Proposal for Mining Research in Caraga

PCIERD Form 01-D

PCIERD Form 01-DI. Program Title: Caraga Responsible Mining R&D Program: Towards Sustainable Development in the RegionII. Program Scale: Regional Research ProgramIII. Program Goal and Objectives:

Program Goal:

Responsible mining in Caraga Region anchored on sound decision support system developed from information generated through R&D

Program Objectives:

1) Socio-economic and cultural impact analysis of the mining industries (large, medium, small & artisanal) in and around key mining areas in Caraga Region

2) Assess the impact of mining to the local economy and governance in the key mining areas of Caraga Region

3) Assess the biodiversity in freshwater aquatic systems near key mining areas in Caraga Region4) Describe the biodiversity in the marine ecosystems interconnected with the nickel mines of Claver and Carrascal5) Determine heavy metal load and histopathologic analysis of the vital organs in key bioindicator fishes in associated mining areas

6) Assess, profile and monitor Artisanal and Small-scale Mining in key areas of Caraga Region

7) Determine the vulnerability of major agricultural systems adjacent to mining areas

8) Ecological restoration in nickel mine toward reduction of mining Impacts in the Surigao Provinces

9) Develop information systems for geo-hazard assessment and mapping of mining sites in Caraga RegionIV. Proponent: Caraga State University Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)Surigao del Sur State University (SdSSU)Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT)Surigao State College of TechnologyV. Contact Person: Dr. Joanna B. CuencaPresident, Caraga State University &

Chair, Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)Ampayon, Butuan City 8600

Email: [email protected]: 085-3421079

VI. Program Leader: Dr. Rowena P. Varela, Vice President for Research and Extension Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)Ampayon, Butuan City 8600

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Telefax: 085-3426251

VII. Primary Cooperating Agencies: National Economic Development Authority (NEDA-13)

Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Caraga)

Mines and Geosciences Bureau-13 (MGB-13)Environment Monitoring Bureau-13 (EMB-13)Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Forest Management

Division 13 (DENR-FMD 13)

Department of Agriculture-RFU 13

Department of Interior and Local Government-13 (DILG-13)

Department of Trade and Industry-13

Caraga Chamber of MinesLGU-Surigao del NorteLGU-Agusan del NorteLGU-Agusan del SurLGU-Surigao del SurLGU-Claver, Surigao del NorteLGU-Rosario, Agusan del SurLGU, Santiago, Agusan del NorteVIII. Program Duration: July 2012-June 2015IX. Rationale and JustificationThe Philippines, being one of the countries around the Pacific Ring of Fire, is rich in mineral resources. In fact, it is regarded to have one of the richest iron and gold deposits in Asia. Nickel, which co-exists with iron is also abundant in the country. Caraga Region, which lies in the Pacific side of the Philippine Archipelago, has the richest mineral deposits in the country. The sprawling Iron Mountain at the northern tip of the Mount Diwata Range separating Surigao del Norte from Surigao del Sur hosts a number of registered mining firms due to its rich iron and nickel deposits. The southern portion of the Mount Diwata Range in Agusan del Sur contiguous to the famous Mt. Diwalwal of Compostela Valley is also very rich in gold deposits. Similarly, the portion of Mt. Hilong-Hilong Range in the Taguibo and Andanan Watersheds are mined for manganese. Due to this fact, over one-thirds of the registered mining firms in the country are operating in Caraga Region. This figure does not include the mining firms that are still on the exploration phase and the small mining operations which are clustered under the Minahan ng Bayan concept. Mining, as a business, is economically rewarding. However, it is highly destructive to the environment considering the extraction of minerals from the earth that affects the integrity of the soil, site clearing that impacts on the resident biodiversity, and the operation-associated generation of dusts, tailings and other pollutants that can run to secondary impact areas such as settlement areas, agri-production and fishery areas and water bodies. In many countries where mining is permitted by law, policies are put in place to reduce the impact of the operation to the environment. In the Philippines, a number of policies have been formulated to prevent massive environmental destruction in relation to mining. The opening of the country for mining investments has invited mining firms from abroad to locate in Caraga Region. Despite the laws and local ordinances formulated to minimize the impacts of mining to the environment, issues on mining-related disasters and risks, mine tailings contaminating the fresh and marine waters as well as rapid biodiversity loss and cultural degradation are still heard on radio, seen on TV, and read on dailies. Hence, the Philippines through the Committee on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) under the Philippine Senate initiated the Innovation Clustering of Research and Development (R&D) which identified Responsible Mining as a major area of concentration. Through the COMSTEs Responsible Mining Program, the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Caraga Region are tasked to conduct R&D to address issues associated with mining. The information and technologies generated from the R&D efforts will be used in coming up with potential solutions to negative impacts as well as a guide in developing protocols for responsible mining in Caraga Region. The Responsible Mining Program of Caraga Region will address the following:

1) How extensive is the existing mining area and what is the potential area expansion in the next 5-10 years?

2) Which portions of the mining areas are disaster-prone, high-risk areas and may cause hazards to people?

3) What are the processes and strategies done by existing mining firms to restore the mined-out areas in terms of top soil restoration and assisted natural regeneration of the biotic communities? Are there training and workshops conducted for the communities to be aware and supportive of these activities?

4) What are the safety and health concerns associated with mining in the various mining sites in Caraga? What have been done to address these issues thereby minimizing the negative impacts?

5) What are the methods used in the small mining of Caraga Region? Are these methods/techniques hazardous to the operators and to the communities? If so, how are these addressed to reduce the hazards?

6) a. To what extent have the key mining areas disturbed the resident biodiversity?

b. What are the species that are badly disturbed by the mining operations? c. What methods and strategies need to be applied to bring back the biodiversity in the area?

d. How long and how far will the restoration efforts of the mining firms and its

adopted communities be in order to initiate natural regeneration? e. What key species shall be used in monitoring the environmental health of the ecosystems within and around the mine sites?

7) What are the major pollutants generated by the mining operations that contaminate the waters, air and soil in the direct and indirect impact areas? What are the manifestations of the presence of these pollutants? How are these pollutants prevented to impact on the environment? What are the strategies implemented to reduce the risks of contamination?

8) What is the mining firms extent of compliance to the recommendations stipulated in the EIA? How effective the strategies and the methods are in terms of reducing the environmental impacts?

9) What potential bioremediation processes be done to reduce the risk of contamination in water bodies and soil from generated pollutants?

10) How are tailings managed in the various mining firms? GHG emissions?

11) What are the value-adding processes employed by the mining firms in Caraga? In small mining? To what extent are these processes impact on the environment and health of the operators as well as the people in the surrounding communities? Are there trade-offs in employing these processes? How much?

12) How long is the life cycle of a nickel mine? Gold mine? Manganese mine? Iron mine? What are the processes along the various phases of the mines life cycle that are hazardous and destructive to the environment? How are these addressed by the policies formulated at the local and national level? How the people can contribute in minimizing the hazards and destructions brought about by mining operations in their communities?

XI. Project Components:

Project I - Socio-economic Characterization, Cultural Studies, Policy Review and Impact Analyses of Selected Mining Areas in Caraga

Project 2 Assessment of Biodiversity in Aquatic Systems near Key Mining Areas in Caraga RegionStudy 1: Aquatic Plants Assessment in Ponds and Lakes in Selected Mining Areas in Caraga RegionStudy 2: Water Quality, Phytoplankton and Macroinvertebrates Diversity of the Freshwater Systems Associated with Mining Areas in CaragaStudy 3: Diversity and abundance of freshwater fishes in associated mining areas in CaragaStudy 4: Heavy metal and histopathologic analysis of the vital organs in key bioindicator fishes in associated mining areasProject 3 - Assessment of the Marine Ecosystems in Claver SDN and Carrascal SDS

Project 4 - Assessment of the Terrestrial Floristic Composition in Areas Within and Outside Key Mining Areas in Caraga Region

Project 5 - Assessment of Vertebrate Fauna in Key Mining Areas of Caraga Region and Development of GIS and Web-based Database as Decision-Support SystemProject 6 - Monitoring, Assessment and Profiling of Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (MAP-ASM) in Key Areas of Caraga Region, Mindanao, Philippines

Project 7 - Vulnerability and Impact Assessment of Major Agricultural Systems Adjacent to Mining Areas Project 8 - Ecological Restoration in Nickel Mine toward Reduction of Mining Impacts

in the Surigao Provinces

Project 9 - Information Systems for Geo-Hazard Assessment and Mapping of Mining Sites in Caraga Region

Budget Summary

Component/ProjectImplementing AgencyDuration (Years)Funding SourceY1 BudgetTotal Budget for the Entire Duration

Program Coordination and Management

Honorarium:

Program Leader @ 14,600/mo

Program Consultants (on a

per transaction basis) Science Research Assistant (2 pax) @

17,500 per month

Program Review and Evaluators

Visit @ 2 reviews/year

Representation Expenses

Travelling Expenses

Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)3 yearsDOST-PCIEERD175,200

108,000

227,500

100,000

100,000

80,000525,600

324,000

455,000

300,000

250,000

160,000

Program Coordination and Management

Total790,7002,014,600

Proj I - Socio-economic Characterization, Cultural Studies, Policy Review and Impact Analyses of Selected Mining Areas in Caraga

Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD1,055,560

2,012,120

Proj 2 Assessment of Biodiversity in Aquatic Systems near Key Mining Areas in Caraga RegionCaraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD5,750,36012,515,800

Study 1: Aquatic Plants Assessment in Ponds and Lakes in Selected Mining Areas in Caraga RegionCaraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD1,355,8602,592,920

Study 2: Water Quality, Phytoplankton and Macroinvertebrates Diversity of the Freshwater Systems Associated with Mining Areas in CaragaCaraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD1,783,7603,024,120

Study 3: Diversity and abundance of freshwater fishes in associated mining areas in CaragaCaraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD1,444,0804,591,840

Study 4: Heavy metal and histopathologic analysis of the vital organs in key bioindicator fishes in associated mining areasCaraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD1,166,6602,306,920

Proj 3 - Assessment of the Marine Ecosystems in Claver SDN and Carrascal SDS Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD2,021,3602,986,720

Proj 4 - Assessment of the Terrestrial Floristic Composition in Areas Within and Outside Key Mining Areas in Caraga RegionCaraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD1,356,8502,554,200

Proj 5 - Assessment of Vertebrate Fauna in Key Mining Areas of Caraga Region and Development of GIS and Web-based Database as Decision-Support SystemCaraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)3 yearsDOST-PCIEERD1,369,2803,771,240

Proj 6 - Monitoring, Assessment and Profiling of Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (MAP-ASM) in Key Areas of Caraga Region, Mindanao, Philippines

Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)1 yearDOST-PCIEERD2,055,6802,055,680

Proj 7 - Vulnerability and Impact Assessment of Major Agricultural Systems Adjacent to Mining Areas Impacts in the Surigao ProvincesCaraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD1,386,6602,734,600

Proj 8 - Ecological Restoration in Nickel Mine toward Reduction of MiningCaraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)2 yearsDOST-PCIEERD939,4001,779,800

Proj 9 - Information Systems for Geo-Hazard Assessment and Mapping of Mining Sites in Caraga Region

Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)1 yearDOST-PCIEERD1,211,100 1,211,100

GRAND TOTAL17,936,95033,635,860

IX. Program ComponentsProject I: Socio-economic Characterization, Cultural Studies, Policy Review and Impact Analyses of Selected Mining Areas in Caraga

Leader/ Gender: Raquel M. Balanay (CASNR, CSU),Project Staff:

Adrilene Mae J. Castanos (CSU)

Ordem K. Maglinte (CSU)

Aisa O. Manlosa (CSU)

Sheila Reyes (ASSCAT)Jocelyn Panduyos (SDSSU)Lead Agency: Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)Complete Address: Ampayon, Butuan CityEmail: [email protected]

Nature and Significance of the Project

Caraga Region is currently among the popular destinations of mining companies all over the world; perhaps the mining capital in the Philippines. To date, 41 percent of the countrys registered mining firms situated in the region. This is largely due to its tremendous mineral deposits of extremely high value to industries, such as nickel, gold, iron and manganese that are extracted in vast amounts by large and small mining firms. Most of the extracted earth materials by these firms are shipped abroad for further processing into household appliances, medical and computer paraphernalia. Coal deposits, being abundant, are extracted as well by some of these companies for the raw material needs of energy production here and overseas. Policies favoring mining has ushered early on thus intensified mining activities in the region. The northern tip of Mount Diwata Range separating Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, the southern part of the same mountain range contiguous to Mount Diwalwal of Compostela Valley, and Mount Hilong-hilong in the critical Taguibo and Andanan watersheds are the key mining areas, where iron and nickel, gold and manganese are richly deposited and mined out, respectively.

With the policies that the Minahan ng Bayan Act and the Mining Act of the Philippines enforce, the Regional Development Council led by the National Economic Development Authority13 (NEDA-13) counted mining as an essential player in regional development, formally recognizing its principal role in the FAME (Fishery, Agri-forestry, Mineral and Eco-tourism) development agenda for 2010-2020. Along this line, forecasts on income and opportunities have been propitious, which ably put mining on the pedestal in terms of income generation and economic significance. However, due to extractive nature, mining has become central in heated discourses over a variety of economic and environmental causes, because the trade-offs of minings huge contributions have just exhibited a loathsome side. Extensive contamination and pollution, geophysical degradation encroaching biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems, displacement of communities and erosion of cultural heritage are some general concerns that spoil much the potential of mining in nation-building and economic reconstruction efforts of the country. Mining is now increasingly despised because the said trade-offs are grossly detrimental to the welfare of society, culture and most importantly, the environment.

With the dual sides of mining, a risk of running into a worsened scenario could escalate multi-stakeholders concerns, that include the tribal people living near the mining sites. This is because of the reported cases of damages and changed dynamics attributed to the proliferation and uncurbed malpractices in mining. Thus, to address appropriately the varied issues, a need to look comprehensively into mining as an industry is deemed important. Inasmuch as the mining issues are multi-faceted, the cultural and socio-economic dimension is to be dealt with to shed light on associated impacts induced by mining in key areas. This is for the ultimate objective of enabling mining in Caraga Region that is responsible enough in striking the best balance between economic development and environmental integrity with deep respect to culture, as an expression of commitment to improving adaptation and resiliency of communities as well as empowering the indigenous people in the country. Since benchmark information about the industry and its cultural and socio-economic impacts to nearby ecosystems and communities is yet to be organized comprehensively, research efforts are sought to deal with these appropriately. This is also for the identification of proper policy interventions and instruments for mining. Thus, the following studies are laid out to generate the comprehensive benchmark information about the mining industry in Caraga Region.

Study 1: Socio- cultural impact analysis of the mining industries (large, medium, small & artisanal) in key mining areas in Caraga Region

Objectives:

1. To determine the socio-demographic characteristics of mining communities (IP and non-IP) in key mining areas in terms of:

a. Personal profileb. Economic profilec. Ethnicity/ ethnic origind. Education ( highest educational attainment/ aspirations)e. Health ( diet, illnesses, health practices)

2. To determine the impact of mining activities on the social aspects of the communities (IP and non-IP) in terms of:

a. social relations b. family structuresc. gender issues d. political participation3. To determine the impact of mining activities on the cultural aspects of the communities (IP and non-IP) in terms of :

A. Cultural heritage B. Immovable: Sites (burial sites; sacred sites etc.)

C. Tangibles/objects: indoors [artifacts]D. Living heritage a. Peoples voices a.i. historya.ii. arts and music a.iii. customs and traditionsa.iv. beliefs and practices

4. To recommend policy on socio-cultural interventions to address the problem and issues associated with the impact of mining activities on the communities (IP and Non-IP).

Study 2. Analysis on employment generation and local labor dynamics associated with mining in Caraga Region

Objectives

a. To document the employment opportunities generated by mining and the utilization of local labor for these opportunities

b. To determine the dynamics associated with local labor utilization, livelihood decision-making and activities in the key mining areas

c. To analyze the benefits and risks earned by the local people from their engagement in mining and related activities vis--vis the varied opportunities generated by mining

d. To identify the problems and issues associated with the distribution of mining benefits to the people in the area

e. To recommend policy and socio-economic interventions to address the problems and issues associated with the distribution of mining benefits

Study 3. Assessment on the impact of mining to the local economy and governance in the key mining areas of Caraga Region

Objectives

a. To assess the knowledge and perception of the local people and government on the presence of mining in development context

b. To determine the contributions of mining firms to the local economy in the context of literacy/human, social and enterprise/economic development

c. To identify the issues associated with mining contributions for the local economy and governance

d. To recommend policy actions to address the associated issues

Study 4. Socio-economic vulnerability of the farming and fishing households in communities surrounding the key mining areas

Objectives

a. To determine the socio-economic characteristics of the communities, farming people and fisherfolks in the key mining areas of the region

b. To analyze the vulnerability of these communities, farming people and fisherfolks (in IPCC context) in the said areas

c. To determine the factors contributing to their socio-economic vulnerabilities and the problems and constraints that can worsen their socio-economic positions

d. To recommend measures that can address the contributing factors to the socio-economic vulnerability of the said people in the key mining areas

Review of Related Literature

Socio-cultural Studies

According to Emile Durkheim, an advocate of Structural Functionalist perspective that everything in the society is functional; every part of the society is important because each plays an important role to attain social equilibrium. When one part of the whole social system malfunctions, the whole system suffers. (Durkheim, 1964 as cited by Faraganis, J. 2000) In the case of the mining industry, the same theory applies. Being part of the economic social system, the industry is indeed functional just like any other part of the whole social system. However, when the mining industry operation is not following the responsible mining principle which is the safety net of the society, then possible negative social impacts may happen.

