Land Management and Conservation

Lesson 9
Chapter Content:

Land Use and Concerns

Land Pollution

Land Conservation
Land Use and Concerns

Topic 1
Types of land use
1.Residential: Land used for housing, including
single-family homes, apartment buildings, and
other residential developments.
2.Commercial: Land used for businesses, such as
office buildings, retail stores, shopping centers, and
hotels.
3.Industrial: Land used for manufacturing,
warehousing, and other industrial activities.
4.Agricultural: Land used for farming, including crop
cultivation, livestock grazing, and agroforestry.
5.Recreational: Land designated for recreational
purposes, such as parks, playgrounds, sports fields,
and golf courses.
Cont.

6. Open Space: Land set aside for conservation, preservation,

or public enjoyment, such as nature reserves, wildlife
sanctuaries, and green belts.
7. Infrastructure: Land used for transportation, utilities, and
other essential infrastructure, including roads, railways,
airports, power plants, and water treatment facilities.
8. Institutional: Land used for public and institutional purposes,
such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, and religious
institutions.
9. Mixed-Use: Land that combines multiple types of land use
within a single area or development, promoting a mix of
residential, commercial, and recreational activities.
10. Vacant or Undeveloped: Land that is not currently in use or
awaiting development, including vacant lots and unutilized
parcels.
LAND USE PLANNING
• Land use planning is a systematic and comprehensive process that
involves the analysis, assessment, and regulation of land development
and its various uses.
• It aims to guide and manage the allocation of land resources in a
manner that promotes sustainable development, balances competing
interests, and meets the needs of communities.
Land use planning
1. Analysis and Assessment
This stage involves gathering data and information about the existing conditions of the
land, including its physical characteristics, environmental features, infrastructure, and
socio-economic factors. It may include land surveys, mapping, environmental impact
assessments, demographic studies, and another relevant research.

2. Goal Setting
Based on the analysis and assessment, land use planning establishes goals and
objectives for the desired future development and utilization of the land. These goals
can include preserving natural areas, promoting economic growth, ensuring affordable
housing, protecting cultural heritage, and enhancing community well-being.
Land use planning
3. Land Use Zoning
Zoning is a critical aspect of land use planning. It involves dividing the land into different
zones or districts, each with specific regulations and permitted uses. Zoning helps
ensure compatible land uses, prevent conflicts, and promote orderly development.
Common zoning categories include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and
mixed-use zones.

4. Development Regulations
Land use planning establishes regulations and guidelines for development within each
zoning district. These regulations may include building codes, setback requirements,
height limitations, parking standards, and environmental protection measures.
Development regulations aim to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable development
practices.
Land use planning
5. Public Engagement
Effective land use planning involves engaging the public and stakeholders throughout
the process. This can include public hearings, workshops, surveys, and other
mechanisms to gather input, feedback, and concerns from the community. Public
participation helps ensure that the planning process reflects the needs and aspirations
of the local population.

6. Plan Implementation
Once the land use plan is formulated, it needs to be implemented through various
mechanisms. This can include updating zoning ordinances, revising building codes,
allocating resources, and coordinating with relevant government agencies and
stakeholders. Implementation may also involve providing incentives for desired
development and enforcing regulations.
Land use planning
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
Land use planning is an ongoing process that requires monitoring and
evaluation of its outcomes. This involves assessing whether the
implemented plans and regulations are achieving their intended goals
and identifying areas for improvement. Monitoring and evaluation help
ensure that land use planning remains responsive to changing needs
and circumstances.
Land Concerns
• DENUDATION
• DESERTIFICATION
• SOIL DEGRADATION
• SOIL CONTAMINATION
Denudation
• Denudation refers to the stripping or
removal of vegetation cover, topsoil, or
natural land features from the Earth's
surface.
• This can occur due to various factors,
including deforestation, improper land
management practices, overgrazing, and
erosion.
• Denudation leads to the loss of fertile
soil, reduced water infiltration, increased
erosion, and diminished biodiversity.
Desertification
• Desertification refers to the degradation of arid,
semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, turning
them into deserts.
• It is mainly caused by a combination of natural
factors, such as climate variability and drought,
as well as human activities like overgrazing,
improper irrigation practices, deforestation, and
unsustainable land use.
• Desertification leads to the loss of productive
land, reduced water availability, increased soil
erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
Soil Degradation
• Soil degradation refers to the
deterioration of soil quality and fertility,
making it less suitable for agriculture and
other land uses.
• It can occur due to various factors,
including erosion, nutrient depletion,
compaction, salinization, acidification,
and pollution.
• Soil degradation reduces crop
productivity, disrupts ecosystems, and
contributes to food insecurity and
environmental degradation.
Soil Contamination
• Soil contamination occurs when harmful
substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides,
industrial pollutants, or hazardous waste, are
deposited or released into the soil.
• Contaminants can come from industrial
activities, improper waste disposal, agricultural
practices, and accidental spills.
• Soil contamination poses risks to human health,
contaminates groundwater, affects soil
biodiversity, and reduces the land's productive
capacity
Key approaches
Sustainable land use practices: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices,
such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and organic farming, helps prevent
soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and protect against land degradation.

