A Case Study on the Biodiversity Conservation and Ecologcal Restoration in

Ecosystem
at Ilijan, Batangas City

A Research Paper Presented to

the Faculty of STI Academic Center-Batangas
Senior High School Department

In Partial Fulfillment
ff the Requirements for the Strand of
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

by:

De La Rea, Kassandra Reese C.

Dimayuga, Jasmine Jean B.

Frane, Kelvin Christian V.

Macalalad, Rhona Mae C.

Macalincag Ayesha Nicole E.

Sarabia, Jayjienne D.

Vergara, Say Ann F.

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 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter contains the study's introduction, statement of the problem,

significance, and scope, limitation and delimitation.

Introduction

Around the immediate aftermath biodiversity is disappearing up to 1,000 times

faster than it would naturally. According to some scientists, this crisis is now being

compared to the last major extinction crisis 65 million years ago as "earth's 6th mass

extinction." Researchers face a serious threat to our health and well-being from

these extinctions, which are irreversible. The foundation of preserving biodiversity is

the designation and management of protected areas. However, biodiversity

continues to decrease despite an increase in the total number of protected areas in

the world.

Keeping track of all the species present in a given area is a common method

of gauging biodiversity. The most biodiversity is found in tropical areas, which are

also warm all year round. Less biodiversity can be found in temperate areas because

they experience cold winters and warm summers. Even less is present in places that

are cold or dry, such as deserts and mountaintops.

In general, biodiversity increases with distance from the equator.

Biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration are critical measures to

mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and the destructive impact of human

activities on ecosystems.

The Philippines' Ilijan ecosystem is a region of enormous significance for the

preservation of biodiversity and ecological restoration. The region, which is situated

in the western foothills of Batangas, is home to a wide variety of plants and animals

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that are particular to this area. But over time, the region has come under a lot of

threat from human activities like deforestation, pollution, and industrialization, which

have a negative impact on biodiversity preservation and ecosystem restoration.

The protection of natural resources and wildlife has gained momentum with

the adoption of various policies and regulations favorable to ecological preservation.

However, the implementation of these policies may still face challenges in some

local areas

Considering these difficulties, the goal of this case study is to assess the state

of the ecosystem in Ilijan, Batangas City, as well as to find and evaluate the

variables that have affected its biodiversity. This research will look into the various

aspects of biodiversity, such as reproduction, habitat loss, pollution, and

deforestation, that have led to a decline in biodiversity in the region.

Ilijan, Batangas City is a unique case study location as it is home to some of

the most significant and diverse ecosystems in the province, including the protected

forest reserves, freshwater lakes, and coastal areas. These ecosystems support a

wide range of biodiversity, including endemic species of plants and animals.

However, Ilijan has been facing increasing threats to its ecological integrity, such as

deforestation, overfishing, and illegal logging.

Despite the growing interest in biodiversity conservation and ecological

restoration in various parts of the world, the literature on the subject is still limited in

the context of Ilijan, Batangas City. There is a lack of research that specifically

addresses the challenges and opportunities for biodiversity conservation and

ecological restoration in the ecosystem of Ilijan, Batangas City. This research gap

calls for further investigation into the factors that contribute to the success or failure

of biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration initiatives in the area.

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 In response, governments, NGOs, and communities have established

biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration programs. In 2009, the Ilijan

Community Environmental and Health Organization (ICEHO) in Batangas City

started a biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration initiative. This paper

presents a case study that examines the biodiversity conservation and ecological

restoration initiative in Ilijan, Batangas City.

The study will also investigate potential action courses that could be taken to

enhance the ecosystem in Ilijan, Batangas City, and to guarantee biodiversity

preservation and ecological restoration. This study will take into account the various

actions that can be taken, including the creation of protected areas, the adoption of

sustainable development strategies, and the promotion of ecotourism programs that

aid in the preservation of the local biodiversity.

By examining the anticipated outcomes of these actions, it is anticipated that

biodiversity preservation and ecological restoration will benefit Ilijan, Batangas City's

ecosystem and guarantee the region's long-term sustainability. To ensure the

preservation of the region's distinctive flora and fauna, the study will also examine

how biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration will help the nearby

communities in terms of socioeconomic development.

This case study is crucial because it will offer a thorough analysis of the

elements influencing the preservation of biodiversity and ecological restoration in

Ilijan, Batangas City. Additionally, it will prove how ecological restoration and

biodiversity preservation can support sustainable growth and advance the welfare of

regional communities. As a result, the study will offer crucial insights into the most

effective methods for protecting biodiversity and restoring the environment for

comparable ecosystems around the world.

