The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ifugao rice terraces in Batad, Philippines, is increasingly threatened by climate change, according to local leaders and experts. Apu Penneng, an elder and major ricefield owner in the village, described recent damage as "the worst we’ve seen here," pointing to deforested land above the terraces. The terraces, located 1,100 meters above sea level, are renowned for their centuries-old agricultural heritage.

Lawyer Marlon Martin, head of the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMO), emphasized that "climate change is really aggravating the situation on the ground." This local concern reflects a global trend, with an August 2025 study in the journal Nature reporting that 80 percent of UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide face climate-induced stress.

Steve Baccay, head of Ifugao’s Provincial Agriculture and Environment Office, stated that approximately $500,000 is required to restore the terraces in Batad following a landslide in November 2025. However, limited government resources have hampered efforts to protect and rehabilitate this cultural landmark.

The terraces not only represent a vital cultural legacy but also support local livelihoods through the cultivation of Tinawon rice. The community continues traditional rituals such as the Tanig and Bullogan chi Munbotoh, underscoring the terraces’ deep cultural significance.

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