The Balangiga River Watershed (BRW) in Eastern Samar is a relatively pristine environment bordering the Samar Island National Park (SINP). At present, several applications for mining activities are presented to the Local Government Unit (LGU) as a means of generating income for the Balangiga for the Balangiga municipality. Here it offers a potential alternative economy for the Balangiga municipality through carbon offsetting and carbon credits by assessing the BRW’s potential for carbon sequestration. In particular, soils and rocks in the BRW are made up of rocks often slated for carbon storage, while the soils through its clay mineralogy can facilitate carbon capture. This study focuses on the ability of both soils, rocks and the vegetation that grow on these substrates for their potential in carbon sequestration. Hopefully, this could be a basis for financial and policy mechanisms to support the BRW’s potential to generate income for the Balangiga LGU through carbon sequestration.
This research addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals for Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15).
Banner photo from https://oxfam.org.ph/women-farmers-of-barangay-cag-olango-balangiga/
