Conservation plan aims to save Ifugao rice terraces from biodiversity collapse

BAGUIO CITY — The Ifugao Rice Terraces, recognized as a World Heritage Site since 1995, are experiencing significant biodiversity decline as the region struggles with generational shifts away from traditional agriculture. The centuries-old terrace system, carved into northern Luzon's mountains over millennia, represents both a cultural landmark and a vital ecosystem that supports diverse plant and animal species adapted to the unique highland environment.

Younger Ifugao community members increasingly view traditional rice farming as economically unviable, prompting migration to urban centers and other income-generating activities. This exodus has left many terraces abandoned or poorly maintained, disrupting the carefully balanced ecosystem that sustained the region's biodiversity alongside human cultivation.

Proponents of a new biodiversity conservation framework argue that sustainable development strategies must be integrated into the economic planning of Ifugao ancestral domains. The proposal aims to demonstrate that ecological preservation and economic viability need not be competing priorities, potentially creating incentive structures that encourage participation in heritage farming practices.

Experts contend that revitalizing the terraces requires addressing the fundamental economic challenges facing farming communities while simultaneously safeguarding the ecological and cultural significance of the UNESCO site. The approach signals a shift toward conservation models that center local community interests and traditional knowledge systems.