1st Asian Cultural Heritage Conservation & Utilization – Team Tanglaw (Light to Guide One’s Path)

Summary

The Ifugao Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, face threats from climate change, impacting the local culture and economy. Once a thriving agricultural community, the terraces now struggle with unpredictable weather, soil erosion, and a younger generation disinterested in farming. The community calls for sustainable tourism, government support for irrigation, and respect for their heritage to ensure the terraces' survival for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The world is changing rapidly, with climate change significantly impacting the environment and culture.
• 🏞️ The Rice Terraces of Ifugao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are at risk due to the effects of climate change.
• 🌾 These terraces were declared the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' in the 1960s and have been a significant cultural and economic asset for the local community.
• 📈 Tourism to the Rice Terraces increased in the 1980s and 1990s, but climate change threatens their sustainability.
• 🌡️ Local farmers have observed changes in temperature and weather patterns, affecting the cultivation cycle and rice quality.
• 🌧️ Climate change has led to unpredictable weather, causing difficulties for locals who rely on the Rice Terraces for their livelihood.
• 🏡 Traditional cultural practices and rituals have declined, and some native houses have been converted into businesses.
• 👵 Older generations express concern about the future of the Rice Terraces and the cultural heritage they represent.
• 🌱 The community calls for sustainable tourism and support for local businesses to help preserve the cultural heritage.
• 💡 There is a need for government focus on sustainable practices, such as improving irrigation systems, to protect the Rice Terraces.
• 🔄 The community advocates for regular funding and awareness campaigns to ensure the preservation of the Rice Terraces for future generations.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Rice Terraces in the Philippines?

The Rice Terraces in the Philippines, particularly the Ifugao Rice Terraces, are significant as they are a testament to the ingenuity and cultural heritage of the Ifugao people. They were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 for their unique agricultural practices and for being an outstanding example of human interaction with the environment.

Why are the Rice Terraces considered to be in danger?

The Rice Terraces are considered to be in danger due to the negative impacts of climate change, which include unpredictable weather patterns, soil erosion, and reduced rice quality. These factors threaten the cultural, economic, and environmental stability of the region.

How have the local farmers responded to the effects of climate change?

Local farmers have noticed changes in temperature and an increase in storms, which affect their agricultural practices. Despite not fully understanding the science behind climate change, they have adapted by altering their farming schedules and seeking temporary work in urban areas when crop damages occur.

What cultural changes have occurred in the Ifugao community due to external influences?

The Ifugao community has experienced cultural shifts with the adoption of Christianity and other religions, leading to the discontinuation of traditional rituals. Additionally, some native houses have been converted into convenience stores to supplement income, reflecting changes in the community's way of life.

What was the 'second cropping' mentioned in the script, and why was it discontinued?

The 'second cropping' refers to a practice where farmers would plant a second rice crop in a year. It was discontinued about 30 years ago, likely due to environmental and economic challenges, including the effects of climate change on the agricultural cycle.

How does the script suggest that sustainable tourism can help preserve the Rice Terraces?

The script suggests that sustainable tourism can help preserve the Rice Terraces by promoting respect for the local culture and heritage, supporting local businesses, and advocating for policies that ensure regular funding and protection of the site.

What role does the government play in addressing the challenges faced by the Rice Terraces?

The government is expected to play a crucial role by focusing on improving the irrigation system, which is vital for sustaining the rice fields, and by supporting policies that ensure the preservation of the cultural heritage and the economic well-being of the local community.

Why is it important for the youth to be interested in farming and preserving the Rice Terraces?

It is important for the youth to be interested in farming and preserving the Rice Terraces to ensure the continuation of the cultural heritage and agricultural practices. This interest is essential for maintaining the economic prosperity of the region and for passing on traditional knowledge to future generations.

What is the significance of the Rice Terraces in the context of the Ifugao people's way of living?

The Rice Terraces are deeply significant to the Ifugao people's way of living as they are not only a source of food and income but also a symbol of their cultural identity and a testament to their ancestors' wisdom in sustainable agriculture.

How can tourists contribute to the preservation of the Rice Terraces?

Tourists can contribute to the preservation of the Rice Terraces by practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. This includes respecting local customs, supporting local businesses, and being mindful of the environmental impact of their visit.

Outlines

00:00

🌾 The Changing World and the Philippine Rice Terraces

The paragraph discusses the rapid changes in the world and the effects of climate change on the environment. It highlights the Philippine Rice Terraces, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and their cultural and economic significance. The terraces have been facing threats due to climate change, which has led to concerns about their removal from the World Heritage list. The locals, despite not fully understanding climate change, have noticed its impacts on their agricultural practices and livelihoods. The paragraph also touches on the cultural shifts and the decline of traditional practices due to the influence of Christianity and other religions, and the transformation of the community over time.

