Philippine E-Journals

The Impacts of Climate Change on the Indigenous People: DUMAGATS

Abigail Salva | Catherine Santos | Trisha Santos | Kevin Lobrio | Sherome Estrella | Zendrik Zean Sioson | Glenn Nuestro | Glenn S. Banaguas

Discipline: Environmental Studies

 

Abstract:

Indigenous people are among the first to face the direct consequences of climate change, due to their dependence upon, and close relationship, with the environment and its resources. Climate change exacerbates the difficulties already faced by indigenous communities including political and economic marginalization, loss of land and resources, human rights violations, discrimination and unemployment. General Nakar in Quezon is among the few municipalities in Southern Tagalog that has thickly forested areas. Tropical forests in General Nakar, are the richest type of the world in terms of the diverstiy of inhabiting people. Indigenous people of the tropical rainforest belt are very dependent on the forest. The Dumagats, who are cultural minorities who reside in this area, have been affected by the impacts of environmental and climate change and have struggled to adapt the changes in the environment they live in. Climate change poses threats and dangers to the survival of these indigenous communities. These Dumagats are vital to, and active in, the many ecosystems that inhabit their lands and territories and may therefore help enhance the resilience of these ecosystems. In addition, they interpret and react to the impacts of climate change in creative ways, drawing on traditional knowledge and other technologies to find solutions, which may help society at large to cope with impending changes.