GMO Disadvantages of GMC

Intergeneric and interspecific crossing between distinct

plant and animal genera and species, are commonly Allergenicity- Hundreds in India had allergic reaction in
brought about artificially, to produce what could be handling BT cotton
called 'man-made' crops.
Outcrossing- movement of genes of gm plants to
conventional (pollens)
•Haploid breeding (also known as doubled-haploid
breeding) involves the treatment of normal (diploid) Superweeds- A wild plant that is accidentally pollinated
plants so as to produce haploid offspring, The method by a genetically modified plant and will contain its ability
produces true-breeding crops more quickly than to resist insects and herbicides.
traditional plant breeding, and commercial varieties of
Glyphosate- chemical name for herbicide.
barley have been produced in this way.
Common weeds resistant to glyphosate
-are living organisms whose genetic material has been
Common Ragweed
artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic Italian Ryegrass

engineering.
Health Risks
-creates combination of plants, animals, bacteria and - BT toxins in the air
viruses that doesn’t occur naturally -Mortality Rate
Splicing genes together -Slowed Growth Rate
-Growth Defects Fertility
1.Take bacillus thuringiensis, a commonly occurring soil
bacteria Environmental Risks
-Contaminating Native Fields of Crops
2. and use enzymes to remove it from the bt gene which -Bio-diversity Issue
produces a protein that turns toxic in the digestive tract -Pesticides killing bees, birds, and other living
of caterpillars. organisms
-Contaminating Streams
3. The bt gene is then incorporated into the chromosomes
-Superweeds
of cotton and corn, killing caterpillars that feed upon these
-Monsato Lawsuits
plants.
Top 10 genetically modified foods
LMO(Living Modified Organism)
Corn-BTCorn
Soy Cotton, Papaya, Rice, Rapeseed(Canola), Potatoes, Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
Tomatoes-cold resistant , Dairy Products, Peas
What is the Protocol on Biosafety?
-An agreement between different countries
Advantages of Genetically Modified Crops
-Negotiated under the Convention on Biological
Insect resistance(IR)
Diversity (CBD)
-Reduction in insecticide spraying
-Adopted 29 January 2000 after 4 years of intense
-Targeting of the insecticide solely to the plant to be
negotiations
protected
-Entry into force: 9 September 2003
Herbicide Tolerance
-170 ratifications/ accessions
-Over 63% of Gm crops grown globally have herbicide
tolerance traits -8 meetings of the governing body (COP-MOP)
-achieved through the introduction of gene from Objectives
bacterium conveying resistance to some herbicides To contribute to ensuring the safe transfer, handling and
use of LMOs resulting from modern biotechnology that
- such crops have needed less herbicides in high weed area
may have adverse effects on the biological diversity,
Virus Resistance taking also into account risks to human health
-makes plants less susceptible to diseases resulting into
Scope
higher crop yields
Applies to:
Ex. Hawaiian papaya- resistant to papaya ring spot virus
(PRSV) Transboundary movement, transit, handling and use of
all LMOs that may have adverse effects on biodiversity,
Yield Increase
taking also into account risks to human health
Food Shell Life Increase
Exclusion:
-spoiling of vegies decreases
Pharmaceuticals for humans that are addressed by other
-first gmc in us was Falvrsvr tomato
international agreements or organizations
Nutrient Enhancement
Drought Resistance
Biodiversity Conservation (Forest Ecosystem) Forests around the world provide timbers and non timber
products totaling to $100 million in net benefits yearly
Forest- an area with high desnsity of trees One cause of deforestation in PH is mining
-most diverse ecosystems on land -> they hold thee vast
Only 20% of the country’s land area is forested down
majority of the world’s terrestrial species
from 70%(at start of 20th century)
Forest cover now only stands at 18%- some virgin forests
Forest Ecosystem Services are in Sierra Madre, Palawan, and interior of Mindanao
Supporting Services Ph has 700 threatened species
Nutrient Cycling- water, carbon nitrogen Threatened Species- 42 land mammals, 127 birds, 24
species of reptiles, 14 amphibians
Habitat for species- plants and animals
Birds
Maintenance for genetic diversity- vary of genes within
and within species populations Philippine Eagle.
Provisioning Services Visayan Wrinkled Hornbill
Food Mammals
Medicinal Tamaraw
Freshwater Calamian Deer
Raw Materials Tarsier
Biodiversity ensures we have fertile soil, as well as a Plants
variety of foods to eat. 99 critically endangered, 187 endangered, 176 vulnerabe
and 64 threatened Species
Regulating Services
Ex. Yakal, Giant Orchid, Waling-waling, Staghorn fern
Air and water purification- influences local climate and
air quality
Carbon-sequestration and storage- ecos regulate global Threats and Problems in Forest Ecosystem
climate by storing greenhouse gases
Climate Regulation- eco and living orgscreate a buffer Anthropogenic Activities
against natural disasters. Storing solar radiation,
Deforestation
distributing heat and moisture around the globe, driving
weather systems. Urbanization
Waste-water treatment- Ecosystems such as wetlands Kaingin
filter effluents, decompose waste through the biological
activity of microorgs and eliminate pathogens Illegal logging

