Landscape Function Analysis Field Guide – Guidelines for Application in Mine Sites and Land Rehabilitation Projects in the Philippines
Introduction
The 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development (Our Common Future) report defined sustainable development as gdevelopment which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs.
Sustainable rehabilitation of all disturbed landscapes, including mine sites and forest land, is a national priority of the Philippines. Mining permits and lease conditions are being given with the proviso that those who use land for utilization of resources therein will also be fully responsible for the conservation, protection and restoration of sustainable landscapes upon completion of their development projects.
Landscapes disturbed by or during mining, forestry and other development projects will need to be rehabilitated back to sustainable and functional state for the safety and protection of current generations as well as the use by future generations.
To ensure adherence to this principle and priority will require an effective assessment and monitoring system that will aid policy makers and decision makers at all levels. Landscape Function Analysis (LFA), also referred to as Ecosystems Function Analysis (EFA), was developed at the CSIRO Australia as a cost]effective tool for examining or monitoring key indicators of landscape status and/or changes. LFA has been widely used in sustainable management of rangelands, monitoring mine]site rehabilitation, and restoration of natural forests or vegetations in many countries around the world since its development in the 1980s. Mining operations in Australia use LFA to aid in the restoration of sustainable post mining landscapes and has resulted to recent return of mining bonds.
This Field Guide and Guidelines summarizes the principle, concept and step]by]step guide for practitioners on how to use LFA as an assessment and monitoring procedure for disturbed landscapes such as in mining, forest land and as well as in disaster areas. This guide will be useful for DENR monitoring teams, Multi]Partite Monitoring Team (MMT), researchers, teachers and students of forest rehabilitation.
LFA can contribute to existing methods and it does not intend to replace the current system being used in the country. It fills the gap or lack of agreed standards to use between regulators and stakeholders. Overall, LFA offers a promising, practical and clear measure of rehabilitation success.
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