[360° Virtual Tour] The agroecological farming system of the BATAD rice terraces in Philippines

The rice terraces of the province of Ifugao, Philippines have been cultivated for several centuries. Over this period of time, the ecological system has been strongly influenced by the indigenous Ifugao people cultivating the rice fields. The culture and social habits of the inhabitants have developed deep ties with the rice terraces. Thus, the two systems have become strongly interrelated and interdependent. The processes and structures in this unique system have evolved for centuries to produce an abundance of ecosystem services and benefits in one of the most impoverished regions of the Philippines. In addition to rice production, the system provides several regulating and cultural ecosystem services, such as erosion and flood control, recreational and educational opportunities, as well as a formidable landscape scenery that has strongly contributed to the expansion of tourism in the region.