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Indigenous knowledge and practices for the sustainable management of Ifugao forests in Cordillera, Philippines

ABSTRACT In the Philippines, many indigenous peoples such as the Ifugaos in Cordillera Mountains have continued to thrive in their relatively remote yet self-sufficient communities. Notwithstanding the transformations of many indigenous knowledge systems, practices that help promote forest sustainability have remained intact. This article aims to identify and describe key indigenous practices in the woodlot and watersheds collectively known as muyong in Ifugao communities. Data were obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with selected local farmers in Kiangan and Hungduan municipalities in Ifugao province. The recognition of the mutual connections between forests and rice terraces as a traditional belief is deeply ingrained in the heart and mind of Ifugaos. This tradition promotes sustainable forest management as expressed in their respect to customary laws pertaining to land rights, adoption of upland cultivation practices following soil and water conservation principles, stand management to promote ample supply of wood and fuel wood, and biodiversity protection. However, these knowledge systems are slowly disappearing due to the changing needs and interests of the indigenous peoples as well as the proliferation of government programmes to modernize farming technologies. Hence, the government, NGOs and other concerned stakeholders need to continuously support programmes in order to protect the aesthetic and traditional value of the Ifugao landscapes. EDITED BY John Parrotta