Mountaineer scores ineffective reforestation projects in Maasin Watershed
The series of tree planting activities conducted by various organizations at the Maasin Watershed did not help in bringing "discernible increase in the volume of water."
This was the observation of mountaineer Mr. Alfredo Tayo Jr. past president of the Iloilo Mountaineering Club, Inc.
In a letter sent to The News Today, Tayo lamented that the forest floor of Maasin Watershed, the source of water of Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) which serves Iloilo City and its neighboring towns, is very dry.
Tayo noted that the numerous springs and streams which used to flow even during summer months in the 70s thru the 90s had become muddy or have completely disappeared.
The re-planted areas, as observed by Tayo, is "now predominantly a plantation best suited for tree-harvesting purposes, instead of a rainforest with natural diversity which required by a watershed."
Tayo said unlike in rainforests where forest floors remain soggy or moist even in summer, Maasin Watershed's forest floor at the moment is generally bone dry, powdery, crumbly and cracked.
He also observed that "(t)here is almost no observable flowering plants, fruit-bearing trees, animals, birds and worms in the Mahogany, Gmelina and Acacia dominated areas, except for said trees' own fruits."
Tayo further observed that "(t)he undergrowth composed usually of low bushes, vines, ferns and lichens which are essential in formation of humus for water retention is virtually non-existent, instead, coffee tree were planted, which requires the clearing of the undergrowth."
Tayo warned that the progressive drying up of the creeks and streams indicates that the existing reforestation method is not effective and if not immediately addressed would result into an ecological disaster.
Tayo thus called on immediate government intervention to address the impending problem.
He suggested that planting of alien species of trees should be discontinued, instead whatever rainforest (native) trees left in the watershed area must be protected.
He also called on the stopping of any commercial and agricultural activities in the area to avoid more destructions and the contamination and pollution of the area from farm chemicals, human and domestic animal waste.
Tayo also cited the help of the natives (bukidnon or tumandok) by suggesting that they be consulted on what trees to plant in order to develop a rainforest.
"(T)hey may have no college or doctorate degrees but they have more practical knowledge about the forest than some or most Ph.D's," Tayo commented.