Effective small lake governance requires a holistic approach that integrates regulatory frameworks, management strategies, and decision support systems that will balance environmental protection with socio-economic considerations, the long-term sustainability of lake ecosystems, and the benefits it provides to local communities. Here are some of the recommendations for the project:
Institutionalization of the Technical Working Group (TWG)
This is necessary to provide not only scientific input to the policy-decision making process, but also an opportunity to maximize collaboration among the different stakeholders. For the LGU to take a more proactive role in managing the lakes, it is necessary to allocate more resources to manage the lake. The TWG should comprise the different stakeholder groups, including representatives from the LGU, LLDA, private sector, and community-based organizations (FARMC). The project team also recommends the inclusion of state universities and colleges (SUCs) or higher education institutions (HEIs) like the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) in the TWG. Research priorities can be identified by the TWG and proposed for funding.
Part of institutionalization should be the identification of the responsibilities of the institutions and the processes that will be adopted should problems or opportunities in lake management arise. Currently, one immediate concern would be the regular monitoring of water quality and the fish cages and the dismantling of illegal fish structures. While FARMC is expected to implement the aquaculture policies and self-police, and LLDA has the power to dismantle illegal fish cages, the TWG can propose an improved process on how to proceed with dismantling the structures and enforcing other policies that are currently problematic.
It is recommended that the TWG ensure the regular updating of the Small Lake DSS and open-access KSP. Their tasks and responsibilities can include data generation and dissemination of results. Interventions that may mitigate further deterioration of the lakes, such as the construction of a wastewater facility, may be included in the DSS to determine their forecasted effect on lake water quality.
Integrated Management Framework
The complex interactions between various environmental, social, and economic factors must be integrated into a management framework for effective lake management. A more collaborative approach should be present to ensure the protection and conservation of all the lakes. The current multi-tiered governance structure, which involves a mix of formal actors (government agencies) and informal actors (NGOs, people's organizations), should have stronger coordination and cooperation to effectively create and implement policies and programs that could address environmental issues and promote sustainable development even at the local level.
The institutionalization of TWG can lead to an integrated plan for all lakes and may help develop future plans to mitigate the continued deterioration of the lakes. Given existing data and policies, the current forecast generated by the DSS for Sampalok Lake shows continued increases in water pollutants, with the strict enforcement of a maximum 10% suitable water surface area for fish cages showing the slowest deterioration of water quality. However, the TWG can come up with other necessary plans in the future to control, for example, wastes coming from agriculture, households, and businesses through a wastewater treatment facility.
Capacity building of stakeholders
a) Managers of the digital outputs of the projects: The decision support system, such as the localized water evaluation and planning model (WEAP) and knowledge sharing platform (KSP), was developed to target mainly LLDA and the City Planning and Development Office of San Pablo, Nagcarlan, and Rizal as they have the technical capacity to understand the functions of the models. Limited knowledge may lead to misuse or misinterpretation of results. As the project has capacitated the managers and primary users of the DSS and KSP, changes in leadership must ensure the proper turnover and capacity building of the digital outputs to the new leaders to ensure their continued utility.
b. FARMC - As major stakeholders and users of the lake, the fisherfolk have much to lose should the lake further deteriorate. By law, they are likewise partners in policing their rank and managing the lakes. Thus, educating the fisherfolks regarding the sources of pollutants, the lake's water quality, forecasted scenarios and adaptation measures should be part of the continuous capacity building plan of LGU for the fisherfolks.
Community engagement and education
Awareness campaigns about the importance of lakes, their ecological significance, and human-induced stressors must be inculcated among residents. The study's results revealed that the majority of the residents do not have ideas about different policies, programs, projects, and activities being implemented in the seven lakes. Informed citizens appreciate the importance of maintaining healthy lake ecosystems and the consequences of human activities on lake integrity. Engaging local communities in lake governance will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.
Through an integrated management framework, an educational campaign targeting business owners, students, and residents should be a high priority for the TWG.Along this line, the open-access knowledge management framework can be a helpful tool not only because of its rich information and education materials but also because of its readily available helpful graphics.
Science-Based Decision Making: Potential Roles of the TWG for DSS
The development of a decision support system for effective lake governance can significantly enhance stakeholders' decision-making process with timely, relevant, and actionable information. Science-based decision-making in lake management requires using empirical data and scientific evidence to inform policies and guide decisions to ensure the protection and sustainable use of lake ecosystems.
