Overview

The Philippines continues to lose forest cover each year, contributing to increased carbon emissions, biodiversity loss and contributing to soil erosion and floods. Cavite, which lies in the western monsoon forest zone, has a very beneficial location for the development of rain forests. However, rapid urbanization, agriculture and livestock ranching, and mining continue to cause large scale deforestation.

According to the DENR, 15 million hectares of land in the Philippines is classified as forest land, but currently, only about 7 million hectares of this land has tree cover. Because of this, the DENR is making efforts to increase this number to at least 10 million hectares by 2028.

Most Affected Areas

In recent years, the MIMAROPA region has faced the worst deforestation in the country.

Although it is known as “The Philippines’ last ecological frontier", Palawan has faced the highest amount of tree cover loss in the country. In 2010 it had about 1 million hectares of tree cover, but has since lost more than 18% of this due to the continuously growing population and illegal logging activities.Deforestation is particularly damaging in this area due to the many species of flora and fauna that are being displaced.

Within the CALABARZON Region, Quezon is the most affected. From 2001 to 2024, Quezon lost 49 thousand hectares of tree cover, with the main driver for deforestation being permanent agriculture.

Effects & Problems

1, Soil Erosion

When soil is exposed to increased amounts of sunlight after deforestation, it can become dry and infertile.

2. Flooding

Deforestation affects the flow of water. When tree roots are not there to absorb water from heavy rains floods become more common.

3. Loss of Biodiversity

Rainforests are the habitats of many species. Deforestation displaces many of these species, causing them to become endangered or extincextinct.

4. Climate Change

Forests play a role in regulating the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Due to deforestation, less carbon dioxide will be absorebed out of the atmosphere.

Ways To Mitigate

Government Level

Strengthening agriculture

Will prevent further forest conversion from expansion of agricultural land.
Can be done through implementing practices that preserve healthy soil.

Setting Financial Incentives for Sustainable Practices

Examples: Tax incentives for reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Promoting Forest Protection

Reinforcing and expanding protected areas and enforcing laws

Household/Community Level

Educate yourself and others on environmental issues
Support sustainable policies
Choose sustainable products
Support conservation and reforestation efforts

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