In the following excerpt, John-Mark Kilian, Director Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions (Pty) Ltd, the malady that may be brought about by mining industry not abiding to responsible mining principle is vividly described:

.Once mines close, the social impacts on employee households, communities and regions are mostly severe and long term, leaving thousands of people impoverished. Ghost towns develop in areas that were once heavily reliant on mining for economic sustainability. The majority of these people who were dependent on the mining operation for income are usually left stranded in an area that they cannot escape from, due to a lack of resources and capacity to ensure their sustainable integration into other sectors of the economy. The more affluent and skilled individuals usually leave the area and are able to successfully migrate to other economic activities and become reabsorbed into the economic mainstream. However, this is mostly only a minority of people. There is also often a lack of proper planning in the placement and rehabilitation of mine infrastructure, land and waste dumps in considering the future social and economic impact on communities and development for the region. After closure, mine waste deposits and unproductive, disturbed land are often left behind; this precludes the productive use of economically valuable land for the socio-economic development of communities over the long term.

The following statement of Cabiling (2011) of DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 13, Surigao City supports the functionalist perspective claim, to quote:

.If we operate in the mining industry with love, meaning we do it for the purpose to promote and enhance humanity then surely we will eliminate the greedy, reckless and careless ways in mining industry. If we work responsibly in the industry, then there is an honest activity in environmental protection, it would mean more children in a better furnished classrooms, it would translate to a better health care and a healthy living, a genuine progress and development will be enjoyed by the greater majority of Filipinos .

More observations were documented in several studies on mining to wit: in the findings of the study of Kuyek and Coumans (2003), communities that come to depend on mining to sustain their economies are especially vulnerable to negative social impacts, especially when the mine closes. Mining may also trigger indirect negative social impacts, such as alcoholism, prostitution, and sexually transmitted diseases (Miranda et al., 1998).

In the Philippines, upland ecosystems are under pressure because of the migration of small-scale farmers. The presence of mining industries in the same areas could also threaten the already sensitive upland ecosystems by stimulating additional migration (ESSC, 1999). Mining has provided jobs in an otherwise economically marginal area (Redwood, 1998) although in most cases these jobs are limited in number and duration. In the case of Claver, Surigao del Norte, the mining industry did really provide for jobs. While there are companies who paid their regular workers with reasonable compensation, there are also those who pay their workers with lesser salaries. Nowadays, the IPs in Claver are now identified with their motorcycles and cellular phones and other amenities. Some IPs, that used to be nomadic, are no longer itinerant people who keep on begging from their non-IP counterparts for their daily subsistence , rather they are now working in the mining companies of Claver (Cabiling, 2011).

According to MGB Director Leo Jasareno, there were several complaints filed against 4 large scale mining industries in the region concerning siltation, pollution, health hazards and nonpayment of extraction, business fees and taxes. Jasareno identified the firms as Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), Platinum Group Metals Corp. (PGMC) [ both are among the countrys leading exporters of nickel ore to Japan, China and Australia] and Claver Mining Corp., all based in Claver, Surigao del Norte, and San Roque Metals Inc. (SRMI) in Tubay, Agusan del Norte. Although, these charges were reportedly denied by Ryan Culima, the spokesman of SRMI, the people in the community attest to the reality of the charges. In fact, the communist rebels in the area attacked the mine sites last year as what a rebel leader called revolutionary punishment for causing massive environmental havoc and displacing indigenous communities (Franklin A. Caliguid, 2012).

Most of these mining firms are invading the ancestral domains of the indigenous people of Caraga. For this reason, the mining industries have a direct or indirect impact on the people and culture of the area. Most often than not, the frequently mentioned impacts are only those involving the people like health hazards, environmental degradation and labor displacement. The cultural dimension of the people specifically the indigenous people who are the most vulnerable [considering that they are the most disadvantaged and underprivileged in the society] are taken for granted. This cultural dimension is referred to as the cultural heritage of these people including material [burial sites and other sacred places] and non-material culture [traditions, beliefs and human relationships].

To determine the actual situation of the surrounding socio-cultural environment, affected individuals especially the indigenous people and communities, it is very important to consider the socio-cultural impacts of mining activities in the key mining areas.

Socio-economic Studies

Israel (2010) reported that among the most daunting constraints that mining in the Philippines has been facing is related to its being a generally extractive activity, as it has been traditionally practiced. As quoted, this makes the country a mere exporter of raw materials to industrialized countries and unable to benefit from value addition. His paper entitled National Industrialization in Philippine Mining: Review and Suggestions has assessed the mining sector on the basis of production performance over time and economic significance in terms of mineral exports, employment, investments and number of mining-related establishments as well as the conditions at which mining development could thrive. It tackled a great deal on national industrialization as a long-term strategy in support to mining development in the Philippines. However, for mining to develop, Kloeckner (2010), as cited by Israel (2010), asserted that compliance to important requirements is necessary, which included those associated with the legal, fiscal and environmental policies to support strong mining institutions with accountability and transparency; clear environmental and social policies as well as compliance standards that achieve rigorous standards of environmental and social conduct, which would include providing support to local and indigenous populations. In short, to develop an industrialized and at the same time sustainable mining industry, society will have to consider the relative value of the environment, social equity and economic prosperity, the report implied.

Ticci (2011) in investigating the Peruvian mining industry and its socioeconomic impacts during the boom period of mining in the mid 1990s noted that mining has caused encouragement of migration inflows to the mining districts and affected the sectoral composition of the labor force in these areas. The research also showed no multiplicative effect of mining growth on non-mining and non-agricultural activities and no boost to the process of economic diversification towards the non-primary sector, in spite of the great expectations and the presence of new institutional and legislative settings. Significant heterogeneity was likewise observed in impacts on labor opportunities and on access to basic services across urban and rural, and between districts with a long history of mining exploitation and new mining areas. Further review of Ticcis paper reveals a great deal of findings from earlier researches about the advantages and disadvantages of mining. Excerpt of Ticcis review (citing many authors) on the impacts of mining has the following in verbatim:

The debate on the relationship between mining, growth and poverty is still open. Natural resources are regarded both as a blessing and as a curse. Mineral resources are a form of wealth and as such, their extraction might contribute to human and economic development. Resource abundance can attract inflows of mining investments and help technological transfer and innovative capacity (Wright, 1999); the mining industry can provide tax revenues and create new jobs, while mining exports represent a rich source of foreign currency. It has observed, for example, that some advanced economies (e.g. Australia and Canada), based their development process of natural resource extraction (Adelman and Morris, 1988; De Ferranti et al., 2001). At the same time, extraction of raw commodities poses great developmental challenges: incentives for corruption and rent-seeking activities, the so-called Dutch Disease and crowding out of other sectors (Auty, 1993and 2001; Gylfason, 2001; Matsuyama, 1992), exposure to commodity price volatility (Ross, 2001; Blattman et al., 2007; Hausmann and Rigobon, 2003; Poelhekke and van der Ploeg, 2007) and negative health and environmental externalities (Pegg, 2006; Bebbington et al., 2008).

One of the most controversial issues is the impact on local communities. On the one hand, populations living close to mines are the most exposed to water, air and soil pollution of the mining industry; they are likely to compete with mines for the governance of the territory and for water and land use; they set distribution of fiscal resources, low complementarities with local firms and the low labor intensity of technology can jeopardize pro-poor and employment effects and the spill-over of mining investments.

Figure 1 particularly shows the impact map of mining development particularly in the local economies as conceptualized by Ticci (2011). Meanwhile, the report of Ticci (2011) made use of difference-in-difference (DD) and propensity score matching (PSM) technique to draw the impacts and the dynamics resulting from mining development with the comparison of the mining and non-mining districts. PSM is a technique developed in the literature as an instrument for evaluating social programs. Its combination with DD aids in the estimation of the effects of the mining boom on a set of outcomes in the study of Ticci (2011).

Figure 1. Main Channels of Mining Impacts on Local Economies (Source: Ticci, 2011)

The study of Gillespie and Kragt (2010) corroborates the findings of Ticci (2011). By means of choice experiments, it has specifically shown that community well-being has declined with the increase in the kilometers of streams, the hectares of swamps, and the number of aboriginal sites affected by mine subsidence. However, community well-being would increase with the length of time that the mine could provide 320 jobs. Incorporating implicit price estimates from the choice experiment into the benefit-cost analysis of continued mining was employed to assess the economic efficiency of a range of environmental restrictions on the proposed mining operations. Even though the mine generates negative environmental externalities, the continuation of mining was found to be economically efficient under a range of policy scenarios, the study showed.

Gurrib (2010) with the use of vector autoregressive (VAR) models has defragmented mining and service industries to find out their impacts on structural change. In the study, the VAR model where activity is measured in terms of output shows social and business services to have more forecasting abilities than other variables, while the VAR model where activity is measured in terms of investment shows the mining industry to have relatively less Mean Absolute Error forecasts. The study reported noticeable shifts from the traditional agricultural and manufacturing industries with the services and mining industries capturing most of those structural shifts in the economy. The said movements are attributed not only due to Australia policy changes with respect to deregulation and removal of protectionism, rising demand for services and more trade with emerging markets, but also due to three mining booms that occurred in the last fifty years. The forecasts generated by VAR in the study were observed to deteriorate as data were regressed from one to twelve months ahead. This suggests a need for longer forecast period for each step to avoid cyclical fluctuations when measuring structural change.

