St. Joseph’s College of Baggao Inc.

GEELEC 1: PEOPLE AND

EARTH ECOSYSTEM
PREPARED BY:
RHICA VELASCO-
HERRERA
[email protected]
HUMAN ROLE IN

ECOSYSTEMS
Humans play a significant role in
ecosystems, both as participants in
natural processes and as agents of
change. Our activities can have
profound impacts on ecosystems,
often leading to both positive and
negative consequences.
Transforming Lives,
 Positive Human Roles in
1. CONSERVATION EFFORTS:
Ecosystems
Protected Areas: Establishing national
parks, wildlife reserves, and marine sanctuaries
to protect biodiversity.
 Endangered Species Protection: Laws and
regulations to protect threatened and
endangered species.
 Habitat Restoration: Rehabilitating
damaged ecosystems, such as reforestation
Transforming Lives,
Positive Human Roles in
Ecosystems
1. CONSERVATION EFFORTS:
 Protected Areas: Establishing national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine
sanctuaries to protect biodiversity.
- The Philippines is home to numerous protected areas, managed under the National
Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 and the Expanded NIPAS Act of
2018. Here are some notable protected areas:
1. Apo Reef Natural Park - Occidental Mindoro
2. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park - Sulu Sea
3. Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park - Bukidnon
4. Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park - Isabela
5. Mayon Volcano Natural Park - Albay
6. Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park - Negros Oriental
7. Mount Pulag National Park - Benguet
8. Mount Arayat National Park - Pampanga
9. Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape - Zamboanga Sibugay
10. Tirad Pass Protected Landscape - Ilocos Sur Transforming Lives,
 Positive Human Roles in
Ecosystems
1. CONSERVATION EFFORTS:
Endangered Species Protection: Laws and regulations to
protect threatened and endangered species.
1.Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act
(Republic Act No. 9147): This law provides for the
conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their
habitats.
2.National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)
Act: Establishes protected areas to conserve biodiversity,
including habitats of endangered species.
Transforming Lives,
 Positive Human Roles in
 The Philippines is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, but many

Ecosystems
species are endangered due to various threats such as habitat
loss, pollution, poaching, and climate change. Here are some of
the most notable endangered species in the Philippines:
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES
1. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi): Also known as the Haribon, this majestic
bird is one of the largest eagles in the world.
2. Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis): A small, wild buffalo found only on the island of
Mindoro.
3. Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis): One of the most endangered
crocodile species in the world.
4. Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons): Native to the Visayan Islands, this pig is
critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
5. Negros Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba keayi): A bird species endemic to the island
Transforming Lives,
 Tamaraw (Bubalus Visayan Warty
mindorensis Pig (Sus
cebifrons)

Philippine Eagle
(Pithecophaga
jefferyi) Philippine Negros
Crocodile Bleeding-heart
 Positive Human Roles in
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Ecosystems
1.Philippine Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi): Found in the
rainforests of the Visayan Islands.
2.Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta): One of the smallest
primates, known for its large eyes.
3.Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Found in the coastal
waters of the Philippines.
4.Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Critically
endangered due to illegal trade of its shell.
5.Rufous-headed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni):
Transforming Lives,
Endemic to the islands of Negros and Panay.
 Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia
mydas)

Philippine Spotted Deer

(Rusa alfredi):

Rufous-headed
Hornbill
(Rhabdotorrhinus
waldeni)