Erosion prevention and maintenance of soil fertility- Kaingin

Vegetation cover prevents soil erosion and ensures soil Forest Fire
fertility through natural biological processes such as
nitrogen fixation. Illegal Wildlife Trade and Poachers- giant taro, monitor
lizard
Regulation of Water Flow-Water flow regulation is a key
service provided by land cover and configuration. Commercial mining and logging

Cultural Servies Second Most Urgent Concern- Loss of Biodiversity(1st is

climate change, 3rd loss of forest, 4th Air Pollution, 5th
Recreation- role in maintaining mental and physical Plastic Pollution)
health Over 85% of the planet’ wetlands have been lost for the
Tourism-Attracts millions of travelers worldwide past 300 yrs

Spiritual Experience and sense of peace- religions Introduced/Invasive Organisms

When alien species are capable of causing significant
harmto our environment, the economy or to society, they
Status of Philippine Biodiversity are referred to as "invasive alien species".
either because they take up resources from native or they
5th in the world in terms of plant specie
cause harm in communities
Species endemism- atleast 25 species of genera plants ad
49% of terrestrial wildlife
4th in Bird endemism
30%of ph population including 12 to 15 million
indigenous populations reside in uplands (forest location)
Invasive Flora(Plant Species) Pollution
Examples; Effects
Kantutay Rising temperature
Helicoper Flower Rising sea levels
Kugon- One of the top 10 worst weeds in the world native Unpredictable weather patterns
to Korea, Japan, China, India and Eastern
Increase in extreme weather
Africa(Tropical)
events
Bougainvillea
Land degradation
Peacock Flower
Loss of wildlife and biodiversity
Cardinals Guard
Biodiversity Conservation Strategies
Skyflower
In-situ and Ex-situ strategy
Giant Sensitive Plant (Makahiya)
In-situ(Natural Homes)
Spiked Pepper
Wildlife sanctuary
Trees(Host of Insect Pests)
National Park
Gmelina arborea,
Wildlife Reserve
Acacia mangium,(Brown Salwood)
Ex-Situ(Artificial Home)
Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red Gum)
Seed bank
Swietenia macrophylla (Mahogany)
Zoo
Toona ciliate(Toon tree)
Botanical Garden
Leucaena leucocephala(Ipil-Ipil)

Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation

Forest tree species planted in the country were identified
as bioinvasive based from local Establish protected forest areas;
and international sources: There are eight species, The level of pollutants should be reduced in the
namely: environment;
Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), •Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be
prevented;
Giant ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala)
•Stop illegal logging and limit logging in old-growth
Palosanto (Triplaris cumingiana),
forests.
Acacia/Auri (Acacia auricauliformis),
•Provide and protect variety of habitats for plants and
African tulip (Spathodea companulata), animals;
Aroma(Aroma confusa), Promote and foster community mobilization, advocacy
and networking about forest and biodiversity
Mesquita aroma (Prosopis juliflorae) and
conservation;
Paper mulberry(Broussonetia papyrifera).
•Prevent the introduction of invasive plants and animals
in the forest;

Climate Change Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation

Cause •Promote education and information dissemination about

forest
Rapid industrialization
protection and its biodiversity conservation;
Energy use
•Establish community based forest and biodiversity
Agricultural practice resources
Deforestation management;
Consumer practices •Promulgate local ordinances for protection and
Livestock conservation of

Transport forest and biodiversity resources.

