Conservation for Whom? Archaeology, Heritage Policy, and Livelihoods in the Ifugao Rice Terraces

Heritage conservation must prioritize adaptability and community-driven stewardship over rigid authenticity to sustain dynamic socio-ecological systems. A study of the Ifugao Rice Terraces reveals that their long-term viability depends on integrating livelihoods, functional flexibility, and local governance. Archaeological, ethnographic, spatial, and agricultural economic data show that wet-rice agriculture's expansion in the 17th century replaced earlier systems but maintained adaptive strategies, such as incorporating swidden fields and ritual practices. Contemporary shifts—like labor migration and climate variability—reflect ongoing adaptation rather than decline. Comparative analysis with other heritage sites underscores the need for conservation models that support economic viability and local authority to ensure cultural continuity in response to future challenges.

Acabado, S., Albano, A., & Martin, M. (2025). Conservation for Whom? Archaeology, Heritage Policy, and Livelihoods in the Ifugao Rice Terraces. Land, 14(9), 1721. https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091721