Similarly, the use of Social Accounting Matrix by Fatah et al. (2007) has generated analyses on the impacts of mining particularly of coal mining on the economy of Kalimantan Province in Indonesia. It has been used to do simulations to find alternative policies on the coal industry that are suitable for economic improvement and environmental sustainability. The results of the analysis showed that the said mining is growing with the largescale firms more profitable economically than the small-scale ones. But in terms of environmental impact, the small-scale firms are a better choice because they exploit less resource. Taxation is recommended in the study as a sound step to reduce the level of exploitation to save the environment and the consequent use of taxes as transfer payments to support the needs of the lower income households in the province. Identical impacts have been pointed out as well in several studies such as those conducted by Coon and Leistriz (2003) and Lambert and Shaw (2000).

Meanwhile, the paper of Freebairn and Quiggin (2010) explored on the efficiency and equity arguments for a resource rent tax which is expected to collect over time more revenue than royalties, options and issues in the measurement of the economic rent, and some of the important practical issues associated with the adoption of the proposed resource rent taxes in the case of Australias mining industry. Among the many issues tackled in the paper was a characteristic of mining; that, as quoted, mining is characterized by much uncertainty. By this, it means knowledge is imperfect about the quality and quantity of exploitable minerals and energy, and about future technology, input costs, output prices, and often government taxation, environmental and other policies. Different players have different sets of knowledge and expectations. The same is true with the government that is faced with imperfect knowledge of the information held by different miners, which received counter arguments from economists that rejected the notion on economic rent. However, the findings of the study yield indications positive for the adoption of economic rent base system, for reasons that such system would reduce efficiency losses from reducing distortive choices of mining investments and production decisions, and would provide the opportunity to collect returns on community-owned natural resources in a less distorting way.

The above literatures are importantly suggesting some aspects that must be highlighted in the proposed study, as such gives direct answers to the cultural and socioeconomic tendencies and impacts of mining. Specifically, Figure 1 provides a good guide to tracing the consequences of mining on the issue of cultural and socioeconomic dynamics, particularly the shifts in households livelihood decisions and local governments development priorities. Since this study is yet to establish the baseline information on the consequences and impacts of mining in Caraga Region, the aspects and issues reviewed herein will be dealt with seriously.

Methodology

Area of the Study

The study will be conducted in the major mining areas in Caraga Region. These areas refer to the communities in the northern tip and the southern part of Mt. Magdiwata and in Mt. Hilong-hilong. The selection of specific communities in these areas will depend greatly on their critical conditions associated with mining. The tribal communities in these areas will be importantly covered in this study.

Type of Data and Method of Data Collection

All studies will make use of primary and secondary data to meet the information needs of the project. The primary data will be gathered particularly by means of direct interviews that will be guided by a questionnaire to facilitate the process. The interviews will be conducted with the local government officials, peoples organizations leaders, community leaders and residents in the key mining areas of the region. The local government officials and the various leaders to be involved in the interviews will be selected purposively based on engagements with mining companies and knowledge about mining. The local people will be selected randomly and extensively from three sites: close to mining sites, a bit far from the mining sites and far from mining sites to capture the possibilities of differing views and characteristics, especially on exposure to hazards of different types.

Also for comparative impact assessment, information about particular parameters will be also gathered from the non-mining, old mining and new mining districts, which is a method followed in the study of Ticci (2011). The varying proximities from the mining sites will be defined later to be precise in the conduct of data gathering activities. Focus group discussions will be also done to provide substantive explanations to the findings of each study. For the cultural studies, data will gathered by close community observation and interviews with some elders in the tribal groups. Meanwhile, the secondary information will pertain to the policies, time-series economic and investment data associated with mining, and other information that will be relevant to the investigation of mining impacts over time.

Method of Data Analysis

Descriptive statistics will be used in most of the studies to capture the information that would tell the socio-economic impact of mining in the key mining areas of Caraga Region. Documentary analysis will be resorted for the qualitative data or information, particularly in Study 1. However, specific analytical tools will be employed to investigate the impacts of mining in the key mining areas. In Study 2, the dynamics of employment generation, local labor utilization, livelihood decision-making and activities will be determined by means of tracking the employment opportunities offered by mining companies, occupational changes of people in the area, AFNR industry changes and labor employment in AFNR in terms of indices relative to the mining industry in the area. This will be analyzed in depth with the use of difference-in-difference (DD) with propensity-score matching and logit model.

Study 3 will take note of structural changes caused by mining and in analyzing this aspect, a structural change index (SCI) will be estimated. Further analysis on similar matter would use Granger causality testing and a vector autoregressive (VAR) model to determine whether the structural shifts are caused by mining. With the help of Ticcis study, the investigation on mining contributions to the local economy will be deal more closely on the aspects of public goods and access to public services; financial, physical and human capital; social capital; migration flows and urbanization; farming activities; relative and absolute local prices, wages and employment, and sector composition of local economy.

In Study 4, an IPCC framework of vulnerability assessment will be used as guide in the analysis, where vulnerability is a function of sensitivity, exposure and adaptive capacity. Principal component analysis will be used in determining the contributing factors of the peoples socio-economic vulnerability in the third study. For impact evaluation on economic aspects, econometric methods using ordinary least squares estimation and perhaps instrumental variables to adjust with problems on endogeneity will be applied.

Literature Cited

Cabiling, Bebot. 2001. DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 13, Caraga, Surigao City Philippines.Caliguid, Franklin A. 2012. Inquirer Mindanao February 5th,2012, Sunday Edition.

Coon, R. C. and Leistritz, F. L. 2003. North Dakota Lignite Energy Industrys Contribution to the State Economy for 2002 and Projected for 2003. AAE 03002. Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Dakota State University Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) (1999a), Decline of the Philippine Forest. Makati City, Philippines: Bookmark Inc.

Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) (1999b), Mining Revisited: Can an Understanding of Perspectives Help? Quezon City, Philippines: ESSC.

Readings in Social Theory, edited by James Faraganis, pp. 63-68, Chapter 2. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2000. ISBN 0-07-230060-4.Fatah, L., Udiansyah, Imansyah, M. H. and Khairuddin, G. 2007. The Impacts of Coal Mining on the Economy and Environment of South Kalimantan

Gurrib, I. 2010.The Impact of Mining and Service Industries on the Structural Change of Australia. International Journal of Economic Sciences and Applied Research 4(2):35-51

Kilian, John-Mark, Director Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions (Pty) Ltd.

Kuyek, J. and C. Coumans (2003), No Rock Unturned: Revitilizing the Economies of Mining Dependent Communities. MiningWatch Canada: Ottawa, Canada. Available online at:http://www.miningwatch.ca. Last accessed March 11, 2012.

Miranda, M. A. Blanco-Uribe Q., L. Hernndez, J. Ochoa G., E. Yerena (1998), All That Glitters is Not

Gold: Balancing Conservation and Development in Venezuelas Frontier Forests, World Resources Institute: Washington, DC.Redwood, J. (1998), Social Benefits and Costs of Mining: The Carajs Iron Ore Project, In G. McMahon (ed.) Mining and the Community: Results of the Quito Conference, Washington, DC: The World Bank,1998.

Ticci, E. 2011. Extractive Industries and Local Development in the Peruvian Highlands: Socio-economic Impacts of the Mid-1990s Mining Boom. EUI Working Paper RSCAS 2011/14. Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute

Budgetary Requirements

ParticularsQ1Q2Q3Q4Total for Year 1 Year 2Grand Total

I. Personal Services

A. Direct Cost

Honoraria

Project Leader @ P 8,800/month26,400.0026,400.0026,400.0026,400.00105,600.00105,600.00211,200.00

Project Staff (5 pax) @ P 4,800/month72,000.0072,000.0072,000.0072,000.00288,000.00288,000.00576,000.00

98,400.0098,400.0098,400.0098,400.00393,600.00393,600.00787,200.00

II. Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses

A. Direct Cost

Traveling/Sampling Expenses20,000.0020,000.0020,000.0020,000.0080,000.0080,000.00160,000.00

Communication Expenses4,000.004,000.004,000.004,000.0016,000.0016,000.0032,000.00

Supplies and materials25,000.0025,000.0025,000.0025,000.00100,000.00100,000.00200,000.00

Rentals 15,000.0015,000.0015,000.0015,000.0060,000.0060,000.00120,000.00

Other Services (Labor, Guide)20,000.0020,000.0020,000.0020,000.0080,000.0080,000.00160,000.00

Professional Services30,000.0030,000.0030,000.0030,000.00120,000.00100,000.00220,000.00

Miscellaneous Expenses10,000.0010,000.0010,000.0010,000.0040,000.0040,000.0080,000.00

Subtotal for MOOE124,000.00124,000.00124,000.00124,000.00496,000.00476,000.00972,000.00