Resource extraction
Restore an Area Near or Far Current State of Philippine Agricultureb
Plant Native trees and plants
-Agroecosystems cover 38% of the earth’s land OR 12.16
Save Energy
billion acres (4.92 billion hectares)
Help Animals, Big or Small Agriculture remains the most crucial importance in the
Consume Responsibly economy of the Philippines

Support Companies committed to ethical standards Major export products are coconut oil and other coconut
products, fruits, vegetables and bananas
Buy biodiversity-friendly products
Other ASEAN countries have generally more diverse
Change one habit that is negative for biodiversity agriculture than the Philippines and have been exhibiting
Minimize Waste better agricultural performance.

Ask businesses to source responsively For instance, crop yields are generally lower in the
Philippines compared to other countries in the region
Share
Agricultural biodiversity is nowadays experiencing
general decline, as is the land area devoted to urbanization
and industrialization, rapid population growth,expanding
AgroEcosystem
market demand at both the local and international
Community of plants and animal interacting with
levels and global climate change.
physical and chemical environment that have been
modified by people to produce food and other resources Threats and Problems in Agroecosystem
for human consumption.
1. Invasive Pests
Comprises domestic plants and animals and people who Ex. Common Name: Hagonoy
husband them.
Scientific Name: Chromolaena odorata
Characteristics of Agroecosystem
Farmer decides what to plant (species & variety); Country of Origin: Tropical America

One or few species only, flora = simple Invasive effect: prevents the establishment of
Age and status of growing plants = uniform; other forage species, thus reducing the
availability of edible plants for livestock.
Farmer supplies water and fertilizer uniformly;
Common Name: Cogon grass
Farmers harvests the products; removes all away from the
field
Scientific Name: Imperata cylindrical
Insect fauna = simple (pests and natural enemies);
Country of Origin: is a native species that has
There is an order of arriving of organisms: crops, pests infested several million hectares of the Philippine
and natural enemies; uplands.
Ecologically unstable;
Invasive effect: A considerable area of potential
Chances of pest outbreak = high. agricultural or forest land is rendered useless
Agroecosystem Properties because of the colonization by Imperata.

Productivity- quanity of food, fuel or fiber Common Name: Golden Apple Snail
Stability- Consistency of production
Scientific Name: Pomacea canaliculata
Sustainability- Maintaining a specified level of
production over the long term Country of Origin: Argentina, South
America, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and
Equitability- sharing agricultural production fairly Uruguay (Hayes et al. 2012).
Autonomy- Se;f-sufficiency
Invasive effect: Major pest hindering the
promotion and adoption of direct-seeded rice.

Common Name: Rice field rat

Scientific Name: Rattus argentiventer

Country of Origin: Mindanao and other islands

of the Philippines, but not in Luzon

Invasive effect: If it was to become established

in the main rice bowls of Luzon then the impact
could be severe.
Invasive Insect Pests in Agroecosystems Pesticides are linked to death of bees and pollinators as
well as beneficial insects
Species that attained invasive status is the past 10 years
8. Synthetic Fertilizer
Buff Coconut mealy bug
-Synthetic fertilizers can harm the environment because
Long Leaf Beetle their nitrogen and phosphorous levels are often higher.
Rice Black Bugs
-Phosphorous runoff from farms and landscapes that use
Several species of leaf miner flies, Liriomyza spp. fertilizer has contributed to the algae bloom in Lakes and
imported with cut flowers have attained outbreak levels rivers, which has been disastrous to aquatic life
destroying potato crops and other highland crops in (Reddington,2009).
Benguet and Mountain provinces. -Also, synthetic fertilizers kill beneficial bacteria in soil
Spiraling whitefly
(Aleurodicus dispersus)
Why Should You Conserve Biodiversity?
The spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus affects -It is believed that an area with higher species abundance
many vegetable crops and ornamentals.
has a more stable environment compared to an area with
Big-headed ant that hauls rice seeds in the lower species abundance.

upland environment, is also an introduced -We depend directly on various species of plant for our

pest various needs.

