VANISHING HERITAGE: Saving the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras Part 1 of 3

Significance of the Terraces00:01:02

The rice terraces are recognized as sites of outstanding universal value, representing a harmonious, self-sustaining agricultural and environmental system that reflects the lives of the local people.

Environmental Threats00:04:38

The structural integrity of the terraces is under threat due to deforestation of old-growth trees, which damages watersheds, causes soil erosion, and results in water scarcity, further exacerbated by natural calamities like typhoons.

Demographic and Labor Challenges00:06:08

A major challenge is the migration of the younger generation toward professional careers outside the province, leaving behind an aging population to manage the highly laborious and expensive maintenance of the rice fields.

Cultural and Agricultural Shifts00:07:53

Traditional farming practices, such as using organic fertilizers, are being replaced by commercial chemicals and pesticides, disrupting the ecosystem, reducing harvest quality, and leading to a significant shift in the cultural belief systems necessary to preserve this heritage.