[Time Trowel] Safeguarding the Ifugao Rice Terraces for future generations

A trowel (/ˈtraʊ.əl/), within the fingers of an archaeologist, is sort of a trusty sidekick – a tiny, but mighty, instrument that uncovers historic secrets and techniques, one well-placed scoop at a time. It’s the Sherlock Holmes of the excavation website, revealing clues in regards to the previous with each delicate swipe.

On Could 15, 2024, the Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, suffered a catastrophic wall collapse. The incident highlighted the pressing want for heritage conservation and the preservation of conventional establishments which have sustained these terraces for hundreds of years. This unlucky occasion emphasizes the significance of understanding the foundation causes of such collapses and the crucial position of conventional cooperative methods in stopping them, within the course of making certain the preservation of each the terraces and the cultural heritage of the Ifugao.

The collapse at Batad is probably going on account of a local weather change-induced extended dry season, which may trigger the earthen or stone partitions of the terraces to develop cracks. When the rains ultimately come, these cracks might result in wall failures, because the sudden influx of water weakens the already compromised constructions. This challenge is compounded by extra challenges, similar to big earthworms and the Asian swamp eel (regionally referred to as kiwit) boring into the terrace partitions, additional destabilizing them. Extra importantly, financial pressures that lead to abandonment and neglect additional contribute to the instability of the terrace methods.

These components, mixed with the influence of local weather change, will proceed to threaten these magnificent agricultural terraces.

Historically, the upkeep and restore of the rice terraces, together with their partitions and irrigation channels, have been managed by cooperative teams. In Ayangan-speaking Ifugao, this follow is named bachang and uggbu (baddang and ubbu in Tuwali Ifugao) They’re regulated by kinship and territorial affiliation, making certain community-wide cooperation – a necessity within the Ifugao panorama and agricultural system. This technique has been essential in making certain the longevity and resilience of the terraces, selling a way of communal duty and cooperation.

Each bachang and ubbu are neighborhood cooperative teams, however the latter offers the reciprocal labor – type of, I assist you as we speak, I count on assistance on my fields later. The bachang is neighborhood self-help, normally when uncommon and more-than-normal harm happen.

These conventional cooperative methods, nonetheless, are underneath risk. The circulation of funds from authorities businesses and personal donors has inadvertently contributed to the erosion of this cooperative tradition. Whereas well-intentioned, these funds have typically developed a dependency amongst farmers, who might look ahead to monetary help quite than actively taking part within the maintenance of the terraces. This shift in the direction of a dole-out mentality undermines the self-reliance and mutual help which have been the bedrock of Ifugao society.

Because the Ifugao Rice Terraces are UNESCO World Heritage Websites, the Philippine authorities bears a major duty in facilitating their preservation. This consists of offering vital monetary and technical help for repairs and upkeep. Nonetheless, it’s equally essential to deal with the intangible elements of the terraces, particularly the cultural practices and conventional establishments which have traditionally sustained them.

The designation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site has introduced important advantages, together with elevated worldwide recognition, funding for conservation, and enhanced tourism that helps the native economic system. UNESCO standing typically results in a rise in guests, which brings financial advantages to native communities. Elevated tourism can present a gentle supply of earnings, supporting native companies, which may facilitate financial improvement within the area. The rise of vacationers can create jobs, stimulate the native economic system, and supply funds for additional conservation efforts. As an example, native lodges, eating places, and tour guides all profit from the elevated variety of guests.

Moreover, the popularity enhances cultural satisfaction and identification among the many Ifugao. It reinforces the cultural significance of the terraces, instilling satisfaction and inspiring the preservation of their heritage and traditions. This will inspire youthful generations to worth and uphold their cultural identification, selling a way of neighborhood and continuity. For instance, instructional packages in regards to the historical past and significance of the terraces, similar to these organized by the IPED Middle in Kiangan, could be developed to have interaction younger Ifugao.

