Philippines’ Lake Buhi, a 1,707-ha natural inland freshwater lake in Camarines Sur, had been a subject of national and international R&D interventions because of both its ecological and economic importance. The lake is considered an extremely high critical area for biodiversity, and can provide 4-5 tons of fish a day. With 14 converging tributaries, it also serves as a major watershed for the entire municipality, powering a hydroelectric plant and irrigating at least 12,000 ha of farmlands.

Dr. Binoya found that the current household and production practices around Lake Buhi are not friendly to the lake’s health. The study recommends that people around the lake need to be informed and trained on how to reduce the negative impacts of their activities on the lake. For example, they could engage in alternative livelihood activities that move away from causing soil erosion or chemical contamination of the lake.

An expanded version of this study won the best paper award in the 3rd International Conference of the Asia-Pacific Association of Educators for Agriculture and Environment (APEAEN) held last November 4-7, 2007 at the Philippine Carabao Center, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. From this study, a comprehensive integrated development planning for sustainable watershed and lake management in Buhi, also led by Dr. Binoya, is currently being conducted with JICA funding. (Bobbie Gerpacio, RDD)