Indigenous Climate Change Adaptation Practices in Kalinga Province, Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines, like many other developing countries, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and has already experienced noticeable adverse effects in recent years. The potentials of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing the unequivocal climate change scenarios cannot be underestimated as these allowed indigenous peoples to cope with and adapt to these changes to survive. A preliminary and limited documentation of indigenous practices of these peoples was undertaken in the Municipalities of Balbalan, Pasil, and Lubuagan in Kalinga Province. These were then compared with the priority programs and strategies under the nationally formulated Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) for 2011-2028. Results showed that indeed indigenous peoples of Kalinga, even before the advent of hot topics about mitigation and adaptation measures, have prepared themselves and effectively addressed possible impacts of climate change. Their indigenous practices consider vulnerability of the mountain ecosystem they are in. They are in the best position to pose objections against unfavourable development that may endanger sustainability of resources influenced by modern way of life. Their practices are proven effective in adapting and mitigating the impacts of climate change.