Nature-Based Solutions to Water Resource Management

While the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBS) in water resource management is well-established, translating these benefits into practical outcomes for communities is challenging. USAID , through its Philippines Safe Water Project, has been integrating NBS?into community projects for watershed rehabilitation to promote water conservation, enhance water storage, and support water recharge in farming and reforestation initiatives.??

Safe Water introduced demonstration farms to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and real-world experience. These farms showcased NBS applications and provided?local farmers with hands-on experience. Examples include Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) farms with infiltration canals in Sarangani, community green farms with drainage swales in Negros Occidental, and organic ube and vegetable farms in Palawan. ?

Juljahiri Bagadi, President of Barangay Burias Farmers Association in Glan, Sarangani, was initially skeptical of infiltration canals but changed his perspective when heavy rains arrived. The canals effectively trap topsoil, preventing erosion, retaining water, and reducing irrigation needs while safeguarding valuable topsoil. This success inspired farmers to independently adopt infiltration canals in their farms, even without direct support from the project. The local government unit of Alabel also replicated SALT farms with infiltration canals in other areas, extending the impact.??

Supporting demonstration farms is pivotal in bridging the gap between theory and practice, making NBS benefits tangible for communities, and promoting locally-led development and water resource management. After all, "seeing is believing" in evidence-based water resource management and security.??

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