05:02

🌍 Climate Change Impacts and Sustainable Tourism

This paragraph delves into the consequences of climate change on the Rice Terraces, including soil erosion and the migration of farmers to urban areas for temporary work due to crop damages. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism and the need for government focus on irrigation systems to sustain the rice fields. The paragraph calls for respect for the local culture and heritage, support for local businesses, and advocacy for regular funding to preserve the terraces. It concludes with a message of hope, urging action for the preservation of the Rice Terraces for current and future generations, and the pursuit of wisdom and excellence in life.

Keywords

💡Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. In the video, it is depicted as a significant threat to the environment, culture, and economy of the Ifugao Rice Terraces. The locals have noticed changes in temperature and an increase in storms, which directly impacts their agricultural practices and way of life. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to climate change to preserve the heritage and livelihood of the community.

💡World Heritage Site

A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the UNESCO. The Ifugao Rice Terraces are highlighted as a World Heritage Site, recognized for their cultural, historical, and environmental significance. The video underscores the importance of maintaining and preserving such sites to honor cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism.

💡Endangered List

The Endangered List refers to a catalog of sites or species at risk of disappearing, often due to environmental or human-induced factors. The script mentions that the Rice Terraces, despite being a World Heritage Site, are also on the endangered list, indicating the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent their potential loss.

💡Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage encompasses the practices, traditions, and tangible artifacts that are inherited from past generations and maintained in the present. The video discusses how the Ifugao Rice Terraces are not only an agricultural marvel but also a significant part of the cultural heritage of the Ifugao people. It emphasizes the need to conserve and appreciate this heritage for future generations.

💡Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that aims to minimize negative environmental impacts while fostering cultural respect and economic benefits for the local community. The video calls for a model of sustainable tourism that respects the culture and heritage of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, supporting local businesses and communities, and ensuring the preservation of the site for future visitors.

💡Economic Prosperity

Economic prosperity refers to the state of having a strong and thriving economy. The video discusses how climate change and environmental degradation threaten the economic prosperity of the Ifugao people, who rely on the Rice Terraces for their livelihood. It suggests that sustainable practices and tourism can help maintain economic stability.

💡Socio-Cultural Impact

Socio-cultural impact refers to the effects of changes or events on the social and cultural fabric of a community. The video highlights how climate change and modernization are altering the traditional way of life and cultural practices of the Ifugao people, potentially leading to the loss of their unique cultural identity.

💡Agricultural Activities

Agricultural activities are the practices and processes involved in farming and the cultivation of crops. The video mentions that climate change affects the cycle of agricultural activities in the Rice Terraces, leading to soil erosion and crop damage, which in turn affects the ability of farmers to support their families.

💡Irrigation System

An irrigation system is a network of channels and structures that deliver water to crops. The video suggests that the government should focus on improving the irrigation system to sustain the rice fields of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, highlighting the importance of water management in maintaining agricultural productivity.

💡Preservation

Preservation refers to the act of keeping something in its original or existing state, often to protect it from harm or change. The video emphasizes the importance of preserving the Ifugao Rice Terraces, not only as a cultural and historical site but also as a means to maintain the traditional way of life and economic stability of the local community.

💡Generational Impact

Generational impact refers to the effects of actions or conditions on different generations. The video discusses the importance of preserving the Ifugao Rice Terraces for both the current and future generations, ensuring that they can continue to benefit from the cultural heritage and economic opportunities it provides.

Highlights

The world is changing rapidly, with the environment being significantly affected by climate change.

The Rice Terraces of the Philippines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also on the endangered list.

Declared a world heritage site in 1995, the Rice Terraces face challenges due to climate change.

Locals have noticed temperature changes and the weakening of fertile land, affecting rice quality.

The increase in storms and unpredictable weather patterns are causing difficulties for the local farmers.

The Rice Terraces are not only a source of income but also a significant part of the local culture and heritage.

Traditional practices and rituals have been affected by the spread of Christianity and other religions.

The community is changing, with some native houses being converted into convenience stores for additional income.

Filipino ancestors preserved the cultural heritage of the Rice Terraces, which now attract tourists.

Climate change has led to the discontinuation of the second cropping season, affecting agricultural cycles.

Soil erosion and crop damages due to El Niño and La Niña have forced farmers to seek temporary jobs in urban areas.

The youth are becoming uninterested in farming, posing a challenge to the passing on of cultural practices.

Efforts are needed to address the complex situation of the Rice Terraces, considering environmental, socio-cultural, and economic aspects.