III. Capital/Equipment Outlay

Camera 50,000.00 50,000 50,000.00

Laptop Computer 20,000.00 20,000 20,000.00

Subtotal for Capital/Equipment Outlay70,000.000.000.000.0070,000.000.0070,000.00

IV. Administrative Cost (10% of Project Cost)29,240.0022,240.0022,240.0022,240.0095,960.0086,960.00182,920.00

GRAND TOTAL321,640.00244,640.00244,640.00244,640.001,055,560.00956,560.002,012,120.00

Project 2

Assessment of Biodiversity in Aquatic Systems near Key Mining Areas in Caraga RegionLeader/ Gender: Joycelyn C. Jumawan (CAS, CSU)Lead Agency: Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)Complete Address: Ampayon, Butuan CityEmail: [email protected]

Study 1: Aquatic Plants Assessment in Ponds and Lakes in Selected Mining Areas in Caraga RegionLeader/ Gender:

Jess H. Jumawan (Biology Dept, CSU),Project Staff:

MeljanDemetillo (CSU)

Roger Sarmiento (CSU)

Julius Gloria (SSDSU)Emmylou Borja (SSCT)Junielito Cortes (SDSSU)

Meriam Makinano-Santillan (CSU)Lead Agency: Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)Complete Address: Ampayon, Butuan CityEmail: [email protected]


Rivers and lakes are important components of wetland ecosystems and they support rich biodiversity and high productivity. Because of this, wetlands have become important sites for biological conservation worldwide (Rolon, 2010). The unique interplay of this dynamic ecosystem is important to the people in the communities as well. Wetlands act as biofilters as they take large amounts of organic and inorganic nutrients (Bupendra, 2008). The nutrients were subjected to various dynamic processes of nutrient cycling which feeds the entire food chain. They are also important routes or stop over of migratory birds. Wetlands that are left unchecked also might cause to choke the ecosystem and cause disasters. An incident in Cotabato City when water hyacinths block the rivers has caused flash floods during heavy rains (Howard, 2011). Also, algal blooms which later result to fish kills causing a tragedy in Laguna de Bay (Jalandoni, 2010).

Wetland research in the Philippines is relatively scarce and limited to anecdotal reports in terms of adverse effects. According to Millenium Ecosystem Assessment in 2005 (as cited by Rolon, 2010), agriculture has been identified as main activity responsible for the decline of natural wetlands all over the world. Leaching of wastewater from mining areas would also cause habitat destruction of wetlands. At present, several mining companies have been operating in Agusan del Sur and many unregulated small scale mining operations are still unverified.

Wetland biodiversity has greatly reduced worldwide and more than 50% of these ecosystems have been lost in the last century due to human activities (Shine, 1999). This trend of worldwide destruction to wetlands is also happening in Agusan de Sur. Hence, an inventory of aquatic plants within the locality of mining areas and assessment of their vulnerability need be conducted.

Objectives of the Study:

1. To inventory of aquatic plant species in the wetlands contiguous to key mining areas.

2. To describe the characteristics of the water and sediments of the ponds or lakes.

3. To describe the diversity of aquatic plants in terms of species richness, similarity index and evenness of distribution4. To characterize the species in terms of habitat types and whether endemic, invasive or alien species.

5. To construct a GIS distribution map of the species present in the study area.

Review of LiteratureLackingMethodology

The Sampling Areas.

There are several noted ponds and lakes within Agusan del sur. Many are located within the locality of mining areas. Reconnaissance on the presence of ponds and lakes will be conducted within the sampling areas. Potential sites for study will be identified and the location will be noted with GPS coordinates. Available maps and satellite images from reliable websites will be gathered. The area will be analyzed and appropriate sampling techniques for aquatic plant assessment will be employed.

The line-intercept method.

The favored sampling procedure to be employed is the line intercept method described by Madsen, 1999. This technique has been widely used in aquatic plant surveys. Each pond or lake will be treated as a sampling plot. In the center of each plot, four or five 100-m transects, depending on the size of the plot, will be established. The transects will be marked with intervals every 1 m and to be spaced 25 meters apart. This will be deployed perpendicular to shore or to the longest part of the plot. Aquatic plants will be identified and documented within the 1 meter length of the transect. Water depth beyond 3 feet will be collected using appropriate snorkeling gears. Additional data on water depth will also be noted in relation to the occurrence of the species.

Species inventory.

Reliable identification and field guides will be used in the identification of the species. Manuals and pictorial guides developed from other countries shall also be used in species identification due to scarcity of materials in the Philippines. Some of these will be from the books of Gerber, 2004 and Stevens, 2009; Plant species will be photographed and documented. Only one sample per species will be collected from the each of the sampling plots. The collected species will be preserved and prepared for herbarium specimen.

Sediment characterization

The collected sediment samples will be analyzed visually and with the aid of microscopes. The characterization of sediments in the bottom of ponds and lakes shall be done following the description of Perleberg and Loso (2009).

Data Analysis

Species richness, Shannons diversity index, Simpsons index of diversity, and Sorensens similarity index will be employed according to the formula described by Odum (1971). Species richness will give a picture on the variety of plant species found in the study area. Shannons and Simpsons community indices will be adapted because they have different considerations and both will be used to give insight on plant communities. Sorensens similarity index will be employed to compare plant communities between the different plant communities.

Characterization of habitat types and as native or invasive alien species

The identified plants will be characterized in two categories: (1) based on habitat types and (2) whether its endemic or invasive alien species. The habitat characterization will be based on the description of the book Aquatic Plants by Norma Jean Venable. It will be described as to whether they are freefloating, totally submersed, bottom rooted and floating, emergent and rooted, totally emergent, with roots in water or mud, and streambank and wet area plants. While the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)s Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) will characterize the collected aquatic plants as endemic or IAS.

Distribution map using GIS

Global positioning system (GPS) will be used to gather the location of the sampling plots. Primary data on species composition, sediments, species richness, diversity indices, habitat types and as endemic or IAS will be incorporated to the make a distribution map. This will be presented in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to make a vivid understanding n the distribution, composition, status and diversity of aquatic plants in the sampling area.

Literature CitedBhupendra S. Adhikari, Mani M. Babu. 2008. Floral diversity of Baanganga Wetland, Uttarakhand, India. Check List 4(3): 279290, 2008.Gerber,A., CJ Cilliers, C van Ginkel and R Glen. 2004. Easy Identification Of Aquatic Plants. Department of Water Affairs Government Printers, Pretoria, South Africa.Howard, CJ. 2011. Water hyacinths: The scourge of Cotabato? ANC. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/06/22/11/water-hyacinths-scourge-cotabato

Jalandoni, A. 2010.Massive Fishkill Hits Laguna Lake. abs-cbn news. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/16/10/massive-fishkill-hits-laguna-lake.Madsen, J. D., J. W. Sutherland, J. A. Bloomfield, L. W. Eichler and C. W. Boylen. 1991. The decline of native vegetation under dense Eurasian watermilfoil canopies. J. Aquat. Plant Manage. 29:94-99Madsen, J. D. (1999). Point intercept and line intercept methods for aquatic plant management. APCRP Technical Notes Collection(TN APCRP-M1-02). U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS. www.wes.army.mil/el/aqua.Perleberg, D. and S. Loso. 2009. Aquatic vegetation of Norway Lake (DOW 11-0307-00) Cass County, Minnesota, May 2008. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ecological Resources Division, 1601 Minnesota Dr., Brainerd, MN 56401.17 pp.

Rolon, AS, HF Homem and L Maltchik. 2010. Aquatic macrophytes in natural and managed wetlands of Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Brazil. Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia, 2010, vol. 22, no. 2, p. 133-146Stevens, M and E van Oosterhout. 2009. Recognising Water Weeds. Plant Identification Guide. The State of New South Wales Industry & InvestmentShine, C. and Klemm, C. 1999. Wetlands, Water and the Law: Using Law To Advance Wetland Conservation and Wise Use. Gland: IUCN. 348 p.Venable, NJ. ___. Aquatic plants. Guide To Aquatic and Wetland Plants of West Virginia. Cooperative Extension Service West Virginia University Extension and Public Service.

