Modeling and valuation of sediment retention and flood protection services in the Manupali river watershed, Bukidnon, Philippines

Date

12-2025

Abstract

Sediment retention and flood protection are provided by watersheds, underpinning water quality regulation, water among the most critical ecosystem services security, agricultural productivity, and disaster risk reduction. However, hese services are increasingly threatened by land-use change and watershed degradation driven by land conversion, migration, population growth, and urban expansion. Addressing these pressures has therefore become an urgent priority for watershed management. In response, this study assessed the biophysical drivers, spatial dynamics, and economic value of sediment retention and flood protection services in the Manupali River Watershed. Bukidnon, Philippines, using an integrated ecosystem services modeling and valuation framework. The InVEST Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) and Seasonal Water Yield (SWY) models were applied to evaluate current conditions and alternative land management scenarios. The SDR model quantified avoided erosion, avoided sediment export, sediment deposition, sediment export, and soil loss, while the SWY model estimated baseflow, quickflow, and groundwater recharge. To demonstrate the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in enhancing watershed ecosystem services, four land management scenarios were developed. Results indicate that bS, particularly agroforestry and reforestation, effectively enhanced sediment retention and flood protection functions. Screening-level economic indicators such as estimates of avoided dredging costs and avoided flood damages further underscore the watershed's protective functions. Overall, these interventions emerged as cost-effective strategies for strengthening watershed resilience while delivering measurable biophysical improvements and economic benefits to local communities.

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science

College

Graduate School (GS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Hildie Maria E. Nacorda

Committee Member

Canesio O. Predo, Cristino L. Tiburan Jr., Sherry B. Marasigan, Joy M. Mirasol

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

En – AGROVOC descriptors

INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT; HYDROLOGICAL MODELLING; FLOOD CONTROL; SOIL MANAGEMENT; SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT; STATE LEVEL PERFORMANCE

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