, timber poaching, quarrying, and charcoal-making. Despite the efforts of the two municipalities to address the previously identified drivers of deforestation, such as agricultural expansion, wood extraction, and infrastructure extension, the FGDs exposed the persistence of the drivers of deforestation. The study found that some policies and programs have not effectively addressed the root causes of deforestation. There have been challenges in implementing forest policies and programs due to resource constraints and governance problems. It was also noted that several environmental and societal disruptions possibly affected the area’s forest protection and monitoring activities, hence the increase in illegal activities. This study recommends that forest policies and initiatives must also keep up with the changes in DFD, capitalizing on the knowledge and experiences of the local stakeholders.