Technologies- El Niño

(Forestry Sector)

Description

Forest fire is considered one of the most destructive agents of forest denudation. Between 1990 and 1995, forest fire ranks first as the major cause of deforestation. In 1991, the lowest destruction rate was about 5,871 ha of forest lands, while the highest was 51,310.38 ha in 1992 (EMB-DENR, Philippine Environmental Quality Report, 1996). This figure represents almost 50% of the annual average deforestation rate of the country during the five-year period. Forest fire is one direct effect of El Niño and this may have long-term effects on the diversity of the ecosystem.

Requirements for Adoption

a. Minimum

•  fire fighting capacity

To combat fire, prevent occurrence of three basic elements essential for combustion: heat, oxygen, and fuel.

- Eliminate fuel by cutting or bulldozing fire lines, or by applying back burning from the held lines.

- Avoid initial heat such as the match of arsonist, cigarette butt thrown down carelessly into flammable grasses, careless farmer who allows a fire to run into the forest, and the thoughtless hunter who uses fire to flush out flame from heavy cover.

- Recognize that fire prevention is a 7-day, 24-hour commitment during periods of high fire hazard.

• forest estate preparation

- Fire damage can be minimized by constructing an internal network of fire breaks.

- Conduct fuel deprivation programs.

Flammable materials, within or adjacent to the forests, must be reduced through controlled burning of grasslands shortly after the rainy season or before the fire danger, where potential fire damage is extreme. Normally, these fuel deprivation programs are concentrated on the perimeter of the forests or adjacent to public roads which traverse the forest.

b. Support System

• assistance to farmers

In many instances, farmers and ranchers use fire to promote fresh palatable growth in cogon grasses and to develop or improve their lands. However, to prevent them from hazardous fire, it is essential to provide all farmers and ranchers with necessary technical assistance on the controlled and safe burning of degraded grasslands.

c. Information

• information, education and communication (IEC) campaign

The general public must be well-informed of the importance of fire protection and the dangers of forest destruction caused by fires. Radio and television broadcasts, press releases, and lectures are the most appropriate channels of communication. Below are other strategies to increase public awareness on forest fires:

- Conduct briefings and distribution of handouts/materials on fire and fire prevention.

- Create organizations aimed at orienting school children on the values and roles of forests in the environment and economy of the region.

- Produce and distribute posters or comics

- Enforce lawful community share of profits on forestry projects (government or private).

- Engage in the effective implementation of agricultural support and livelihood programs.

- Encourage more public involvement in forest protection by supporting forestry extension schemes on private lands.

- Fire Weather Index (FWI) system.

FWI assesses a combination of factors including: (a) number of rainfall days and the volume fallen; (b) wind strength; (c) conditions of fuel in the forest; (d) ambient temperature; and (e) humidity. Data derived on a daily basis gives a clear reading on the probability of forest fires and their danger to the forest during an outbreak.

Advantages

• growth of fresh palatable cogon for livestock when burning is controlled

Limitations

• no known limitation

Recommendations

• Formulate a Forest Fire Ordinance which should highlight the need to stop fires and to consolidate farmers’ and foresters’ efforts.

• Devise effective forest protection strategies through a more concrete working framework.

• Continue seeking the open support of the local government units (LGUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), forest companies, and concerned citizens in implementing forest fire prevention plans/programs.

• Strengthen IEC programs on fire prevention.

• Increase public awareness on fire hazard and protection.

• Instill public appreciation on the value of forests.

  They must learn to appreciate, identify with, and take pride in valuing the forests as one of the prime resources of a country.

   

Possible Areas of Application

• nationwide, in upland and hillylands

• in reforestation areas

References

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development. The Philippines recommends for reforestation. Los Baños, Laguna: PCARRD, 1992. 60p. - (Philippines Recommends Series No. 49-A).

Tuddao, V.B., Jr. "Addressing the risks of forest fire: A call for R&D. CANOPY INTERNATIONAL. July – August 1998.