Budgetary RequirementsITEMSQ1Q2Q3Q4Y1Y2TOTAL


A. Direct Cost

Honoraria


Project Staff (6 pax) @ P 4,800/month86,400.0086,400.0086,400.0086,400.00345,600.00345,600.00691,200.00

Research Assistant @ 17,500/month 52,500.0052,500.0052,500.0070,000.00227,500.00227,500.00455,000.00

+ 13th Month Pay

165,300.00165,300.00165,300.00182,800.00678,700.00678,700.001,357,400.00


A. Direct Cost



Office Supplies and materials20,000.0020,000.0020,000.0020,000.0080,000.0080,000.00160,000.00

Field and Lab Supplies & Materials

Snorkel, booties, Wading gear (3 pairs)32,000.0032,000.0032,000.00

Ropes, shears, plastic bags, ziplocks5,000.005,000.005,000.0010,000.00

Sampling rakes @ 700/piece (2 pcs)1,400.001,400.001,400.002,800.00

Denatured alcohol2,000.002,000.002,000.004,000.00

Chest coolers4,000.004,000.004,000.00

Field notebook5005005001000

Paper bags5,000.005,000.005,000.0010,000.00

Rentals 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 120,000.00

Professional Services20,000.0020000200002000080,000.0080,000.00160,000.00

Subtotal for MOOE157,900.00108,000.00108,000.00108,000.00481,900.00445,900.00927,800.00


GPS27,000.0027,000.0027,000.00

Digital SLR Camera45,000.0045,000.0045,000.00


IV. Admin Cost (10% of Project Cost)39,520.00 27,330.00 27,330.00 29,080.00 123,260.00 112,460.00 235,720.00

GRAND TOTAL434,720.00300,630.00300,630.00319,880.001,355,860.001,237,060.002,592,920.00

Study 2: Water Quality, Phytoplankton and Macroinvertebrates Diversity of the Freshwater Systems Associated with Mining Areas in CaragaLeader/ Gender: Maria Elma Quiao (Biology Dept, CSU)Project Staff:

Rachel Tiempo(Biology Dept, CSU), Beberly C. Quijada (SSCT)

Cynthia P. Sajot (SDSSU-Lianga),

Gemma Asufre (SDSSU-Tagbina)

Rowena P. Varela (CSU)

Lead Agency: Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)Complete Address: Ampayon, Butuan CityEmail: [email protected] and Significance of the Project

In many freshwater systems, the benthic invertebrates community is of paramount importance for the understanding of the structure and functioning of these ecosystems (Cummins, 1992), particularly considering its wide distribution and resiliency. Furthermore, this community also provides an important tool for monitoring and management programs since benthic invertebrates are normally involved within the major processes including a significant role in the energy fluxes and nutrient cycling (Rosenberg & Resh, 1993; Allan, 1996).The studies using phytoplankton algae for water quality monitoring have shown that changes in composition reflect not only variations in water quality, but also changes in physical variables and biotic interactions (OFarell et al 2002).Phytoplankton also serves as a useful biological indicator because it responds quickly to changes in environmental conditions thus enabling a quick assessment of water quality (Ibelingset al.1998)

Caraga Region has eighty-four rivers and thirty-three lakes, many of which are important not only for basic purposes such as water supplying agriculture and industries, but also for representing important aquatic resources for other uses such as transportation, recreation and wildlife maintenance (DENR 2007 census). Many of these rivers and lakes are also associated with mining areas and are threatened with pollution, siltation and bioaccumulation of toxic metals. The sustainable development of these threatened areas is directly connected with a better understanding of the quantities and quality of the natural aquatic resources and existing aquatic biodiversity. The assessment of benthic communities and habitat diversity offers a chance to evaluate the present level of impacts on the area.Studies on phytoplankton and physic-chemical dynamics of freshwater systems in Caraga region is scanty and unpublished. In Lake Mainit, several genera of dominant phytoplankton were documented (Mosende and Mozul, 2011), however, long-term assessment of physic-chemical parameters were lacking. At present, there are no initiatives for long-term study of benthic invertebrates and physico-chemical features of freshwater systems near mining areas which is essential in biomonitoring for pollution in these areas.

The primary objectives of this study are:

1) to characterize the dynamics of water quality and the diversity of phytoplankton 2) to inventory the species composition of benthic invertebrates in two freshwater systems near mining areas in Caraga3) to identify indicator species that has potential for aquatic biomonitoring of ecosystem health

Review of Literature

Chemical analysis of the environment matrix such as water, sediment is the most direct approach to reveal the heavy metal pollution status in the environment, while it cannot afford the powerful evidence on the integrated influence and possible toxicity of such pollution on the organisms and ecosystem.

Unanticipated changes in freshwater ecosystems are often due to alterations in the complex connections among sediment-dwelling species and associated food webs that alter the species composition of the benthos. In addition, benthic species can themselves constitute a disturbance. Loss of some species will likely alter or degrade critical ecosystem processes because of the unavailability of replacement species. Consequently, ecosystems composed of a bare minimum of species in a fluctuating environment probably could not continue to function over time merely by compensating for the losses of some species with increased densities, biomass, or processing rates of the few remaining species.

Phytoplankton is an important component of the biological quality. In coastal waters, phytoplanktons are generally efficient filters for nutrient inputs from terrestrial watersheds and will respond rapidly to biotic and abiotic changes. The aquatic algae as the important elementary producers in marine and inland water plays key role to the whole ecosystem. The algae species and amounts can directly reflect the water quality. Heavy metal exposure can cause the disturbance of normal metabolism and biological function, inhibition of photosynthesis, reduction of cytochrome, cellular mutation, putrescence, even death in algae (Koroleff, 1983). More importantly, once heavy metal pollutants are accumulated in these organisms, they enter the food chain and may pose serious threaten to animals and human health through biomagnification (Okamura & Aoyama, 1993).

Many zooplankton species can accumulate and metabolize pollutants, which offer the possibility for its use in biomonitoring of water quality. Due to its wide occurrence, abundant species, sensitive responses, zooplanktonmay play key roles as the suitable candidate bioindicator in the biomonitoring of metal pollution in aquatic ecosystem.

There are no published studies on the dynamics of phytoplankton and physic-chemical dynamics of many freshwater systems in Caraga region. Nonetheless, in lakeMainit which is located in Surigao Del Norte, preliminary studies have documented dominant species of phytoplankton: Anabaena, Lyngbya, Synedra, Cryptomonas, Peridinium, Gymnodinium, Melosira, Navicula, Nitzschia, and Spirogyra (Tumanda et al 2005).MethodologyThe study area

Water quality and diversity of macroinvertebrates of two freshwater communities near mining areas in Claver-Carrascal (Novienta), Tubod-Santiago-Tubay and in the Mt Diwata (Rosario-Bunawan) area will be studied. The descriptions, coordinates and habitat types of the sampling stations will be established.Physico-chemical parameters

The following variables will be measured in situ: transparency with a Secchi disk; temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity with a Horiba portable electronic meter. Samples for chemical analysis will be collected and cold preserved until further processing. Anion (chlorides, sulfates, nitrates and phosphates) and cation (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) concentrations will be determined by ionic chromatography. For total phosphorus and nitrogen a previous simultaneous oxidation of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds by persulfate will be performed (Koroleff, 1983). Ammonia will bespectrophotometrically determined by the phenate method (APHA, 1992). Suspended solids will be estimated as total non-filtrable residue dried at 103105 0C (APHA, 1992).

Plankton collection

A 20 m plankton net will be used to filter 2X40 liters of subsurface water at each site. Collected samples will be preserved with Lugols Iodine solution. Algal counts will be performed according to Utermohl (1958). Replicate chambers will be counted for each sample and counting error will be estimated following Venrick (1978) in a number of random fields in order to obtain a maximum error of 25%. Individuals will be counted in all cases, and for colonial or filamentous algae the size or number of cells corresponding to a standard individual will be established. Phytoplankton diversity will be estimated according to Shannon and Weaver (1949). The ratio of a raphidtocentric diatoms (Wu, 1986) will be calculated in order to correlate diatom assemblages to organic pollution; its value decreases with increasing water pollution.

Macroinvertebrates samplingSediment sample will be collected in triplicate using an Ekman-Birge dredge or grab sampler in such a way that 1 meter2 will be covered at each site. Samples will be rinsed through a 250 m mesh and fixed in formalin. In the laboratory, the samples will be washed through 1.0 and 0.50 millimeter mesh sieves, sorted under a stereoscope and the organism preserved in 80% ethanol. For identification, chironomid larvae will be prepared using 10% lactophenol slides and their mouthparts will be examined under a light microscope.

Sampling using a dip net will also be done for aquatic invertebrates living in the water column (e.g. aquatic beetles, aquatic waterbugs, shrimps), as well as those living on the surface (e.g. pond skaters). For invertebrates clinging on roots of aquatic plants, washing off of roots will be done. All the samples will sorted out from the debris immediately and placed in 80% ethanol. These will then be sorted based on morphological structures and placed in labeled microvials for later identification and counting.

Data Analysis

Community Structure Analysis

Trends in species composition of phytoplanktons and macroinvertebrates in the various freshwater systems will be analyzed using the corresponding measurements. Species richness involved actual counts of species collected for the different insect groups in the natural habitats of each waterbody. Species diversity indices will be measured using the Shannon-Wiener function which accounts for the number of species and the number of individuals in each species, and is expressed as:

where H = index of species diversity ; log2 = 3.321928

s = number of species

pi = proportion of total sample belonging to ith species

In determining the equitability of distribution of individuals in each species, the Jaccards index of evenness will be computed as follows:

J = H

HMAX

where J = evenness measure (range 0 1)

H = Shannon-Wiener function

HMAX = maximum value of H = log S (no. of species in sample)

In the analysis of the data, the ecological statistics software Multivariate Statistical Package (MVSP) will be used. The similarities in species compositions among the freshwater systems will be analyzed, using the Pearsons coefficient of similarity. To accomplish this, the single linkage cluster analysis in the MVSP will be used.

