Introduction
The Glinoga Integrated Farm in Quezon province, Philippines, is an example of how agriculture can be practiced in harmony with coastal ecosystems. The farm, which is located among brackish fishponds, is a model of food production that does not destroy the environment, but rather preserves it.
The History of the Farm
The family of Ninieveh Glinoga, the farm manager, has owned the land for generations. In the past, the farm produced coconut, cacao, and sugarcane, which sustained the family. However, in 2008, the family visited the farm and found it almost unrecognizable. Years of slash-and-burn farming had left the land bare and lifeless.
A New Model of Agriculture
The Glinoga farm offers a different model of agriculture, one that works with the water and natural topography of the area. Instead of destroying the mangroves and wetlands, the farm preserves and integrates them into food production. This not only helps to maintain marine biodiversity but also provides a source of income for the family and the local community.
Benefits of the Model
The Glinoga farm model has several benefits, including the preservation of marine biodiversity, maintenance of water quality, and reduction of coastal erosion. Additionally, the farm also helps to mitigate the effects of climate change by maintaining the land's ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
Conclusion
The Glinoga Integrated Farm is an example of how agriculture can be practiced sustainably and in harmony with the environment. The farm model is a blueprint for other coastal communities in the Philippines and around the world, and can help to reduce biodiversity loss and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Source / Reference
Source: Mongabay