Invasive plant and insect pest can be cause by -Similarly, we depend on various species of animals
introduction and indigenousness
and microbes for different reasons.
2.Soil Erosion, overgazing, desssertification -Biodiversity is being lost due to the loss of habitat, over-
Overgazing- Results from human overpopulation exploitation of resources, climatic changes, pollution,
invasive exotic species, diseases, hunting, etc. (The Land
Soil Erosion- Caused by unsuitable land use practices Between, 2021).
- Since it provides us with severaleconomic and ethical
3.Depletion of Groundwater and Salinization benefits and adds aesthetic value, it is very important to
conserve biodiversity.
-In many farms, the withdrawal of ground water for
irrigation is excessive during the dryseason. -Conservation of biological diversity is very important for
the proper functioning of the ecosystem and for delivering
ecosystem services (Wall and Nielsen, 2012).
-This has caused the ground water to recede, affecting the
availability of potable water for domestic use. -Maintaining high biodiversity in agroecosystems makes
agricultural production more sustainable and
economically viable
-Also, when much ground water is withdrawn by
agroecosytems near coastal areas, salt water intrusion
usually occurs. Biodiversity Conservation Strategies
- Implementation of biodiversity-based agriculture to
enhance ecosystem services.
4. Pollution
-Pesticides are transported by air, water and soil,resulting -Use of bio-based products for controlling insect-pests,
in pollution. and weeds.

-Pesticide residues are found in the food we eat as well as -Prevent use of invasive species in agroecosystem.
in deep wells located near agricultural areas. - Establish protected agricultural land (Agricultural
protection zoning (APZ));
-The health effect in humans include increased incidence
of tumors, cancer, sterility, etc. pesticides kill not only -Reducing local management intensity, such as fertilizer
pests but beneficial animals as well (Aktar, et al., 2009). and pesticide application;

