Woodlot
Type: Approaches
Creation: 2017-03-14 14:36 Updated: 2017-03-14 16:38
Compilers: Unknown User
Reviewers: Deborah Niggli
Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
- Country: Philippines
- Region/ State/ Province: Mountain Province and Ifugao
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Approach
Short description of the Approach
Woodlot is a forest management approach which aims the to provide food, wood for fule, construction and material for woodcarving and to provide a steady source of water for the lower-hilly riceland area.
Detailed description of the Approach
Woodlot or 'muyong' as it is called in the local language is basically a timber management system. The harvesting of non-timber products like fruits and other benefits like the maintenance of a stable water supply are secondary objectives. Fuelwood and construction timber are the major products of woodlot. The usual size of woodlot is not more than one hectare and is individually owned. The approach is believed to have started at least a century ago. It began when it became apparent that sources of fuelwood near homes were becoming difficult to find. The approach also came about when people realized the need for accountability in the use and management of natural resources. The ancestors of the present-day owner of the woodlots were influenced by the relationship of a reliable and steady water supply and the existence of forest. Woodlots normally evolved from swidden fields. The owners encouraged the growth of prefered species either by direct seeding or by transplanting seedlings uprooted fron nearby forest.
Present practices involve the growing of introduced-fast growing species such as mahogany (Switeria macrophylla) and gmelina (Gmelina arborea). Rattan a valuable material for the furniture industry is also raised in the woodlot. Medicinal herbs are also gathered. Mushrooms and nuts are also grown. Woodlot is an approach unique to the indigenous tribes of the Cordillera. Boundaries, tenures and disputes are settled based on local traditions and beliefs. Common disputes arise from illegal gathering of fruit products. Transfer of ownership is upon the discretion of parents and only to married children. Inheritance of a woodlot denotes the handling down of authority and responsibility over the family. Woodlot or 'muyong'has been hailed as one of the nine successful 'Traditional Forest Related Knowledge' (TFRK). In terms of sophistication and social organization, woodlot is no equal among the approaches being practiced by the different ethnic groups in the country.
Photos of the Approach
