Assessment Of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) Peatland’s Resilience to Climate Change, Socio-Economic, And Environmental Stressors by Estimating Soil Surface Moisture Using Remote Sensing
Assessment Of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) Peatland’s Resilience to Climate Change, Socio-Economic, And Environmental Stressors by Estimating Soil Surface Moisture Using Remote Sensing
Date
2024-05-05
Authors
Enriquez-Balidoy, Shaira
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Abstract
This study focuses on assessing the resilience of peatlands within the Agusan
Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) to climate change, socio-economic activities, and
environmental stressors, with a specific emphasis on soil moisture dynamics. Using
remote sensing techniques, the study evaluates changes in soil surface moisture
following the sanctuary's boundary expansion in 2018. Additionally, it identifies and
analyzes the top stressors affecting peatland resilience, considering factors such as
climate change, socio-economic activities, and environmental degradation. The
results reveal an increase in moisture levels within the Marbon Peatland area and
fluctuations in moisture distribution within the Caimpugan Peatland area. The study
highlights soil moisture as the primary indicator of peatland resilience, supported by
factors such as temperature anomalies and illegal activities such as cutting of trees
and timber poaching, and land conversion. Moreover, it underscores the significant
impact of socio-economic stressors on AMWS, comprising 34% of total threats, while
climate change and environmental stressors also contribute substantially 23% and
27%, respectively. The findings suggest that addressing these stressors is essential
for enhancing the resilience of peatlands in AMWS. Overall, this study provides
valuable insights for the development of conservation and management strategies to
safeguard the peatland ecosystem within the sanctuary.
Description
Keywords: Remote Sensing; Peatland; Soil Moisture; Climate Change; Sanctuary