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 Overall, this case study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the

biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration practices in Ilijan, Batangas City.

The research will contribute insights and recommendations for improving the

effectiveness of conservation and restoration programs in the Philippines.

Statement of the Problem

The following questions will be addressed by this study:

1. What is the status of the ecosystem in Ilijan, Batangas City?

2. What are the factors that affect the biodiversity of Ilijan, Batangas City?

a. Reproduction;

b. Habitat;

c. Pollution; and

d. Deforestation

3. What are the possible actions for the improvement of the ecosystem in Ilijan,

Batangas City?

4. What are the expected results from the actions taken?

5. How will the biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration help the

ecosystem of Ilijan, Batangas City?

Scope, Limitations and Delimitations

The study's scope would involve examining the ecosystem's biodiversity in

Ilijan Batangas City, including the unusual species of plants and animals present

in the area. It would also involve analyzing the current state of the ecosystem,

including any threats to its biodiversity and the effectiveness of any existing

conservation efforts.

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 This case study has two distinct flaws. Firstly, the study is only conducted in

Batangas City community of Ilijan. This implies that the research’s findings and

conclusions can only supply insight into the subject at hand and not its related

fields. At the absolute least, the study only considers the ecosystem conservation

efforts without considering the socioeconomic impact of the conservation efforts

on local communities.

The delimitations of the study would include focusing specifically on the

ecosystem in Ilijan Batangas City and not examining other nearby ecosystems or

regions. Also, the study would not include specifics of the species of plants and

animals present in the area.

Significance of the Study

The fundamental intent of this case study is to investigate the Biodiversity

Conservation and Ecological Restoration in Ecosystem at Ilijan, Batangas City.

The results of the study will be of great benefit to the following:

To the community. The study highlights the importance of community

involvement in biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration efforts. It can

inspire community members to take an active role in conservation projects and take

part in decision-making processes that affect their local environment. Also, the study

can also promote ecotourism in the area by highlighting the rich biodiversity and

ecological significance of the Ilijan ecosystem. This can supply economic benefits to

the community through job creation and increased revenue from tourism.

To the students. The study can increase students' awareness of the

importance of biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration. Students can

learn about the threats to biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts to protect

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ecosystems and the services they provide. This can help ensure that students

receive comprehensive training in these fields.

To the academy. The study can also inform curriculum development in higher

education institutions by supplying insights into the strategies and techniques used in

biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration efforts.

To future researchers. The study's findings can serve as a reference for

future research on biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration efforts in

other ecosystems. Researchers can replicate the study in other locations to compare

the effectiveness of different conservation strategies and restoration techniques.

Definition of Terms

General familiarity with the following term will help the reader to understand easily

and follow the reference throughout the study.

Biodiversity. Biological Diversity in an environment as indicate dby numbers of

unusual species of plants and animals. In this study this refers to the

interconnectedness and interdependence of biological systems, including genetic

diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Ecological Restoration. The process of restoring and ecosystem to its original state

by removing or migrating the impact of human activities. In this study refers to the

destruction or alteration of natural habitats that can result in a decline in biodiversity

and the loss if ecosystem services.

Habitat loss. It is widely listed as the predominant cause of extinction. In this study

refers to the destruction or restoration of natural habitats that can result in a decline

in biodiversity and the loss of ecosystem services.

Pollution. The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or a

thing that has harmful or poisonous effects. In this study refers to the release of

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harmful substances into the environment that can cause harm to living organisms,

degrade ecosystems, and threaten human health.

Deforestation. The actions of clearing a wide area of trees. In this study refers to

the removal of trees from forests which can result in soil erosion, loss of biodiversity,

and changes in vegetation patterns.

Sustainable Development. Economic development that is conducted without

depletion of natural resources. In this study refers to the creation of economic, social,

and environmental policies that promote long term well-being and minimize negative

impacts on both people and the environment.

Socioeconomic development. Relating to or concerned with the interaction of

social and economic factors. In this study refers to the process of improving the

economic and social conditions of a community or region through increased access

to education, healthcare, and other basic services, as well as greater economic

opportunities.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter discusses the related literature, the related studies and the

review following the authors' comprehensive and in-depth quest. To help the authors

conceptualize and fully understand the analysis, it contains background information.

The references were gathered from the work of professional authors as well as from

unpublished research papers that were considered useful in conducting the research.

Conceptual Literature

Biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration are two important

practices that aim to protect and restore the natural environment. Biodiversity

conservation involves the protection and preservation of biological diversity,

including species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity, while ecological restoration

involves the rehabilitation of degraded environments to their original state to support

healthy ecosystems.

