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Welcome to the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park: Nestled in the northeastern part of Luzon, Philippines, the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park is a pristine natural treasure. Its importance lies in its status as the largest protected area in the Philippines, serving as a sanctuary for a wide range of ecosystems and endemic species.
About the Park
About the Park
The park's origins can be traced back to the declaration of the Palanan Wilderness Area in 1979, later evolving into the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park with the passage of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park Act in 2001.
The park is bounded by the provincial boundary between Isabela and Cagayan to the north, the Disabungan River to the south, Cagayan Valley to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Its diverse landscapes include lush forests, coastal areas, and marine habitats.
What it does for the environment
What it does for the environment
Protection from Storms
Protection from Storms
The Role of Sierra Madre as a Barrier:
The towering Sierra Madre Mountain Range acts as a protective shield against typhoons, slowing them down and providing more time for preparedness.
Importance for Typhoon Protection:
This natural barrier is crucial for minimizing the impact of typhoons, and safeguarding homes, infrastructure, and agriculture.
From Flickr by NASA Earth Observatory (CC-BY 2.0)
From Wikimedia Commons by Ramon Velasquez (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Water Source
Water Source
How the Park Functions as a Water Source:
The park's vegetation and soil absorb rainfall, making it a significant water source for Region 2, supporting irrigation and household needs.
Impact on Irrigation and Agriculture:
The availability of water enhances crop production, contributing to the regional economy.
A Home for Life
A Home for Life
Indigenous Peoples and Other Residents:
The park is not only a habitat for diverse wildlife but also home to indigenous peoples like the Agtas and Dumagats, who have lived here for generations.
A Wealth of Wildlife:
The park hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including mammals, birds, frogs, reptiles, and more. Many of these are endemic to the Philippines, making the park a biodiversity hotspot. The unique flora and fauna of the park hold significant ecological value, and their conservation is essential.
From Wikimedia Commons by Peter Kvint (Public Domain)
From Wikimedia Commons by Piccolo Namek (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Threats to the Park
Threats to the Park
Timber Poaching
Timber Poaching
Although commercial logging is banned within the park, small-scale timber poaching remains a concern. The wood is often used for local purposes, and the government monitors these activities.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Major infrastructure projects, such as the Ilagan-Divilacan roads, can lead to habitat loss, biodiversity degradation, and increased human activity in the park.
From Wikimedia Commons by Yawrei (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Disturbances to Indigenous Tribes
Disturbances to Indigenous Tribes
Indigenous communities, like the Agtas and Dumagats, struggle for land ownership within the park despite having strong legal claim in theory.
Migration
Migration
In-migration strains resources, leading to unsustainable farming practices like kaingin and deforestation. An nflux of non-natives changes economic dynamics and politics that are not in the original interest of the residents and their environment.
From DOI:10.3897/zookeys.266.3982 by Rafe Brown (CC BY 3.0)
Biodiversity Loss
Biodiversity Loss
Habitat loss from infrastructure, harmful farming practices, and illegal hunting and fishing pose significant threats to biodiversity.
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