Data generation or sources
The quality of data used in decision support systems plays a significant role as it directly influences the accuracy and reliability of decisions made using the system. Regular monitoring and collection of lake water quality data will help improve the quality of the model's results. Currently, the LLDA is mandated to monitor the water quality of the seven lakes.
The project recommends developing a well-designed water quality monitoring scheme that incorporates an agreed standard protocol for examining water (in terms of physico-chemical and biological parameters) and wastewater and the recommendations of previous studies to have uniform and standardized water quality data measurements for lakes. It is also recommended that water sampling be collected monthly to determine the seasonal variations of each water quality parameter.
Most of the data measured in each lake are related to the lake's water quality. There is no available data about streamflow and lake water levels. These data are essential components of hydrological monitoring and management of the water quantity, timing, and distribution within the lake catchment. Installation of monitoring gauges at strategic locations within the lake catchment or along the upstream tributaries of each lake will provide insights into water level fluctuations, flow rates, and hydrological dynamics over time.
The nearest agrometeorological station as a source of weather data is in UPLB, more than 20 kilometers away from the seven lakes. To have accurate and representative meteorological data specific to lake management, installing an automatic weather station (AWS) in a strategic location that will accurately reflect local weather conditions within the seven lakes is recommended. Monitoring meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed helps in understanding the lake's thermal structure that affects water quality, such as algal blooms and nutrient cycling.
Data Storage and Access
Different types of data can be generated in lake management, such as water quality measurements (ammonia, dissolved oxygen, BOD, temperature, pH, phosphorous, phytoplankton, zooplankton, chlorophyll-a, coliforms), meteorological data (temperature, rainfall, solar radiation, wind speed, humidity), water quantity (water level, water volume, streamflow, inflow, outflow), biological data (species diversity, population counts), anthropogenic data (human-induced stressors, population growth), and policy data (ordinances, policies, mandates). Data storage should accommodate all these various data types, which should be scalable enough to handle large volumes of data collected over time.
All these data must also be accessible to authorized users involved in lake management and decision-making. The knowledge-sharing platform (KSP) developed by the project serves as a repository of data stored in a cloud-based storage platform. Raw data can be accessed by authorized users, but the processed data presented in the KSP can be easily accessed by any stakeholders if an internet connection is available.
Data Processing and Analysis
Data generated from its own source and collected from different sources must follow the data quality procedures to identify outliers, check missing data, and correct errors before processing and analysis. The focal person or office that manages the DSS will process, analyze, and integrate the data into DSS and KSP.
Different scenarios besides those identified in this study can be explored. Possible scenarios, such as establishing wastewater treatment plants and potential impacts of climate change on lake water quality and quantity, can be added and analyzed in the modified WEAP model.
Data Visualization
Interpret the results of data analysis and create appropriate data visualization such as graphs, maps, and dashboards so that users can gain insights into the lake’s condition, ecosystem dynamics, and potential stressors. This study used line charts or time series plots to visualize the variations and long-term trends of different water quality parameters. We also used color-coded maps to show the spatial variations of land-use change through time. Using QGIS, the project was able to trace the fish cages of each lake and determine the surface area occupied by the fish cages. We were also able to show the location of each fish cage through maps.
Heat maps can be used to visualize the spatial variations of lake water quality parameters within and between lakes. Infographics can showcase critical findings and management priorities to diverse stakeholders, including policymakers and local communities. Interactive dashboards for lake water quality can also be developed to enhance user experience by incorporating visually appealing design, interactive features, and compelling storytelling. By leveraging data visualization effectively, the TWG of seven lakes can enhance communication and foster stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable management and conservation of each lake.
Information Dissemination
The KSP fosters open access to relevant information on the seven crater lakes. It serves as a one-stop shop where people can navigate different types of information related to the seven lakes. The feedback mechanism component of the KSP allows the developer to incorporate suggestions and comments in updating the platform.
Aside from KSP, various communication channels, such as print materials, websites, social media platforms, community events, and public meetings, can be utilized for a wider and diverse reach in raising local communities’ awareness of different plans, projects, and activities intended for lake management.
Establishment of the Small Lake Policy Laboratory
The study proposes establishing a small lake policy lab in a university that will house all data relevant to the study of small lakes and continue exploring areas of collaboration, model development, research, and extension activities intended for small lake studies.