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

(Eretmochelys
imbricata)
Philippine Tarsier (Carlito
syrichta)
 Positive Human Roles in
VULNERABLE SPECIES
Ecosystems
1.Philippine Deer (Rusa marianna): Found in
various islands across the Philippines.
2.Philippine Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus
philippensis): A bird of prey found in the
forests of Luzon and Mindanao.
3.Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus): The largest
fish in the world, found in the waters around the
Transforming Lives,
Philippine Philippine Hawk- Whale Shark
Deer eagle (Nisaetus (Rhincodon
(Rusa philippensis) typus)
marianna)
 DEFINITION OF TERMS:
1. CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (CR): A species facing
an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
2. ENDANGERED (EN): A species considered to be
facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
3. VULNERABLE (VU): A species considered to be
facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. The
specific criteria for each category are based on factors
such as the number of mature individuals globally and
the geographic range of the species
 Positive Human Roles in
Ecosystems
2. Sustainable Practices:
 Sustainable Agriculture: Practices that
minimize environmental impact, such as crop
rotation, organic farming, and agroforestry.
 Sustainable Fishing: Fishing methods that
prevent overfishing and protect marine life.
 Renewable Energy: Using solar, wind, and
other renewable energy sources to reduce
reliance on fossil fuels. Transforming Lives,
Positive Human Roles in
Ecosystems
3. RESEARCH AND EDUCATION:
 Environmental Research: Studying
ecosystems to understand their functions
and the impact of human activities.
 Environmental Education: Raising
awareness about environmental issues and
promoting sustainable behaviors.
Transforming Lives,
 Negative Human Roles in
Ecosystems
1. HABITAT DESTRUCTION:
 Deforestation: Clearing forests for
agriculture, urban development, and logging.
 Urbanization: Expanding cities and
infrastructure that fragment and degrade
natural habitats.
 Wetland Drainage: Converting wetlands for
agriculture or development, leading to loss of
biodiversity. Transforming Lives,
 Negative
2. POLLUTION: Human Roles in
Ecosystems
 Air Pollution: Emissions from industries
and vehicles that contribute to climate
change and acid rain.
 Water Pollution: Contamination of
water bodies with chemicals, plastics, and
waste.
 Soil Pollution: Degradation of soil
quality due to pesticides, heavy metals,
Transforming Lives,
 Negative Human Roles in
Ecosystems
3. OVEREXPLOITATION:
 Overfishing: Depleting fish populations
faster than they can reproduce.
 Overhunting: Hunting wildlife to the
point of endangerment or extinction.
 Resource Extraction: Mining and
drilling that destroy habitats and pollute
the environment.
Transforming Lives,
 Negative
4. CLIMATE Human Roles in
CHANGE:
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Ecosystems
Emissions from burning fossil fuels that
contribute to global warming and climate
change.
 Global Warming: Rising temperatures
that disrupt ecosystems and weather
patterns.
 Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2
levels causing ocean pH toTransforming
drop, affecting
Lives,
 Negative Human Roles in
Ecosystems
5. INVASIVE SPECIES:
Introduction of Non-native Species: Introducing
species that outcompete or prey on native species,
disrupting ecosystem balance.
Invasive species is a non-native organism that
significantly modifies or disrupts the ecosystems it
colonizes. It can cause ecological, environmental,
and/or economic damage. Invasive species can be
introduced through natural migration or human
activities
Transforming Lives,
 HUMAN-ECOSYSTEM
1. Ecosystem Services: Humans depend
INTERACTIONS
on ecosystems for services like clean air and
water, pollination of crops, and climate
regulation.
2. Resource Use: Harvesting natural
resources for food, materials, and energy.
3. Cultural Value: Ecosystems provide
recreational, spiritual, and aesthetic
benefits. Transforming Lives,
 MITIGATING NEGATIVE IMPACTS
1. Policy and Regulation: Implementing and
enforcing laws that protect the environment.
2. Technology and Innovation: Developing
cleaner technologies and sustainable solutions.
3. Community Involvement: Engaging local
communities in conservation and sustainable
practices.
4. International Cooperation: Collaborating
globally to address environmental challenges.
Transforming Lives,
 STEPS IN CONDUCTING CASE
ASSIGNME STUDY:
1. Select a Case: Choose a subject
NT!
Make
studies
a case study or
highlighting
that provides new or unexpected
insights.
unique challenges and 2. Build a Theoretical
opportunities for urban Framework: Establish the concepts
ecosystems in different and theories that will guide your
mega-cities of the world. analysis.
3. Collect Data: Gather information
through various methods like
interviews, observations, and
document analysis.
25
Example:
1. Select a Case: Choose a subject that provides new or unexpected insights.

Example: Case Study: Green Initiatives in Tokyo, Japan

State the Introduction and Background of the Topic

2. Build a Theoretical Framework: Establish the concepts and theories that will
guide your analysis.
Example: What is all about the Green Initiatives in Tokyo, Japan.
What is/are the project they build?
How they developed?
What are the benefits of these projects to the people of Japan?
Identify the negative and positive impact and outcomes of the project?
3. Collect Data: Gather information through various methods like interviews,
observations, and document analysis, and read related news or articles.

4. Analyze the Case: Describe and interpret the data to draw meaningful
conclusions.
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 Case Study: Green Initiatives in Tokyo, Japan
Introduction
Tokyo, Japan, is renowned for being one of the most densely populated cities globally. Despite its urban density, the city has made significant strides
in implementing green initiatives to enhance its ecosystem. This case study explores Tokyo’s efforts in promoting sustainability through green roofs
and walls, urban parks, and river restoration projects.
Background
Tokyo’s rapid urbanization has led to challenges such as the urban heat island effect, air pollution, and limited recreational spaces. To address these
issues, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced various green initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable and livable city.
Green Initiatives
1.Green Roofs and Walls
1. Implementation: Tokyo has encouraged the installation of green roofs and walls on buildings throughout the city. These installations
involve growing vegetation on rooftops and building facades.
2. Benefits: Green roofs and walls help reduce the urban heat island effect by cooling the surrounding air. They also improve air quality by
absorbing pollutants and provide insulation, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
2.Urban Parks
1. Development: The city has developed numerous urban parks, such as Yoyogi Park and Ueno Park, which offer green spaces for residents
and visitors.
2. Benefits: Urban parks provide recreational spaces, promote physical activity, and serve as habitats for various species. They also
contribute to the overall aesthetic and environmental quality of the city.
3.River Restoration Projects
1. Initiatives: Tokyo has undertaken river restoration projects, such as the restoration of the Sumida River and the Kanda River. These
projects involve cleaning and revitalizing river ecosystems.
2. Benefits: River restoration helps improve water quality, supports biodiversity, and provides scenic areas for leisure activities. It also
enhances flood control and resilience against natural disasters.
Impact and Outcomes
Tokyo’s green initiatives have yielded positive outcomes, including:
•Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effect: The increased greenery helps lower temperatures in urban areas, making the city more comfortable
during hot weather.
•Improved Air Quality: Vegetation absorbs pollutants, leading to cleaner air and better health outcomes for residents.
•Enhanced Quality of Life: The availability of green spaces and recreational areas contributes to the well-being and happiness of Tokyo’s
inhabitants.
Conclusion 27
Tokyo’s commitment to sustainability through green initiatives demonstrates how urban areas can balance development with environmental