Reforestation and afforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests in denuded

areas helps stabilize soils, mitigate erosion, enhance biodiversity, and combat
desertification.

Soil conservation techniques: Adopting soil conservation practices like terracing,

contour plowing, cover cropping, and mulching helps prevent erosion, retain
moisture, and improve soil structure.
Key approaches
Land restoration: Rehabilitating degraded lands through techniques such as
reclamation, reforestation, and wetland restoration helps restore ecosystem
functionality and enhance land productivity.

Pollution control and remediation: Implementing strict regulations, proper waste

management systems, and remediation techniques for contaminated soils help
mitigate soil pollution and protect human health and ecosystems.

Awareness and education: Promoting awareness and education about sustainable

land practices, the importance of biodiversity conservation, and the risks
associated with land degradation can encourage individuals and communities to
adopt responsible land management practices
Land Pollution
Topic 2
LAND POLLUTION
• Land pollution refers to the degradation or contamination of land
resources, including soil, water bodies, and vegetation, due to human
activities. It involves the deposition or release of harmful substances
onto the land, resulting in adverse effects on the environment,
ecosystems, and human health.
Forms of Land pollution
Industrial Pollution: Industries often release toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants into the air,
water, and land. Improper disposal of industrial waste, such as untreated wastewater, hazardous chemicals,
and solid waste, can contaminate the soil and pose risks to both human and ecological health.

Agricultural Pollution: Intensive agricultural practices, such as excessive use of chemical fertilizers,
pesticides, and herbicides, can result in land pollution. These chemicals can accumulate in the soil, leach
into groundwater, and impact soil quality and biodiversity.

Improper Waste Disposal: Improper disposal of household waste, solid waste, and hazardous materials can
lead to land pollution. Landfills, if not properly managed, can contaminate surrounding soils and
groundwater with leachate, which contains various pollutants.
Cont.

6. Mining Activities: Mining operations can cause land pollution through the
release of heavy metals, chemicals, and waste materials. These pollutants can
enter the soil, water bodies, and surrounding ecosystems, leading to long-term
contamination and ecological damage.

7. Construction and Demolition Waste: Improper disposal of construction debris and

demolition waste can contribute to land pollution. The disposal of concrete, bricks, asbestos,
and other construction materials can contaminate the land, impacting soil quality and
nearby ecosystems.

8. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Rapid urbanization and infrastructure

development can result in land pollution. The construction of roads, buildings, and
infrastructure often involves the excavation of land, which can disturb natural habitats, lead
to soil erosion, and disrupt the ecological balance.
 Soil degradation and loss of fertility, affecting
agricultural productivity.

Contamination of water bodies, such as rivers and

groundwater, with pollutants from the land.

Impacts Disruption of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity.

of land Health risks to humans and wildlife through exposure

to toxic substances.

pollution Damage to vegetation and reduction in green spaces.

Increased risks of floods and soil erosion due to altered

land characteristics
 Preventive measures and remedial actions.

Strict regulations
Implementation of proper Adoption of sustainable
and enforcement to
waste management agricultural practices,
control industrial
systems, including such as organic farming
emissions, waste
recycling, composting, and and integrated pest
disposal, and
safe disposal methods. management.
chemical use.