Database Development and Maintenance

All data gathered will be encoded in the database developed for phytoplanktons and macroinvertebrates. Existing system used in biodiversity databases will be adopted for this purpose. This database will be maintained by adding new information every time these are gathered. Pictorial keys will also form part of the database. Likewise, information on where the holotypes are deposited will be included in the database.

Distribution map using GIS

Global positioning system (GPS) will be used to gather the location of the sampling plots. Primary data on species composition, sediments, species richness, diversity indices, habitat types and as endemic or IAS will be incorporated to the make a distribution map. This will be presented in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to make a vivid understanding on the distribution, composition, status and diversity of freshwater phytoplanktons and macroinvertebrates.

Literature CitedALLAN, J. D., 1996, Stream ecology: structure and function of running waters. Chapman & Hall, New York,388p.APHA, 1992, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. American Public

health Association, Washington.

ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodiversity Conservation! Accessed 8 September 2011, http://www.arcbc.org.ph/wetlands/philippines/phl_lakmai.htmlCUMMINS, K. W., 1992, Invertebrates. In: P. Calow& G. E.Petts. The rivers handbook hydrological and ecological principles. Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford, v. 2, 526p.

DAVIES, J., MAGSALAY, P.M., RIGOR, R., MAPALO, A., GONZALES, H., 1990,.A Directory of Philippine Wetlands, A preliminary Compilation of Information on Wetlands of the Philippines. Volume I. Asian Wetland Bureau Philippines Foundation, Inc.

Final results - 2007 Census of Population http://www.census.gov.ph/data/census2007/index.html

IBELINGS, B., ADMIRAAL, W., BIJKERK, R., IETSWAART, T., PRINS, H., 1998. Monitoring algae in Dutch rivers: does it meet its goals? Journal of Applied Phycology 10, 171181.

KOROLEFF, F., 1983. Simultaneous oxidation of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds by persulfate. In: Grosshoff, K., Eberhadt, M., Kremling, K. (Eds.), Methods of seawater analysis.VerlagChemie, Weinheimer, pp. 168169.

MOSENDE, Z.,MOZOL, A., 2011, Lake Mainit: the gift and challenge for Mainitnons,http://lakefmc.multiply.com/journal?&show_interstitial=1&u=%2FjournalOFARRELL, I, LOMBARDO,R.J., TEZANOS PINTO P.D.,LOEZ C., 2002, The assessment of water quality in the Lower Lujan River (Buenos Aires, Argentina): phytoplankton and algal bioassays. Environmental Pollution 120 (2002) 207218

OKAMURA, H., AOYAMA, I., 1994, Interactive toxic effects and distribution of heavy metals in phytoplankton. Environ. Toxicol. Water Quality 9, 715.

ROSENBERG, D. M. & RESH, V. H., 1993, Introduction to freshwater biomonitoring and benthic macroinvertebrates.In: D. M. Rosenberg & V. H. Resh (eds.), Freshwaterbiomonitoring and benthic macroinvertebrates. Chapman& Hall, New York, pp. 1-9.

SHANNON, E.C., WEAVER, W., 1949. The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press, Urbana.

TUMANDA, M.I. JR., ROA, E.C., GOROSPE, J.G., DAITIA, M.T., DEJARME, S.M., GAID, R.D. ,2005, Limnological and Water Quality Assessment of Lake Mainit. Mindanao State University at Naawan.

UTERMO HL, H., 1958. ZurVervollkommnung der quantitativen Phytoplankton.-Methodik. Mitteilungen Internationale Limnologie 9, 138.

WU, J.T., 1986. Relation of change in river diatom assemblages to water pollution. Botanical Bulletin of Academia Sinica 27, 237245.

VENRICK, E.L., 1978. How many cells to count? In: Sournia, A. (Ed.), Phytoplankton Manual. UNESCO, Paris, pp. 167180.

Budgetary RequirementsParticularsQ1Q2Q3Q4Total for Year 1 Year 2Grand Total


A. Direct Cost

Honoraria


Project Staff (5 pax) @ 72,000.0072,000.0072,000.0072,000.00288,000.00288,000.00576,000.00

P4,800/month

98,400.0098,400.0098,400.0098,400.00393,600.00393,600.00787,200.00


A. Direct Cost



Supplies and materials

Office supplies & materials10,000.0010,000.0010,000.0010,000.0040,000.0040,000.0080,000.00

Field Supplies & Materials 50,000.00 50,000.00 25,000.00 25,000.00 150,000.00 100,000.00 250,000.00

Lab Supplies & Materials50,000.0050,000.0050,000.0050,000.00200,000.00150,000.00350,000.00

Rentals 15,000.0015,000.0015,000.0015,000.0060,000.0060,000.00120,000.00

Other Services (Labor, Guide)17,500.0017,500.0017,500.0017,500.0070,000.0070,000.0070,000.00

Professional Services30,000.0030,000.0030,000.0030,000.00120,000.00120,000.00120,000.00

Miscellaneous Expenses 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 40,000.0040,000.0080,000.00

Water analysis(Anions, Total P,N)30,000.0030,000.0030,000.0030,000.00120,000.00120,000.00240,000.00

Subtotal for MOOE268,500.00268,500.00243,500.00243,500.001,024,000.00924,000.001,758,000.00


Horiba portable multi-tester meter150,000.00 150,000.00 150,000.00

ekman-birge dredge30,000.0030,000.0030,000.00

hemocytometer (2pc) @ 12,000 each24,000.0024,000.0024,000.00


IV. Administrative Cost (10% of Project Cost) 57,090.00 36,690.00 34,190.00 34,190.00 162,160.00 131,760.00 274,920.00

GRAND TOTAL627,990.00403,590.00376,090.00376,090.001,783,760.001,449,360.003,024,120.00

Study 3: Diversity and abundance of freshwater fishes in associated mining areas in Caraga

Leader:

Rexie Magdugo (Biology Dept, CSU)Project Staff:

Romell A. Seronay (CSU) Adam Roy Galolo (CSU)Jaime N. Puracan (SSCT)

Joycelyn C. Jumawan (CSU)

Ian Kendrich Fontanilla (Institute of Biology, UP-Diliman)

Jonas P. Quilang (Institute of Biology, UP-Diliman)

Lead Agency Caraga Consortium for Responsible Mining (CCRM)Complete Address: Ampayon, Butuan CityEmail:[email protected]


The Philippines has long been regarded as a country rich in biodiversity with endemic and freshwater fishes close to 300 described species (Aquilino et al 2011). In Caraga region, very few efforts focused on fisheries biodiversity assessment (Hubilla et al 2006; De Guzman et al 2011) were initiated. Caraga was initially seen to have many endemic and native fish species but whose biodiversity is flagged by the rampant introduction of invasive alien species (Jumawan et al 2011, Aquilino et al 2011), as well as threats of water pollution due to numerous mining industries, which, in turn could lead to higher extinction rates.

The pollution and widespread siltation brought about by unregulated mining are added threats to the possible decline in diversity of fishes. Nonetheless, very little information is available on the diversity of different freshwater fish species in Caraga. Decision makers rely heavily on hard evidence to act on issues of the crisis in fisheries in mined-out areas, however, data are rarely available. Data from this project will represent an important contribution to the scanty records of fish in the freshwater bodies of Caraga by providing information, especially those that are impacted by mining, thus, complementing information from more studied water bodies (eg Lake Mainit). It is imperative to have this information to make more qualified conservation and management decisions, especially with the threats brought about by mining industries nearby many freshwater systems in Caraga.Knowledge about our regions biodiversity and the ability to identify organisms is now aided by a new and reliable technology: DNA barcoding. DNA barcoding is a standard and an exciting new tool for taxonomic research. It is the most accepted technique for documenting biodiversity through a gene sequence (Hebert et al 2003). The DNA barcoding identification system utilizes approximately 650 base pairs from the first half of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) as the universal complex character to identify species (Dasmahapatra and Mallet 2006). DNA barcoding helps taxonomy in discovering cryptic and endemic fish species (Hebert et al. 2004) and is regarded as a promising approach for rapid and accurate identification of invasive species, which could be adapted globally for biosecurity (Armstrong and Ball 2005).This study will provide baseline genetic information for fishes that can be used by policy makers to create better conservation strategies for the key aquatic systems in the region. Eventually, this project will be used to jumpstart in DNA barcoding of other fauna and flora in the region.

Objectives of the study

1. Assessment of fish diversity and (updated) profiling of abundance of freshwater fishes near mined-out areas;

2. Survey of possible introduction/establishment of invasive alien fish species in these disturbed water systems

3. List critical issues/concerns and recommend measures for sustainable fisheries management4. Provide baseline genetic information for fishes that can be used by policy makers to create better conservation strategies for the key aquatic systems

5. Describe the length-weight relationships (LWR), condition factor and reproductive patterns of key indicator species of fishReview of LiteratureiFreshwater ecosystems may well be the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Declines in biodiversity are far greater in fresh waters than in the most affected terrestrial ecosystems (Sala et al., 2000). Over 10 000 fish species live in fresh water (Lundberg et al., 2000); approximately 40% of global fish diversity and one quarter of global vertebrate diversity. Freshwater ecosystems rivers, lakes, aquifers, and wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, including the support of important fisheries. The maintenance of biodiversity is one of the important keys to the retention of these ecosystem services (Palmer et al., 1997; 2000).

