Our Fragile Earth |Season 2, Ep. 6 - Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park & Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park

Summary

The Balinsayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental is a stunning ecological haven, home to rare species of flora and fauna. The park’s twin crater lakes serve as a vital watershed, benefiting local communities with water and agricultural resources. Efforts to protect the area have been bolstered by local government and community involvement, especially through ecotourism initiatives like birdwatching and kayaking. The park is a model of conservation, where local communities, including former poachers, have become stewards of the land. The surrounding Mount Canlaon Natural Park offers biodiversity and natural beauty, though it faces challenges such as illegal activities and environmental degradation. Both parks highlight the importance of sustainable development and community-led conservation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Balin Sayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park is a crucial ecological area in Negros Oriental, offering a blend of natural beauty and biodiversity conservation.
• 🌳 The park contains important features like two crater lakes—Lake Balinsayaw and Lake Danao—that are vital for the watershed of several rivers in the province.
• 💧 The park serves as a critical water source for surrounding communities, supplying drinking water and sustaining agriculture.
• 🦜 The park is home to various threatened species of birds, mammals, and amphibians, including the Negros Bleeding Heart Pigeon and the Visayan Warty Pig.
• 🏞️ The park is a recognized important bird area (IBA) and a significant location for ecotourism activities like birdwatching and kayaking.
• 🌿 Efforts to protect the park have led to the involvement of local communities, some of whom transitioned from illegal activities to becoming environmental stewards and ecotourism guides.
• 🌍 The Balin Sayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park was declared a protected area in 2000, and conservation efforts were strengthened with the passing of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act in 2018.
• 👩‍🌾 Local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), are essential partners in the park's conservation and sustainable development efforts.
• 🌱 Challenges to the park's management include illegal settlements, deforestation, and landslides, which require ongoing monitoring and enforcement of environmental laws.
• 💪 The park's protection relies on continued community involvement, with local initiatives like the Kanlaon Green Brigade working to reduce illegal activities and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park?

The Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park is a protected area in Negros Oriental, known for its stunning twin crater lakes, Lake Balinsasayaw and Lake Danao. It serves as a critical watershed, supplying water to several municipalities and supporting biodiversity conservation, including the protection of threatened species.

What are the two main lakes in the Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park?

The two main lakes in the Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park are Lake Balinsasayaw, which covers 76 hectares and reaches a depth of 97 meters, and Lake Danao, which covers 30.5 hectares and has a depth of 55 to 58 meters.

How does the Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park contribute to local water supply?

The park plays a crucial role as a watershed, with its lakes serving as the source of drinking water for the municipalities of San Jose, Valencia, Cebulan, and Dumaguete. It also supports agricultural activities in the lowland communities by providing fresh water.

What are some of the threatened species found in the Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park?

The park is home to several threatened species, including the large flying fox, Negros stripe babbler, Visayan hornbill, Negros bleeding heart pigeon, and various species of frogs. It also supports over 100 species of birds and mammals.

What are some of the challenges faced in managing the Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park?

Challenges include illegal occupation and cultivation within the park, particularly for activities like abaca farming. There is also a need to maintain trained personnel for effective park management, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation efforts is a challenge.

How has the local community been involved in the park's conservation efforts?

Local communities, including former illegal loggers, have been transformed into partners in conservation. They now participate in eco-tourism activities and conservation programs, such as guiding and wildlife monitoring, and have received training on sustainable practices.

What role do local government units (LGUs) play in the conservation of the park?

Local government units play a critical role by supporting conservation programs, including allocating funds for park management and enforcement activities. They also assist in monitoring and promoting sustainable livelihood programs for the communities living around the park.

What is the significance of Mount Canlaon Natural Park?

Mount Canlaon Natural Park is an active volcano and a vital ecological area in the heart of Negros Island. It serves as a key watershed, supporting agricultural and domestic water needs, while also hosting diverse biodiversity, including endemic and threatened species of flora and fauna.

What are the major threats to Mount Canlaon Natural Park?

The major threats to Mount Canlaon include illegal settlements within the park, deforestation due to land conversion for agriculture, and the potential hazards of volcanic eruptions. Managing human population growth and controlling illegal activities are crucial for the park's preservation.

How does the community participate in the conservation of Mount Canlaon?

The community actively participates in conservation through programs like the Canlaon Green Brigade, which monitors illegal activities such as logging and poaching. The involvement of local communities, including indigenous groups, is vital in managing natural resources and protecting the park's biodiversity.