Sustainable tourism is suggested as a way to preserve the Rice Terraces and support the local community.

Government focus on irrigation systems is crucial for sustaining the rice fields and the local economy.

A call for regular funding and support for the preservation of the Rice Terraces is made through a signature campaign.

The preservation of the Rice Terraces is a collective responsibility for current and future generations.

Every action, no matter how small, can contribute to the preservation and sustainability of the Rice Terraces.

Transcripts

[Music]

do you feel something strange

is it the world

spinning faster than ever

or is it the environment

with the effects of climate change

one thing's for sure

everything changed

the people

the planet

the culture

as our surroundings are evolving

how can we conserve and utilize our

heritage

[Music]

if a ghost services are listed as a

world heritage site

but this have also been on the

endangered list of the United Nations

educational scientific and cultural

organization otherwise known as UNESCO

the five classroom Terraces collectively

declared a world heritage site by the

UNESCO in 1995 comprised of Bata de

banga and in banawe khadan in town

Central Mayo in mayayo town and the Hall

of fonduan town

The Rice Terraces in the 1960s declared

as the eighth wonder of the world is

well maintained and appreciated by the

local sensors that consider it very

beautiful the 1970s started the arrival

of tourist in patat while it boomed in

the 1980s

in the 2000s but that was recognized as

a world heritage site

they forgot Rice Terraces in the

Philippines have grand and beautiful

characteristics indeed climate change

negatively impacts the culture economy

and the environment it is claimed that

the Rice Terraces are in danger and may

be removed from the list of world

heritage sites the importance is felt in

their culture as it helped them on their

way of living and how they also

genuinely appreciate and understand its

significance

our farmers were well aware when climate

change happens though they are not

deeply knowledgeable about it despite

this they were able to notice that the

temperature changed they acknowledged

that there is something wrong but if

they were asked about it they do not

fully understand the definition and the

science behind how climate change works

climate change affected the

forecast the dry and rainy season the

locals have served how the fertile mad

weakens as it seriously reduces the

quality of the rice they wonder why are

there so many storms as their families

find it difficult to cope with

uncertainty of the weather and

temperature changes especially because

the Rice Terraces are their main source

of income

foreign

the second cropping was quite prevalent

but it was discontinued more or less

than 30 years ago

when it comes to their culture rituals

were not practiced anymore due to the

rights of Christianity and other

religions today leaving Pagan Faith

behind some of the Native houses were

turned into convenience stores as an

alternative further source of income

and the community within have been

changing as time goes by

but its Essence and significance benefit

quarries aspects that still remain up to

this day

Filipino ancestors were the ones who

preserved this cultural heritage before

the Philippines experienced the dawn of

civilization

given that they cultivate rice primarily

for local use the fugao people

significantly preserved The Rice

Terraces

it is a key reason why it has attracted

tourist attention as it amazes them and

believe that this is a Wonder

without these registers we don't know

where we are if the Rice Terraces

weren't built we don't know what our

lives would be where are we now

climate change goes beyond environmental

issues

it also Alters the socio-cultural way of

life and threatens the economic

prosperity of the ifo Gauss

a remark from one of the locals stated

that if you can figure out when the

plant rise you will risk losing a source

of food for your family

Farmers decide to sawarize earlier than

planned as climate change affects the

cycle of agricultural activities

as a result soil erosion occurs when El

Nino and La Nina takes place Farmers go

to urban areas and look for temporary

jobs as crop damages affects the ability

to support their families making the

youth uninterested to farming and

passing of culture a challenge

given the circumstances we cannot do

anything especially if we senior

citizens will die grinding so much at

work it's just hopeless our Rice

Terraces will fall down

we cannot stop climate change

what we can do is to adopt from it

however the situation of Rice Terraces

is more complex

we cannot just adopt because actions

should be able to address all three

aspects at once equally

perfect model for sustainable tourism I

hope that the government shifts their

focus to the irrigation system since it

is very significant to sustain the rice

fields

we left here as a tourist that we are in

ourselves to a village that it's not

ours for the tourists to visit our dear

button please respect our culture and

Heritage

we need to be mindful of

sustainable tourism and then supporting

local local

businesses but local people local

communities we have to support the

advocacy of our congressmen where there

should be a regular funding through a

signature campaign for this bill

everybody should help The Preserves it

is for this generation and for the Next

Generation to see

Impala

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all of this little Remain the beacons of

Hope

together we can make a difference

whether it may be small every action can

have a big change I'm not sure the

future of the youth by preserving The

Rice Terraces take action retain tourism

on how we pursue wisdom excellence and

the life

[Music]

foreign

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