FOREST COVER CHANGE AND DEFORESTATION RATES OF ZUMIGUI-ZIWANAN RIVER WATERSHED: BASIS FOR STRENGTHENING MANAGEMENT

Authors

  • Divina Luis Apayao State College Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64358/jstgpa.v2i2.57

Keywords:

Forest Cover Change, Deforestation Rates, Watershed

Abstract

 The Zumigui–Ziwanan River Watershed is a vital ecological system supporting water resources, soil stability, biodiversity, and climate resilience in the provinces of Apayao and Cagayan, particularly within the municipalities of Luna and Calanasan. A mixed-methods approach was employed using ArcGIS-based analysis of land cover maps and satellite imagery for 2015, 2020, and 2025, complemented by interviews with 48 beneficiaries of the National Greening Program and 10 key stakeholders from DENR, local government units, barangays, and people’s organizations.Furthermore, Analysis of land cover maps from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority revealed a 19.28% increase in closed forest areas and a 7.39% decrease in open forest areas from 2015 to 2025, indicating gradual forest recovery. Annual deforestation rates from 2020 to 2025 were relatively low at 0.210% for closed forests and 0.195% for open forests. Despite the availability of spatial datasets, limited watershed-level studies have integrated forest cover dynamics, drivers of deforestation, stakeholder perceptions, and the effectiveness of reforestation interventions. Hence, results revealed that forest recovery was evident; however, deforestation pressures driven by poverty, agricultural expansion, and natural disasters such as typhoons continue to threaten sustainability. Reforestation initiatives were perceived as moderately effective but constrained by insufficient funding, weak maintenance, and limited community participation. Strengthened law enforcement, sustainable livelihood programs, climate-resilient strategies, and continuous watershed monitoring are recommended to ensure long-term forest conservation and sustainable watershed management.

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Published

2026-06-30

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Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Social Transformation, Governance and Public Administration

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