5. Land Conversion -Implementing the following strategies:

-From agricultural lands into urban areas due to Crop Rotation

urbanization Zero Tilage
6. Loss of genetic diversity Multicropping
-Indirect extinction of traditional or indigenous varieties
of crops due to introduction of high yielding hybrids or Crop-livestock Interaction
varieties
Covee crops and Mulches
7. Pesticides Practice organic Farming
-Contamination of surroundings due to misuse of
Slash-and-burn agriculture must stop
pesticide
Coral Reef Ecosystems INCOME Fishermen all around the world rely on this
steady supply of fish for their main source of income
(Daniel, 2016).
What is a Coral?
-A single coral animal is called a coral polyp. MEDICAL RESEARCH Coral reefs have the potential
to be used as medical cures to treat cancer, heart disease,
-The coral polyps live together in colonies toform the vast
HIV and arthritis among others. (Daniel, 2016).
structures of the reef.
FOOD They are a food source for millions of people
-There are two kinds of corals: hard and soft. (Daniel, 2016).
-Soft corals (Gorgonians), such as sea fans, seawhips, and
PROTECTION Protect the shoreline, minimizing the
sea rods, sway with the currents and lack an exoskeleton impacts of waves from storms and tsunami.
-Hard corals (Scleractinia), such as brain, star, staghorn,
TOURISM Coral reefs attract tourists from all over the
elkhorn and pillar corals have rigid exoskeletons, or
world.
corallites, that protect their soft delicate bodies
(reefrelief.org). The Philippine Coral Reef
According to White et. Al. (200)
What are coral reefs?
-The Philippines has a diverse human population with
-Coral reefs are home to an extraordinary number of
approximately 14% of the population considered
marine creatures.
indigenous.
-Reefs are colonies of coral polyps held together by -In many cases areas of high biodiversity are inhabited by
calcium carbonate.
indigenous communities.
-Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, whose -The marine and coastal systems of the Philippines are
polyps cluster in groups.
critical to the wellbeing of the people who live there.
-Coral reefs grow best in warm water (70–85° F or 21–
-Fish constitutes nearly 70% of inhabitants’ protein intake
29° C) (Coral Reef Alliance, 2021). and also provides a source of income for around 6.5
-Corals prefer clear and shallow water, where lots of million small-scale fishers and their families .
sunlight filters through to their symbiotic algae (Coral -The reefs have long been used as traditional fishing
Reef Alliance, 2021).
grounds, and are considered by the indigenous people to
-It is possible to find corals at depths of up to 300 feet (91 be ancestral waters.
meters), but reef-building corals grow poorly below 60– -As a number of stakeholders are reliant on these reefs, its
90 feet (18–27 meters) (Coral Reef Alliance, 2021).
destruction would have wide-ranging and detrimental
-Corals need salt water to survive, so they grow poorly social and economic consequences.
near river openings or coastal areas with excessive runoff
Threats to the coral reef ecosystems
(Coral Reef Alliance, 2021).
-Unfortunately, coral reef ecosystems are severely
threatened.
Interesting Coral Reef Facts
-Some threats are natural, such as diseases, predators, and
According to Daniel, 2016 storms, while others are manmade
-Coral reefs have the highest biodiversity within marine
Ex. Coral Disease, Crown of Thorns Sea star outbreak,
ecosystems with thousands of species of fish alone and
Storms
over 1000 species of corals.
1.Coastal and Ocean Pollution
-Coral reefs are the largest living structures visible from
outer space (the Great Barrier Reef is over 2000 km long). Oil slicks, pesticides, chemical, heavymetals, garbage etc.
(US EPA, 2021).
-Coral reefs worldwide cover an area of 284,300 square
km, around 1% of the total area of the world’s oceans -Poison coral polyps
The Philippine Coral Reef Fertilizer and untreated sewage encourages algae growth
(US EPA, 2021)
According to Dacanay (2015):
-High concentrations of algae can cover the coral and
-The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, considered block sunlight if not kept under control by herbivores.
the Amazon of the Sea, an area with more species of
corals, fish, and pharmaceutical marine products than any 2. Sedimentation and Siltation
other marine environment. Uncontrolled development of coasts
- Coastal development, urban stormwater runoff, mining,
-Some 100 scientists have declared the Philippines as the
forestry, and agriculture
world’s center of marine biodiversity because of its
tropical reefs. 3. Recreation
Boat anchors crush corals and gouge the reef (US EPA,
Why are coral reefs important?
2021).
HABITAT These are home to 33% of all known fish
species and a nursery ground for over 25% of all marine
species (Daniel, 2016).
Diving tourism
-Divers and snorkelers sit, stand on, or
handle corals (US EPA, 2021)

4. Destructive Fishing Practices

Overharvesting of species can lead to endangerment and
extinction (US EPA, 2021).
Fishing with dynamite, cyanide, or bleachcan destroy
coral reefs (US EPA, 2021).
Careless handling of nets, lines and traps can lead to reef
damage (US EPA, 2021).
What can you do to protect the coral reefs?
-No matter where you live, near the coast or hundreds of
miles away, there are several things that you can do to
keep coral reefs healthy.

-Many dangers to coral reefs occur directly on the water

but many also come from activities that occur on land,
even those far from the coast.
-In the following slides are lifestyle changes that anyone
can adopt that can make a difference for the health of
our coral reefs.

When Visiting Coral Reefs

1.Practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling
2.Take a reef-friendly approach to sun protection
3. Practice safe boating
Everyday
Be a marine debris crusader
Be conscious when buying aquarium fish
Save energy at home and at work
Don’t send chemicals into our waterways
Volunteer