Baseline Assessment: Vulnerability Assessment of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and its Influence Watersheds

Kitanglad Range Natural Park and its Influence Watersheds are located in the Philippines, specifically in the province of Bukidnon. The park is situated in a region prone to natural hazards, including floods, droughts, and landslides. The climate profile of the area indicates a tropical climate with high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. The baseline climate of the region is characterized by high temperatures, with an average temperature of 24°C. The region experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of 2,500 mm. The climate scenario for Bukidnon Province in 2020 and 2050 indicates a projected increase in temperature and rainfall, with a potential increase in extreme weather events such as floods and landslides. A vulnerability assessment was conducted to identify the potential risks and impacts of natural hazards on the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and its Influence Watersheds. The assessment framework and methodology used a combination of data collection, hazards assessment, and land capability classification. The data collection involved gathering information on the physical and biological characteristics of the park, as well as the socioeconomic conditions of the surrounding communities. The hazards assessment identified flood, drought, and landslide as the primary natural hazards affecting the park. The flood hazard assessment indicated that the park is at risk of flooding due to its location in a low-lying area and the presence of nearby rivers. The drought hazard assessment showed that the park is vulnerable to drought due to its high rainfall variability and the presence of dry season. The landslide hazard assessment indicated that the park is at risk of landslides due to its steep terrain and the presence of unstable soil. The land capability classification system was used to assess the potential impacts of natural hazards on the park's land resources. The system classified the land into different categories based on its suitability for different land uses, such as agriculture, forestry, and conservation. The classification indicated that the park's land resources are vulnerable to degradation due to the presence of natural hazards. The findings of the vulnerability assessment highlighted the need for conservation and management efforts to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards on the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and its Influence Watersheds. The assessment recommended the implementation of measures to reduce the risk of flooding, drought, and landslides, such as the construction of flood-control structures, the implementation of drought-resistant crops, and the stabilization of soil through reforestation and conservation efforts. The assessment also identified the need for community-based initiatives to promote sustainable land use practices and to enhance the resilience of local communities to natural hazards. The implementation of these initiatives requires the involvement of local government units, national government agencies, and other stakeholders, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the World Agroforestry Center, and the Haribon Foundation. The vulnerability assessment of the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and its Influence Watersheds provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and impacts of natural hazards on the park's land resources and the surrounding communities. The assessment highlights the need for conservation and management efforts to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards and to promote sustainable land use practices.