One of the key challenges in biodiversity conservation and ecological

restoration is the impact of human activities, including land use changes, pollution,

and climate change, which have led to extensive biodiversity loss and ecological

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degradation. This highlights the urgent need for effective conservation and

restoration strategies to ensure the sustainability of our natural resources.

Authors such as Noss and Cooperrider (1994) argue that restoring ecological

systems is becoming increasingly important as human activities continue to cause

significant damage to natural environments. They argue that without effective

restoration strategies, ecosystems may never fully recover from human disturbances.

Similarly, Wilson et al. (2012) highlight the importance of biodiversity in

supporting ecosystem functioning and the need for conservation efforts to meet

global sustainability goals. They suggest that conservation strategies should focus

on preserving both functional and taxonomic diversity in order to maintain healthy

and resilient ecosystems.

Books such as Biodiversity Conservation and Phylogenetic Systematics:

Preserving our evolutionary heritage in an extinction crisis (Forest, 2011) provide

further insight into the importance of biodiversity conservation and restoration efforts.

The book highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and

how it relates to human well-being, as well as the importance of preserving

evolutionary heritage to support future generations.

In conclusion, biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration are vital

practices in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems in the face of increasing

human impacts. A range of authors and sources emphasize the importance of

strategies that are tailored to local contexts and focus on preserving both functional

and taxonomic diversity. By doing so, we can support the long-term sustainability of

our natural resources and limit the impact of human activities on the environment.

Related Literature

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Biodiversity conservation and ecological protection are essential aspects of

maintaining the health and sustainability of ecosystems. In Brgy. Ilijan, Batangas City,

various initiatives have been implemented to address the environmental challenges

faced by the area. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the current

state of biodiversity conservation and ecological protection efforts in Ilijan, Batangas.

Through a critical examination of relevant literature, this review will assess the

effectiveness of current strategies and identify gaps in knowledge that require further

investigation. By synthesizing and analyzing existing research, this review will

provide insights and recommendations for future efforts towards a more sustainable

and ecologically sound direction for Brgy. Ilijan, Batangas City.

For a start, in order to propose a pluralistic management for ecosystems in

Brgy Ilijan, it is critical to recognize first the biological characteristic that its local

fauna and flora take form out of. The study of Ordas et al. (2017) is one of the only

few studies which have profiled this area.

Ordas et al. (2017) conducted a study titled "Rapid Assessment of Taal

Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) Terrestrial Biodiversity" which aimed to

assess the terrestrial biodiversity of the TVPL and identify areas that require urgent

conservation efforts. The study utilized rapid biodiversity assessment techniques

such as transect walks, visual encounter surveys, and active searches for species. It

showed that the TVPL is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including

threatened and endemic species. They found a total of 238 plant species and 70

animal species. The authors also identified several threats to the biodiversity of the

TVPL, such as habitat destruction, fragmentation, and invasive species.

The study provides valuable information on the biodiversity of the TVPL and

the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the threatened and endemic

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species. The methods used by the authors are appropriate for a rapid biodiversity

assessment and provide a good baseline for future research. However, the study

also has some limitations that need to be addressed. One limitation of the study is

the small sample size used for the visual encounter surveys and active searches for

species. The authors only conducted surveys in four sites, which may not be

representative of the entire TVPL. A larger sample size could provide a more

comprehensive understanding of the biodiversity of the TVPL. Additionally, the

authors did not provide a clear explanation of the sampling methods used for the

transect walks, which may also limit the reliability of the study's findings. Additionally,

the study did not provide a clear action plan for conservation efforts in the TVPL,

which limits its practical application for policymakers and conservation practitioners.

Despite these shortcomings, the study offers beneficial information on the

extensive biodiversity of the TVPL and the dire need for preservation efforts to

safeguard the vulnerable and endemic species. The authors' recommendations for

further research on the threats to biodiversity in the TVPL can guide policymakers

and conservation practitioners in developing effective conservation strategies.

While the terrestrial makeup of the Batangas biodiversity, from which Brgy.

Ilijan falls under, poses already as a huge resource from where conservation

techniques can be tailored from, the marine is just as much important. Hovering over

the coastal biodiversity of plants in the same region, an exemplar study would be

one of Saco and Rula (2018).

