Socio-Ecological Systems Case Study

These different principles for managing changes in socio-ecological systems are further summarized in Table 15. The table also differentiates interventions for each of the five major themes of change in Sagada and its implications to the begnas. However, since certain interventions for one particular theme of change is also applicable to another, these interventions are actually interconnected and should all be implemented at the same time. Additionally, these suggestions must be treated with caution, since an understanding of the contexts inherent in a particular socio-ecological system should be considered as well.
Majority of the issues in Sagada’s socio-ecological system arose from observable lags between traditional practices and new technologies.
To guarantee our survival in the midst of such changes, culture helps us adapt and withstand change, whether such changes are anthropogenic or naturally occurring. Additionally, sound cultural practices help develop diverse economic, institutional, social, and natural conditions necessary for resilient communities amid the ramifications of drastic changes. If culture is rich, it is also possible to draw inspiration from indigenous concepts to complement state policies and systems, and strengthen traditional community institutions without disrupting state government institutions. Culture, therefore, is the central factor for maintaining and preserving Earth’s socio-ecological systems through changing spatial and temporal conditions.

Culture-based Policy Frameworks for Espousing Sustainable
With no tourists around, the use of comfort rooms which could later on contaminate ground water sources is decreased, the volume of waste to bury and or burn (which unfortunately are the current ways of waste management in Sagada) is lessened, the probability for littering is minimized, and vehicular trips to and fro tourist sites are reduced.
Beyond the regulation of our culture of consumption, policy frameworks need to focus on maintaining society’s relationships with their essential resources if sustainable development is a goal to be achieved. Strengthening relationships and interlinkages between culture and environment, which as shown in this study, concern not only indigenous peoples’ ecosystem-based rituals, but manifested in other ways as well (Fig. 40). As a start, policies should aim to encourage activities that build value regarding our everyday