Philippine Biodiversity

Topics:

A. Biological Diversity
B. Three Levels of Biodiversity
C. Survey on the Flora and Fauna in the Philippines
D. Endangered Species
E. Protected Areas in the Philippines
F. Causes of Biodiversity
G. Threats to Philippine Diversity
H. Some Government and Private Organization to save the Philippine Natural Resources

NAME : Clementino T. Ramano Jr.

Chad Julius Pugado
School Year: 2024-2025

l. Introduction

1.) Explanation of the topic and Clarity:

Biological diversity, or biodiversity, encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including
ecosystems, species, and genetic variations. In the Philippines, biodiversity is rich but
threatened.The Philippines is home to unique flora and fauna, yet many species are endangered
due to habitat destruction and climate change. Protected areas aim to conserve these resources,
but enforcement remains a challenge. Organizations, both governmental and non-governmental,
work to mitigate threats like illegal logging and pollution. Understanding these facets is crucial
for preserving the Philippines’ natural heritage and ensuring sustainable development.

2.) Value and Importance:

The exploration of biodiversity in the Philippines is significant due to its status as one of the
world’s 18 mega-biodiverse countries, hosting 70-80% of global species. This diversity supports
ecosystems that provide essential services, such as carbon sequestration and food resources,
crucial for human survival and climate regulation.
Understanding the three levels of biodiversity genetic, species, and ecosystem is vital for
conservation efforts. The country faces threats like habitat loss and climate change, making it
imperative to study and protect its unique flora and fauna. Government and private
organizations play a crucial role in safeguarding these natural resources, emphasizing the need
for collective action to ensure ecological balance and sustainable development. Recognizing
biodiversity’s value fosters awareness and encourages sustainable practices, benefiting both the
environment and communities reliant on these ecosystems.

3.) Methodology:
To study the topics about biodiversity in the Philippines, we can start by reading books, articles,
and online resources about biodiversity in the Philippines. This will help us understand what has
already been studied and what needs more attention. Choosing specific places like forests,
marine ecosystems, or protected areas in the Philippines where biodiversity is rich. These areas
can include places like Palawan, Tubbataha Reef, or Mount Apo. Conduct surveys to observe
plants and animals in the area. For example, we can count the number of species we see or take
note of endangered ones. Talking to local people, like farmers or fishermen, to learn about their
experiences with plants and animals in their area. Taking pictures of species and write down
observations about their habitats. Visiting the area regularly to see if there are changes in the
number of species or if their habitats are being affected by human activities. Organizing all the
information collected and look for patterns. For example, we can check which species are
endangered or what threats they face. Partner with government agencies like DENR or private
organizations like WWF-Philippines to share findings and suggest ways to protect biodiversity.
This process is important because it helps us understand biodiversity better and allows us to take
action to protect it. It also encourages teamwork between students, communities, and
organizations to save our natural resources for future generations.

4.) Objectives:

a. Biological diversity, or biodiversity, refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing

genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. It is crucial for ecosystem resilience and provides
essential resources like food and medicine. The urbanization and agriculture lead to habitat
fragmentation. Climate change, this alters habitats and species distributions. Also pollution,
it harms organisms and disrupts ecosystems. Unsustainable harvesting of species reduces
populations. Understanding these factors is vital for conservation efforts to maintain
biodiversity and ecosystem’s health.

b. Three Levels of Biodiversity:

There are three levels of Biodiversity first is the genetic diversity,this refers to the variation in
genetic characteristics within a species. It is crucial for the adaptability and survival of
species, allowing them to respond to environmental changes and resist diseases.
Second is the species diversity,
Species diversity encompasses the variety of species within a given ecosystem. It includes
both the number of different species richness and their relative abundance evenness. High
species diversity often indicates a healthy ecosystem.
And finally the third one is the ecosystem diversity, this level looks at the variety of
ecosystems in a region, including different habitats, communities, and ecological processes.
Ecosystem diversity is essential for maintaining ecological balance and resilience against
disturbances. These levels are interrelated changes in one can affect the others, highlighting
the importance of conserving biodiversity as a whole.

c. Survey on the Flora and Fauna in the Philippines:

 A survey on the flora and fauna in the Philippines aims to document the diverse plant and
animal species in this biodiversity hotspot. It assesses conservation values, informs land use
decisions, and aids in resource management. The main causes for conducting these surveys
include habitat loss from deforestation, pollution, and climate change, which threaten
numerous endemic species. And human activities like hunting and the exotic pet trade
exacerbate species endangerment, making surveys essential for conservation efforts and
sustainable management of natural resources in the region.

