Ridge to reef to peace and development

Abstract

Mindanao is known as the food basket of the Philippines with its abundant agri-fishery production. Fertile soil and excellent climate make it as the agri-fishery export zone of the country. Yet, climate change has brought a drastic shift on Mindanao’s popularity making it exposed to risks associated to natural disaster, such as typhoons, flooding, mudslides and earthquakes. The occurrence of super typhoons in 2011 and 2012 had caused significant damages to agriculture, infrastructure and dwellers. This new normal prompted the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to revolutionise the ridge-to-reef approach through the Mindanao Nurturing Our Waters Program as a holistic and integrated approach to the preservation, utilisation, restoration, rehabilitation and development of natural resources. This study was an attempt to answer the questions: (1) would the ridge-to-reef approach be appropriate for Mindanao with the emergence of a new normal? And (2) what mechanism can aptly implement the approach? This study employed qualitative research using scoping, metasynthesis, focus group discussions and expert panel discussions. Results revealed various environmental issues that impact on economy, land use, energy, agriculture, marine life, health and budget. Many agencies are involved in environment and natural resource management, resulting to overlaps and conflicts. In addressing the challenges, it was revealed that MinDA is effective and credible as a mechanism in steering and providing strategic directions and partnerships among actors. Thus, the out-of-the-box wave of ridge-to-reef approach through the Mindanao Nurturing Our Waters Program is appropriate in Mindanao context under an inclusive and transformative leadership of a subnational agency.