In an effort to protect the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountain ranges in the Philippines, several advocacy and environmental groups have signed an accord, including the World Agroforestry Centre.

An article in Sun Star outlines how the two mountains are the watershed of Cagayan de Oro in Bukidnon province. They are degraded from the intrusion of banana and pineapple plantations in upland areas that have resulted in soil erosion and siltation of rivers.

The accord details how measures such as agroforestry on the slopes of the mountains can avoid erosion. It is hoped that the recommendations of the accord will result in laws and policies in the province that better manage the watershed to prevent inundation and toxic residues of pesticides and fertilizer entering waterways.

Read the full story: Watershed accord inked