d. Endangered Species:
An endangered species is a plant or animal at risk of extinction, often due to significant
population decline or habitat loss. Causes include habitat destruction from human activities
like deforestation and pollution, overexploitation through hunting, and the introduction of
invasive species that disrupt ecosystems. Natural factors, such as climate change and
disease, also contribute to endangerment. Protecting these species is crucial for maintaining
biodiversity and ecosystem balance, as their extinction can have far-reaching ecological
impacts.
e. Protected Areas in the Philippines:
Protected Areas (Pas) in the Philippines are designated regions aimed at conserving the
country’s rich biodiversity. Governed by the National Integrated Protected Areas System
(NIPAS) Act of 1992 and its amendment, the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018, these areas
include strict nature reserves, natural parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and more. The primary
causes for establishing Pas include the need to protect unique ecosystems, preserve native
species, and mitigate environmental threats like climate change and habitat destruction.
These efforts ensure sustainable resource use and safeguard ecological processes for future
generations.

f. Causes of Biodiversity:

Urbanization and agriculture lead to habitat loss, reducing the space available for species to
thrive. Activities like overfishing and logging deplete species populations, threatening their
survival. Contaminants in air, water, and soil harm ecosystems and species health, contributing
to biodiversity loss. Altered weather patterns disrupt habitats and species distributions, leading
to extinction risks. Non-native species can outcompete local flora and fauna, diminishing native
biodiversity.

g. Threats to Philippine Diversity

Threats to Philippine biodiversity first is the Deforestation, the Philippines has lost over 90% of
its original rainforest due to illegal logging and agricultural expansion, leading to habitat
destruction for numerous species. With a population exceeding 90 million, the demand for land
and resources intensifies, resulting in encroachment into biodiverse areas. Rising temperatures
and extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems, exacerbating the vulnerability of endemic
species. Pollution from industrial activities and overexploitation of natural resources further
threaten wildlife and habitats. These factors collectively contribute to the Philippines being one
of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots, with around 700 species at risk of extinction.
h. Some Government and Private Organization to save the Philippine Natural Resources:

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is a key government agency
in the Philippines focused on conserving and managing natural resources, including forests,
minerals, and biodiversity.
Private organizations like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Greenpeace
Philippines also play vital roles. WWF works on wildlife conservation and sustainable
livelihoods, while Greenpeace addresses pollution and illegal logging. Causes of resource
depletion include overpopulation, poor environmental policies, and climate change impacts,
necessitating collaborative efforts between government and private sectors for sustainable
management.

ll. Discussion

ll- 1.) Biological Diversity, or biodiversity, refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing
all living organisms, their genetic differences, and the ecosystems they form. It includes
species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity, highlighting the intricate
relationships within biological systems .
B. Three Levels of Biodiversity
1.)Genetic Diversity: Variation in genes among individuals within a species.
2.)Species Diversity: The variety of different species within a particular habitat.
3.)Ecosystem Diversity: The range of different ecosystems that exist, each with unique
communities of organisms.
C. Survey on the Flora and Fauna in the Philippines
The Philippines is recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, hosting a rich array
of plant and animal species across its diverse ecosystems, including forests and marine
environments.
D. Endangered Species
Endangered species are those at risk of extinction due to factors like habitat loss, climate
change, and human activities. Conservation efforts aim to protect these species and their
habitats to prevent further biodiversity loss .

ll-2.)

Protected Areas in the Philippines

Protected areas are designated portions of land and water established to conserve unique
physical and biological diversity. The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act
categorizes these areas into various types, including strict nature reserves and wildlife
sanctuaries, aiming to protect them from exploitation.
Causes of Biodiversity
Biodiversity arises from a combination of factors such as habitat diversity, climate, and
evolutionary processes. In the Philippines, the archipelago’s varied ecosystems contribute
significantly to its rich biodiversity, making it a global hotspot for species diversity.
Threats to Philippine Diversity
Philippine biodiversity faces threats from deforestation, urbanization, pollution, and climate
change. These factors lead to habitat loss and species extinction, undermining ecological
balance and resilience.
Organizations to Save Philippine Natural Resources
Various government and private organizations work to conserve natural resources in the
Philippines. These include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
local NGOs, and international bodies that promote sustainable practices and conservation
efforts.

Ill. Summary, Abstraction and Generalizations.

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including

genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. It is essential for ecosystem resilience, providing
critical resources such as food and medicine. However, threats like urbanization, agriculture,
climate change, and pollution lead to habitat fragmentation and species endangerment.
Understanding these factors is crucial for effective conservation efforts to maintain
biodiversity and ecological health.
There are three primary levels of biodiversity: genetic diversity, which refers to variations
within species that enhance adaptability; species diversity, representing the variety of
species in an ecosystem; and ecosystem diversity, which encompasses different habitats and
ecological processes. These levels are interconnected; changes in one can impact the others,
highlighting the importance of holistic conservation strategies.
In the Philippines, biodiversity surveys aim to document flora and fauna, assess conservation
values, and inform resource management amid threats like deforestation and pollution.
Endangered species face risks from habitat loss and human activities such as hunting.
Protected Areas (Pas) are established to conserve unique ecosystems and mitigate
environmental threats, ensuring sustainable resource use for future generations.

lV. References
Chapter 2: The Gospel of Creation (Pages 17-20) discusses the interconnectedness of all
living beings and the importance of biodiversity.
Chapter 4: Integral Ecology (Pages 139-142) emphasizes the impact of human activity on
ecosystems and the need for sustainable practices.