In their study "Biodiversity of Seaweeds and Associated Flora in Verde Island,

Batangas City, Batangas Philippines," Saco and Rula (2018) sought to assess the

variety of seaweeds and related flora in Verde Island, Batangas. To evaluate the

variety of the seaweed and related plants in the area, the authors used transect

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walks and quadrat sampling procedures. The study's findings demonstrated that the

area is home to a variety of seaweeds and related flora species, including some that

are local novelties.

The study offers crucial details on the biodiversity of seaweeds and related

vegetation in Verde Island, Batangas, making it relevant for future research and

conservation efforts. The authors' methodology was appropriate for assessing

biodiversity and can be used as a good place to start. A bigger sample size could

lead to a more thorough understanding of the diversity of the local flora and seaweed.

Additionally, the credibility of the results may be hampered by the authors' failure to

clearly describe the sampling techniques employed for the transect walks. The

study's failure to address the socioeconomic factors that contribute to the risks to

Verde Island's biodiversity is another weakness. The ecosystem and biodiversity can

be significantly impacted by human activities like fishing, pollution, and development,

thus these aspects should be taken into account in conservation efforts. To

compound that, the lack of a specific conservation action plan for Verde Island by the

authors limits the study's applicability to policymakers and conservationists.

Despite these drawbacks, the study offers insightful data on the richness of

seaweeds and related vegetation on Verde Island, Batangas, and can be used as a

starting point for further study and conservation initiatives. The findings of the study

can help conservation practitioners and policymakers develop successful

conservation plans. Nevertheless, future studies should consider a larger sample

size and address the nuances contributing to the threats to the biodiversity of Verde

Island.

Now that both the marine and terrestrial biodiversity of Batangas were

investigated for the model it infers with that of ecosystems present in Brgy. Ilijan

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specifically, it becomes important to understand, correspondingly so, the

significance that it brings to the local tourist economy, which have underpinned

environmental practices and regulations in the process. The review of Aguila and

Ragot (2017) begins in this note.

Aguila and Ragot (2017) conducted a study titled "Ecotourism Industry in Ilijan

Batangas City, Philippines: Assessing Its Effects as a Basis of Proposed Tourism

Development Plan." The study aimed to assess the impact of ecotourism on the local

community of Ilijan, Batangas and to propose a sustainable tourism development

plan for the area. The authors used both qualitative and quantitative methods to

gather data, including surveys, interviews, and field observations. Their findings

doubled down on the idea that while the ecotourism industry has had positive

economic effects on the local community, including job creation and increased

income, there are collateral negative impacts on the natural environment, such as

degradation of forest areas due to the construction of eco-tourism facilities and

pollution from waste generated by tourists.

In the study, ecotourism activities in the area, including the types of tours,

accommodations, and attractions available, were all detailed. They also present the

results of their surveys and interviews with both tourists and local residents, which

provide insights into the economic, social, and environmental impacts of ecotourism

in the area. One strength of the study is the authors' emphasis on the importance of

sustainability in tourism development. The authors provide a detailed proposal for a

sustainable tourism development plan for Ilijan, which includes strategies for

promoting ecotourism while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and the

local community. The proposed plan includes initiatives such as waste management,

energy conservation, and the establishment of a local tourism organization. However,

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a limitation that should be considered is the small sample size used for the surveys

and interviews. The authors only surveyed a small number of tourists and local

residents, which may limit the generalizability of their findings. Additionally, the

authors did not provide a clear explanation of the sampling methods used, which

may limit the reliability of their results. While the authors do acknowledge that

ecotourism can have negative impacts, they do not provide a comprehensive

discussion of these impacts or strategies to mitigate them.

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the ecotourism industry in

Ilijan, Batangas and proposes a sustainable tourism development plan for the area.

The authors' emphasis on sustainability is a strength of the study, and their proposed

plan provides a useful framework for policymakers and tourism developers.

As it is purported from that study that this biodiversity is an asset for the local

tourism, it will also become handy to determine how this trickled down to the

citizenry’s consciousness on being environmentally responsible individuals. Alarzar

et al.’s (2018) study, as one of the only few available, previewed this concept.

The objective of Alarzar et al.'s (2018) study is to examine Batanguenos'

environmental habits and create a model to increase their sustainability and

environmental awareness. 750 individuals from various municipalities in Batangas

were surveyed and interviewed by the researchers to collect data. The study found

that the Batanguenos have a generally positive attitude towards the environment,

with a high level of awareness about environmental issues and a willingness to adopt

environmentally-friendly practices. The study also identified several factors that

influence the environmental practices of Batanguenos, including education, age, and

income. The findings suggest that there is a need for targeted environmental

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education programs to increase awareness and promote sustainable environmental

practices.

