Ecosystem services refer to the benefits that are derived from the natural environment. Wetlands such as Agusan marsh are a productive ecosystem that provides various goods and services to the ecological, economic, and social wellbeing of the society. Face-to-face household and key informant interview were done to assess the ecosystem services offered by Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. Contingent valuation method (CVM) was used to determine the minimum willingness to accept (WTA) compensation per month of land managers should they agree to conserve part of the AMWS. Provisioning services such as food and water resources were seen as the benefits provided by the marsh to the community living within the marsh, but regulating services were more important for people living in the downstream. Flood control services are the regulatory service that has an impact towards the lower stretches of Agusan river, and too much financial effort has been given to flood control projects in low lying areas. The minimum WTA of farmers and fishers for any land conservation agreement were Php2,144.32 and Php3,442.0, respectively. This amount can be the basis of the decision makers and stakeholders if sustainable financing scheme on ecosystem services management program will be implemented in AMWS.
Officially called the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS), the goal of its proclamation as a protected area was geared towards sustainable development by protecting and utilizing local biological treasures in ways that do not diminish the variability of genes and species or destroy important habitat and ecosystem
Climate change impacts | Effect of Nbs on CCI | Effect measures |
---|---|---|
Freshwater flooding | Positive | **No specific quantified outcome measures reported. Perceived benefits (ecosystem services) provided by the intervention based on different stakeholder groups, gathered from interviews and surveys Positive for both Water availability: water provisioning (“During the dry season, the waters will be slowly released. ”) Freshwater flooding: flood control |
Reduced water availability | Positive | **No specific quantified outcome measures reported. Perceived benefits (ecosystem services) provided by the intervention based on different stakeholder groups, gathered from interviews and surveys Positive for both Water availability: water provisioning (“During the dry season, the waters will be slowly released. ”) Freshwater flooding: flood control |
"The study was conducted in the municipality of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Caraga Region, the Philippines which is considered as the heart of Agusan valley and is situated along Agusan River within the geopolitical boundary of Agusan marsh. Five villages in the municipality of Talacogon namely: San Nicolas, Marbon, La Flora, Desamparados and Sabang Gibong (Fig. 1) Additionally, downstream communities including five municipalities and two cities were included to gather information on their perception of the ecosystem services offered by AMWS thru its key informants. The municipality of Las Nieves, Esperanza, Magallanes, Butuan City, and Bayugan City are part of the Agusan River Basin (ARB) and are the communities located further down of Agusan marsh."