Forest loss measured to the size of Taal Volcano Island

How much forest can we lose in one year?

If you took all the hectares of forest lost between 2017 and 2018 among Philippine Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) alone, and then placed them inside Taal Volcano Island, you would have more than 10 islands worth of forest lost.

In this infographic we show the top 10 Philippine KBAs with the most forest lost between 2017 and 2018.

1. Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park = 4,397 hectares lost
2. Bislig = 2,169 hectares lost
3. Mount Mantalingahan = 1,670 hectares lost
4. Apayao Lowland Forest = 1,658 hectares lost
5. North Eastern Cagayan Protected Landscape and Seascape = 1,369 hectares lost
6. Tawi-tawi Island = 802 hectares lost
7. Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park = 751 hectares lost
8. Balabac Island = 747 hectares lost
9. Mount Kaluayan – Mount Kinabalian Complex = 718 hectares lost
10. Mount Agtuuganon and Mount Pasian = 674 hectares lost

We have also included three extra KBAs covered by our Forest Governance Project.

1. Mt. Hilong-hilong = 480 hectares lost
2. Mts. Irid – Angelo = 116 hectares lost
3. Mt. Siburan = 103 hectares lost

What must be done?

• We must work with communities and local government to create plans and policy for our forests. Today we are doing this in our Forest Governance project.
• We must pass a national forest law such as the Sustainable Forest Management Bill, that will help us protect the forest that still remain. Learn more about the bill here.

How you can help

• Spread awareness! Let people know that forests provide water, air, food, and timber! Ensuring the survival of our forests ultimately ensures the survival of all life. Share this at home, school, and work. 
• Share online. Share posts about forests & the SFM by the Haribon Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@goharibon). Don’t forget to tag Haribon and use hashtags such as #PassSFM and #PassGreenBills. 
• Join a tree planting. Haribon also needs tree planting volunteers during the rainy season (June to December). Everyone – members & volunteers – are welcome to join. 
• Promote parks & green spaces.Get in touch with your local government to establish or maintain tree parks in your area. 
• Conserve water. Effective water conservation means lower demands for water. This ultimately lessens the pressure we put on our watersheds. 

Sources

• Hectares lost are from Google Earth Engine analysis using Hansen 2014 forest data set.
• Size of Taal Volcano is taken from an estimate indicated at “Taal: In the heat of the moment” by Ana Roa at Inquirer.net.