Mining has been identified to be the source of water pollutants. This is dramatically projected in the Minamata disease experience. In the Philippines, the Marcopper Mines was severely criticized due to the tailings that cause pollution in Marinduque waters. At present, Caraga Region, which is home to over one-thirds of the registered mining firms, is under scrutiny by environmentalists due to the likely pollution that threatens the aquatic habitats adjacent to the mine areas. The effluent from mining operations flowing into the adjoining water bodies endangers the species especially those totally dependent on streams and rivers for their survival requirements, such as fishes.Fish and fisheries are perhaps the best studied systems with regard to vulnerability to pollution threats (Poff et al. 2002; Ficke et al. 2007), with changes to upstream migrations (Daufresne and Boet 2007), stocks and productivity (Casselman 2002), species diversity (Jackson and Mandrak 2002), and aquatic community composition (Carveth et al. 2006).Some of the typical environmental impacts caused by artisanal mining activities --- diversion of rivers, water siltation, landscape degradation, destruction of aquatic life habitat, and widespread mercury pollution does not only impact the landscape of the actual mining areas but also the diversity of the fishes living near the location. Rates of species loss from fresh waters in non-temperate latitudes are not known with any degree of certainty. They are likely to be high because species richness of many freshwater taxa (e.g. fishes, macrophytes, decapod crustaceans) increases toward the tropics (Dudgeon, 2006).

To date, there has been no comprehensive global analysis of freshwater biodiversity comparable to those recently completed for terrestrial systems (Myers et al., 2000; Olson et al., 2001). Existing data on the population status or extinction rates of freshwater biota are biased in terms of geography, habitat types and taxonomy; most populations and habitats in some regions have not been monitored at all. Even a basic global mapping of inland waters, classified by broad geomorphic categories, is lacking and there are no global estimates of changes in the extent of lakes, rivers or wetlands (Balmford et al., 2002).The problem of species being misidentified, or not represented in collections, or listed incorrectly on protected species lists adds to the uncertainty (Kottelat & Whitten, 1996).

Very few initiatives have been made to catalogue and assess the biodiversity of freshwater fishes in Caraga. Nonetheless, this few studies have shown a promising population of endemic and native ichthyofauna that is threatened by siltation, pollution, and the introduction of invasive fish species (Hubilla et al 2006; De Guzman et al 2011). Studies on diversity and abundance of fishes near mining areas would be essential information for the government to make more qualified conservation and management decisions, especially with the threats brought about by mining industries nearby many freshwater systems in Caraga.

MethodologyStudy area

Three (3) prospective freshwater ecosystems near mining areas (Tubod - Santiago - Mainit area; Bayugan-Andanan area; and Carrascal-Claver nickel area) will be established. Fishes on these rivers/lakes will be sampled monthly over a period of two years (June 2012-July 2014).

The sites will be chosen such that each river and lake ecosystems will have 4 sampling sites: two on the higher elevation zone and two on the mid and lower elevation zones. Sampling will be done using a variety of fishing nets of varying mesh sizes gillnets, cast nets and dragnets. The fishes will be identified and some representative specimens will be collected and preserved in (4% formaldehyde solution) in plastic bottles. Identifications will be based on keys for fishes and internet sources (Fishbase.com) and also with the help of fish experts.

Sampling will be carried out on 100150m of stretches of the river/ lake at each site. Collections of fish samples will be taken at every habitat type along each stretch, using all the sampling methods, such that as far as possible, the existing species and relative abundance for that site will be obtained in the sampling. A pilot survey will be carried out prior to the actual sampling wherein the number of species caught with each sampling effort (a single cast net sweep or an hour of gill netting) will be counted and a species accumulation curve will be obtained. This will be used to calculate the minimum sampling effort required to get a plateau in the species vs. sampling effort plot. Based on such pilot surveys carried out at various sites, a sampling effort of 20 cast nets and duration of around 3 h of releasing the gill net will be used as a standard for the sampling subsequently carried out at all the sites.

Species richness and distributions

Species richness will be used as the index for the estimation of species diversity as well as for comparisons of diversity across rivers and lakes, as the relative abundance for the species may not give the true abundance for the communities. Adequacy of sampling will be assessed using species accumulation curves.

Three methods of estimation ---Jackknife method, the bootstrap method and Chaos estimator, Chao 1 will be applied on the data collected from the samplings to check for differences in the estimation of the species richness. Frequency distributions of the species across the rivers and sites will be plotted for studying the extent of skewness of the data sets. Species richness, as well as compositions, will be compared to study the extent of species shared between them and in identifying those found exclusively in particular regions in a river or lake

Comparisons of species richness across spatial scales (river or lake) will be carried out using the method of rarefaction a statistical technique of estimating the expected number of species for a given random sample of size n; species richness is then estimated as the sum of the probabilities that each species will be included in the sample. This method allows for comparisons to be made when sample sizes across two datasets are unequal(due to differences in sampling efforts). The number of species that can be expected in a sample of n individuals (denoted by E(Sn)) drawn from a population of N total individuals distributed among the various species is

Where ni= number of individuals of the ith species, and N= total number of individuals in a sample

Fish preservation, sorting and identification

Representative species of fish will be preserved in 10% formalin solution. All specimens captured from the same place will be contained separately from all the other collected specimens. Fish identification will be done using taxonomic keys, and through fishbase.comDNA barcoding of the fish species of key freshwater systems connected to mining areasAt least five individuals per fish species will be utilized for DNA extraction. Individuals will then be preserved in 10% formalin for further meristic and morphometric observations and for future reference as voucher specimens.

Muscle Tissue Collection and DNA Extraction

DNA from muscle tissue will be extracted following the recommended procedure for isolating DNA from animal tissue of Wizard Genomic DNA Purification Kit, (Promega Corp., Madison, USA). Briefly, 20 mg of muscle tissue will be incubated in digestion solution (20 mg/Ml proteinase K solution, Roche Applied Science) overnight. 3l of RNase Solution will added to the lysate and incubated at 370C for 15-30 min. 200l of Protein Precipitation Solution will be added and the solution vortexed and subsequently chilled in ice for 5 min. Mixture will be centrifuged at 13,00016,000 rpm for 4 min. Supernatant will eventually be transferred to a fresh tube containing 600l of isopropanol and centrifuged at room temperature (250C) at 13,00016,000 rpm x g for 1 minute to pellet the cells. The supernatant will be removed and 600l of room temperature and 70% ethanol will be added and centrifuged briefly for 1 min at 13,00016,000 rpm. Ethanol will be aspirated and the pellet formed air-dried for 15 min. DNA will be rehydrated in 100l of DNA Rehydration Solution for 1 h at 65C or overnight at 4C.Quality of DNA extracted will be evaluated using agarose gel electrophoresis. Two (2) l of stock DNA will be mixed with 2l of 6X TypeI Gel Loading Buffer and electrophoresed in 0.8% of agarose gel (0.5X TBE buffer) for 30 minutes at 50V. DNA amplification Approximately 655 bp will be amplified from the 5 region of the CO1 gene using the following primers (Ward et al., 2005):

PCR reactions will be done in 50 uL having the following components: 0.2 M dNTP, 2.5L 10 x PCR buffer, 0.25l (0.05 u/l) Taq polymerase (iTaqTM DNA polymerase kit, INtRON Biotechnology), 15.75 l ultrapure water, 1.25 l (0.5 M) of each primer and 2 l of DNA template. PCR amplifications will be performed using a thermocycler (PE9700, Applied Biosystems Inc. Warrington, UK). Samples will be amplified under the following conditions: initial denaturation at 95C for 2 mins, followed by 35 cycles of 0.5 min each at 940C for denaturation ,0.5 min at 540C for annealing, and extension at 1 min at 720C and then held at 40C for final extension. A negative control containing all components of the PCR mixture except DNA templates will be included per run. The PCR products will be electrophoresed in 1.0% agarose, 0.5X TBE buffer, 50V and stained with ethidium bromide for 30-45 mins for visualization. Approximately 650 bp-sized bands will be excised and the PCR products extracted from the gel using Qiagen Qiaquick Gel Extraction Kit. Sequencing of the amplified mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) fragments (~ 655 bp) will be performed by Macrogen Inc., South Korea.

Sequence Editing and Analysis

Electropherograms (.ab1 files) will be aligned and edited using STADEN package version 1.5.3 (Staden, 2000) and aligned manually using BioEdit sequence alignment editor version 7.0.9. The sequences to be aligned will include the new sequences obtained fom this study and selected members/ species belonging to genera available from GenBank. Mega 3.1 (Kumar et al., 2004) will be used to calculate sequence divergences using Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) distance and graphically displayed in a neighbour-joining (NJ) tree. Nodal support will be ev

Proposal for Mining Research in Caraga

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