The study's merits are found in its thorough understanding of environmental

practices in Batangas, which takes into account both community- and individual-level

viewpoints. The data was analyzed by the authors using a variety of statistical

approaches, including factor analysis and regression analysis, in order to create a

model for promoting environmental practices. However, since the survey

questionnaire relied on self-reported environmental practices, this might have been

subjected to social desirability bias.

Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the

environmental practices of Batanguenos and offers a framework for enhancing

environmental awareness and sustainability in the region. Future research may build

on these findings by conducting a more extensive study with a larger and more

diverse sample and addressing the potential barriers to implementing the proposed

model.

Alarzar et al.'s (2018) study is a testament of the gradual civilian stimuli to

environmental consciousness, which would play a role in making conservation

techniques possible in the public sphere. It is, however, important to recognize it by

the scale that it needs to, at the scale of an unprecedented biodiversity threat that is

Climate Change. Manalo (2018) helps us look into the institutional development in

Batangas in terms of that.

Manalo's (2018) article "The Initiatives of Local Government Units (LGUs) in

Batangas on Climate Change" discusses the climate change initiatives undertaken

by the local government units (LGUs) in Batangas, Philippines. The study aims to

determine the level of awareness and the initiatives taken by LGUs in addressing

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climate change. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire and interviews

with key informants. The results show that the LGUs in Batangas are generally

aware of the impacts of climate change and have initiated several programs and

activities to address it. However, the study also highlights the need for more

comprehensive and integrated approaches to effectively address the issue of climate

change.

Overall, the article presents a relevant and timely topic, as climate change is a

global issue that requires collective action. The author's methodology of using survey

questionnaires and key informant interviews is appropriate in obtaining data on the

level of awareness and initiatives of the LGUs. However, the article has several

weaknesses that may limit its credibility and generalizability. Firstly, the article did

not discuss the sample size and selection process used for the survey questionnaire

and key informant interviews. This limits the reliability and representativeness of the

study's findings. Secondly, the article did not provide a comprehensive review of the

literature on climate change initiatives by LGUs in the Philippines, which limits its

contribution to the existing body of knowledge. Thirdly, the article did not provide a

clear and detailed analysis of the data collected. The results were merely presented

in a descriptive manner, and there was no statistical analysis conducted to test the

significance of the findings.

Despite these flaws, the article offers insightful information about the steps

LGUs in Batangas have taken to mitigate climate change. The study's conclusions

can be used as a basis for further investigation into the productivity of local

government climate change initiatives. The paper also highlights the necessity of

more thorough and integrated approaches to combating climate change, which can

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help legislators and local government units (LGUs) create successful climate change

programs and policies.

In conclusion, through a critical examination of relevant literature, this review

provided insights and recommendations for future efforts towards a more sustainable

and ecologically sound direction for Brgy. Ilijan, Batangas City. The reviewed studies

provided valuable information on the biodiversity of the TVPL and Verde Island,

Batangas, and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect threatened and

endemic species. Despite having limitations, this review highlights the importance of

considering the socioeconomic factors that contribute to the risks to biodiversity and

the need for a specific conservation action plan for the area.

Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework for the study has been offered by the researchers to

improve understanding. The study's perspective is provided by the conceptual

framework. This seeks to provide a summary of the research subject. The main

concept of this study is about the biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration

in the ecosystem in Ilijan Batangas City.

Input. The figure shows the input in the first box. These include the status of

the ecosystem of Ilijan, Batangas City, the factors that affect the biodiversity of Ilijan,

Batangas City in terms of; reproduction, habitat, pollution, and deforestation, the

possible actions for the improvement of the ecosystem, the expected results from the

actions taken, and the efficacy of the biodiversity conservation and ecological

restoration for the ecosystem of Ilijan, Batangas City.

Process. This box represents the processes in conducting this research

paper. These include data gathering and conceptual planning.

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 Output. The desired output is indicated in the third box of the conceptual

framework. It includes the case study on the biodiversity conservation and ecological

restoration in ecosystem at Ilijan, Batangas City.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. These include the • Data gathering 1. The Case Study on the

status of the ecosystem • Conceptual Biodiversity Conservation
of Ilijan, Batangas City. planning and Ecological
2. the factors that affect Restoration in Ecosystem
the biodiversity of Ilijan, at Ilijan, Batangas City.
Batangas City in terms of;
reproduction, habitat,
pollution, and
deforestation.
3. the possible actions for
the improvement of the
ecosystem.
4. the expected results
from the actions taken.
5. the efficacy of the
biodiversity conservation
and ecological
restoration for the
ecosystem of Ilijan,
Batangas City.

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