Report out on UN-backed climate change study in Iloilo
'Conserve water, utilize rainwater,' experts say.
A team of experts tasked to conduct a study on water resources management aimed at mitigating impact of climate change in Iloilo wrapped up its investigation.
Headed by Jessica Salas of the Iloilo Watershed Management Council-Tigum Aganan Watershed Management Board, final report will be submitted today before members of the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP).
The project vis-a-vis study was backed by the United Nations Environment Program.
Salas in her report summed up three recommendations – conserve surface water from its storage in the forest, conserve ground water storage and utilize rainwater to support conservation of surface and ground water.
Five suggestions were laid down by Salas for Iloilo to conserve surface water from its storage in the forest.
First off is the need to restore damaged areas in the forest slopes and riverbanks. Restoration too of endemic species and biodiversity at the Maasin Watershed. The group also calls for soil enhancement in afforested areas and agro-forestry areas as well as use of appropriate farming methods especially in the upland.
And finally, the need to establish institutional support in the way of appropriation ordinances and sustainable upkeep of upland watershed protection.
Conservation of ground water shortage on the other hand calls for inventory and monitoring of ground water extraction activities.
"Limit sealed areas as part of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan," the report went. "Arrive at a pre-decision as to the volume of ground water to be used and extracted."
Further still, the recommendation pushed for the use of artificial ground water recharge through rainwater harvesting.
And similarly, more institutional support such as information and education campaign and again, appropriate ordinances.
Also recommended was the utilization of rainwater which the experts now said may be realized by integrating rainwater harvesting in municipal and provincial development plans.
Salas also stressed the need for upland farmers to use appropriate farming methods to control erosion by using rainwater harvesting techniques. Such included terraces, infiltration ponds and canals.