Who were the people behind the construction of Banaue Rice Terraces?

Banaue rice terraces, system of irrigated rice terraces in the mountains of north-central Luzon, Philippines, that were created more than 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao people.

What are the unique features of Banaue Rice Terraces?

Banaue Rice Terraces also known as Hagdan-Hagdang Palayan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ifugao. It features thousands of staircase-like rice paddies that were said to be built thousand years ago.

What is the main purpose of Banaue Rice Terraces Why was it built by Ifugao ancestors?

The Banaue Rice Terraces are located on the mountains of Ifugao and were carved there about 2,000 years ago by the ancestors of the present day Philippines. It is said that they were built by hand and were used to plant rice.

What is the threat of Banaue Rice Terraces?

The rice paddies that fall in terraces down the steep mountain sides of the Philippine island of Luzon are crumbling under the combined onslaught of worms and a rapidly shrinking rural population. Worms began proliferating about 10 years ago in the paddies of Banaue in Ifugao Province.

How the Banaue Rice Terraces were built?

It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) above sea level. These are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces.

What makes the rice terrace extraordinary?

The Ifugao Rice Terraces epitomize the absolute blending of the physical, socio-cultural, economic, religious, and political environment. Indeed, it is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty. The Ifugao Rice Terraces are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity.

What does Banaue Rice Terraces symbolize?

Banaue rice terraces in the Philippines. “The Ifugao Rice Terraces symbolize harmony between man and nature. Sacred traditions, such as the rituals in time for harvest, and cultural practices have been passed on from one generation to another.

What is the meaning of rice terraces?

The Banaue Rice Terraces (Filipino: Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banawe) are terraces that were carved into the mountains of Banaue, Ifugao, in the Philippines, by the ancestors of the Igorot people. It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand.

What is the problems of Ifugao?

Recently, the Ifugao is facing various challenges viz. deforestation, slash-and-burn, introduction of commercial rice, and climate change.

What are the threats of rice terraces in the Philippines?

Threats for which the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger

  • The abandonment of the terraces due to neglected irrigation system and people leaving the area.
  • Unregulated development threatening the property.
  • Tourism needs not addressed.
  • Lack of an effective management system.

What are the Ifugao culture?

Ifugao culture revolves around rice, which is considered a prestige crop. There is an elaborate and complex array of rice culture feasts inextricably linked with taboos and intricate agricultural rites, from rice cultivation to rice consumption.