Banaue Rice Terraces now Endangered

The often called “Eighth Wonder of the World” is in the endangered list and the Philippines is racing to beat the deadline on 2009 given by the United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage Center.

This is to speed up the rescue of Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao province which is now dying out.

UNESCO included the Banaue Rice Terraces in 1995 as one of about 180 other World Heritage Sites that should be preserved for future generation’s enjoyment and appreciation.

In 1999, the Rice Terraces of Ifugao was included in the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger due to deterioration of the terrace clusters which was mainly caused by socio-economic problems.

The lack of maintenance due to apparent disinterest of Ifugao youth using the traditional rice farming practiced by elders and ancestors caused damage to terrace walls and irrigation systems. Also, the lack of zoning and failure to prevent the construction of houses ruins the heritage landscape.

source: Philippine Star