Nonetheless, overtourism can contribute to a major environmental influence. This will embrace a pressure in native infrastructure, environmental degradation, and disruption of the day by day lives of native communities. Managing the fragile stability between tourism and conservation is crucial to keep away from long-term harm. As an example, the intensification of vacationers can result in waste administration points and elevated put on and tear on the terraces.

There’s additionally the danger of commercialization of tradition. The cultural practices and traditions of the Ifugao individuals may grow to be commercialized to cater to vacationers, diluting the authenticity of their heritage. This commercialization can cut back conventional practices to mere vacationer points of interest, undermining their cultural worth. For instance, conventional rituals or crafts may be carried out or produced primarily for vacationer consumption, shedding their unique cultural context and significance.

This world recognition may also inadvertently contribute to the erasure of native views within the upkeep of the terraces. The deal with assembly worldwide requirements and standards for preservation might overshadow the standard practices and data methods of the Ifugao, probably resulting in the imposition of exterior conservation strategies that don’t align with native customs and wishes. 

Furthermore, the surge of worldwide consultants and funding may prioritize world conservation beliefs over indigenous administration practices, lowering the company of the Ifugao communities in deciding how their heritage is maintained. That is additionally compounded by over-dependence on exterior funding. Whereas worldwide funding is useful, it might probably create a dependency that undermines native initiatives and self-reliance. The inflow of exterior assets may discourage community-led conservation efforts. This state of affairs is just like the erosion of the bachang and ubbu methods, the place reliance on exterior assist led to a decline in native agricultural practices and self-sufficiency.

Lastly, bureaucratic challenges can come up from assembly UNESCO’s necessities and requirements. These processes could be complicated and resource-intensive, diverting consideration and assets from sensible conservation efforts to administrative compliance. For instance, sustaining the standing may require intensive documentation, reporting, and adherence to stringent tips, which could be burdensome for native authorities and communities.

Whereas the Excellent Common Values (OUV) framework promotes the terraces’ preservation and attracts world consideration to their significance, it’s essential to stability these advantages with a respect for and integration of native views to make sure that conservation efforts stay culturally delicate and inclusive.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces are extra than simply constructions for rice cultivation; they’re integral to the Ifugao identification. These terraces are the place the Ifugao specific their native faith, keep their conventional practices, and navigate their relationship with Christianity. The terraces are a residing heritage, embodying the historic, cultural, and religious lifetime of Ifugao communities.

To make sure the sustainability of the terraces, conservation efforts should transcend bodily repairs. There’s a have to revive and strengthen conventional establishments just like the bachang and ubbu. This includes encouraging neighborhood participation in terrace upkeep, selling the worth of collective labor, and educating youthful generations in regards to the significance of those traditions. Moreover, conservation packages ought to combine conventional data with trendy strategies to handle up to date challenges similar to local weather change and biodiversity loss.

The impacts of local weather change pose a major risk to the steadiness and preservation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces. Nonetheless, the standard establishments of bachang and ubbu can play a vital position in mitigating these results. By selling neighborhood cooperation and collective labor, these methods assist guarantee common upkeep and well timed repairs of the terraces. Reviving and strengthening these conventional practices, alongside integrating trendy conservation strategies, can improve the resilience of the terraces in opposition to local weather change-induced challenges. By valuing and preserving these cultural practices, we will make sure the longevity of the Ifugao Rice Terraces and uphold the cultural heritage they characterize.

Whereas the UNESCO itemizing of the Ifugao Rice Terraces brings quite a few advantages, it’s essential to stability these with the preservation of conventional practices. By encouraging a synergy between trendy conservation efforts and conventional establishments, we will safeguard the terraces for future generations whereas honoring the cultural heritage of the Ifugao. – Rappler.com

Stephen Acabado is professor of anthropology on the College of California-Los Angeles. He directs the Ifugao and Bicol Archaeological Initiatives, analysis packages that have interaction neighborhood stakeholders. He grew up in Tinambac, Camarines Sur. Comply with him on IG @s.b.acabado.