Analysis of Key Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Southern Sierra Madre Using Gender and Covid-19 Lens

The Philippines is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Unfortunately, threats to limited natural resources have been pervasive because of decreasing forest cover. One way of addressing this problem is through the identification of the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation (DFD). This study sought to obtain a present-day analysis of the key drivers of DFD in Rodriguez, Rizal and General Nakar, Quezon in the Southern Sierra Madre region, Philippines, accounting for the influences of gender, youth, and COVID-19. Part of the method is the utilization of satellite images from the Google Earth Engine to analyze the changes in land cover before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The determination of the local stakeholder perception of the drivers of DFD was done through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and a review of the literature. Results of the study have shown the prevalent condition of decreasing forest lands in the municipalities. The land cover change analysis identified a declining trend of forest cover from 2016-2022 which can be associated with some of the drivers determined by the locals such as kaingin, timber poaching, development projects, and quarrying. Discussions with stakeholder groups revealed that there is an equal participation of men, women, and youth in curbing and aggravating DFD in the study sites. Likewise, all are also given equal opportunities to be involved in forest protection and restoration activities in the area. It was also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the forest protection activities and monitoring in the area hence the increase in illegal activities. The pandemic, on the other hand, has also provided understanding to the communities of the importance of forests for clean air, mental health, and environmental services. This study recommends that forest policies and initiatives must also keep up with the changes in deforestation and forest degradation, capitalizing on the potential of women and youth in forest conservation.