Remediation and
Promoting awareness Encouraging the use of cleanup of
and education about alternative and cleaner contaminated sites
through techniques
responsible waste technologies in such as soil
management and land industries and remediation,
stewardship. agriculture. phytoremediation,
and containment.
Containment
• Containment is a remediation strategy that involves isolating
or confining contaminated materials to prevent further
spread or exposure. It typically involves the use of physical
barriers, such as liners, caps, or engineered structures, to
prevent the migration of pollutants into the surrounding
environment.
• Containment is commonly used for landfills, industrial waste
sites, and other areas with significant contamination. The
goal is to limit the movement of contaminants and protect
human health and the environment by preventing their
spread.
Bioremediation
• Bioremediation is a remediation technique that uses living organisms,
such as bacteria, fungi, or plants, to degrade, transform, or remove
contaminants from soil, water, or air. It harnesses the natural abilities
of these organisms to break down or metabolize pollutants into less
harmful substances, effectively cleaning up contaminated
environments.
Two primary types of bioremediation
1.In Situ Bioremediation:
• In situ bioremediation involves treating the contaminated site directly without removing the
polluted materials. Microorganisms or plants are introduced or stimulated in the polluted
area to break down or transform the contaminants into harmless byproducts. This method
can be implemented through different approaches, such as bioaugmentation (adding
specific microbial cultures), biostimulation (providing nutrients to enhance the growth of
existing microbes), or bioventing (supplying oxygen to stimulate microbial activity).
2.Ex Situ Bioremediation
• Ex situ bioremediation involves excavating and removing contaminated materials to be
treated in a controlled environment. The polluted soil, water, or sludge is transported to a
bioremediation facility, where it is processed and treated using various bioremediation
techniques, such as composting, land farming, or biopiles. In these controlled environments,
conditions can be optimized to promote microbial activity and accelerate the degradation of
contaminants.
Advantages
1. Environmentally Friendly: Bioremediation is a natural and environmentally friendly
approach that harnesses the power of naturally occurring microorganisms and plants to
degrade contaminants. It minimizes the need for harsh chemicals or disruptive excavation.
2. Cost-Effective: Bioremediation can be a cost-effective solution compared to more intensive
and expensive methods like excavation and removal. It eliminates transportation and
disposal costs, making it an attractive option for large-scale contaminated sites.
3. Targeted Approach: Bioremediation can be tailored to specific contaminants and site
conditions. Different microorganisms or plant species can be selected or engineered to
target particular pollutants, making it a versatile and adaptable technique.
4. Reduced Disruption: In situ bioremediation minimizes the disruption to the contaminated
site and surrounding ecosystems by treating the pollution directly in place. This approach
can be less intrusive and allow for the natural restoration of the environment.
Land Conservation
Topic 3
Land conservation
• Land conservation is the practice of protecting and preserving
natural lands, ecosystems, and their associated biodiversity and
cultural values.
• It involves the sustainable management and stewardship of land
resources to ensure their long-term health and productivity while
safeguarding the environment and benefiting present and future
generations.
• Land conservation aims to balance human needs with ecological
integrity, promoting sustainable development and biodiversity
conservation.
Key aspects of land conservation
• Establishing protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife reserves,
and nature reserves, is a fundamental approach to land conservation.
These areas are set aside to preserve natural habitats, ecosystems,
and wildlife, providing safe havens for plants and animals to thrive.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Land conservation plays a crucial role in
preserving biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and
maintaining healthy ecosystems. Conserved lands provide essential
habitats for various plant and animal species and support ecological
balance.
Cont.
• Land trusts and conservation easements are legal mechanisms used
to protect private lands from development and ensure their long-term
conservation. Landowners can voluntarily enter into agreements with
conservation organizations to restrict certain activities on their
properties while maintaining ownership.
• Sustainable Land Use Planning: Integrating land conservation into
land use planning is essential for promoting sustainable development.
Planning processes consider ecological values, habitat connectivity,
and conservation priorities to guide appropriate land use decisions
Cont.
Conservation Agriculture: Implementing sustainable agricultural
practices, such as no-till farming, crop rotation, and agroforestry,
promotes land conservation by reducing soil erosion, enhancing soil
fertility, and minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.
Public Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about the
importance of land conservation fosters support and engagement in
conservation efforts. Education initiatives can promote responsible land
stewardship, ecological understanding, and the benefits of conserving
natural areas.
 The National Integrated Protected Areas
System (NIPAS)
• The National Integrated Protected Areas
System (NIPAS) is a law that provides for the
establishment and management of protected
areas in the Philippines.
• The NIPAS Act was passed in 1992 and covers
300 protected areas in the Philippines.
• The objectives of NIPAS are to conserve and
protect biological diversity, cultural diversity,
and natural heritage of the Philippines.
• The Protected Area Management Board
(PAMB) is responsible for managing and
protecting the resources of the protected area.