Integrated Management of Erosion and Sedimentation in the Cagayan de Oro Catchment: Safeguarding Catchment and Marine Coastal Environments

Abstract

This study investigates how sedimentation dynamics within the ridge-river-reef continuum of the Cagayan de Oro River catchment influence erosion and affect marine coastal ecosystems, and what integrated management strategies can mitigate these impacts to promote ecosystem resilience. Rainfall patterns in the region exhibit a moderate shift, punctuated by extreme rainfall events that can lead to significant sedimentation and flooding, particularly in vulnerable sub-catchments. Utilizing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) modeling approach, the research identifies specific challenges associated with erosion and sedimentation, emphasizing the impact of land cover and anthropogenic activities on erosion rates. The assessment found the highest sediment concentrations at the river mouth, with dispersal predominantly east and southeast. The study proposes four management principles—integration, sustainability, precautionary, and adaptive—to guide land-cover stabilization, river rehabilitation, and coastal ecosystem protection.