Climate changes in the southeastern rural areas of Homs.
When reflecting on the case study of mangrove restoration in the Philippines, clear similarities can be observed with the situation in the southeastern rural areas of Homs, despite the different geographical contexts.
In southeastern rural Homs, the most common climate-related risks include recurrent drought, desertification, dust storms, and extreme heat waves. While these hazards existed in the past, climate change has increased their frequency and intensity, in much the same way that global warming has intensified typhoons in the Philippines. Irregular rainfall patterns and rising temperatures have contributed to declining agricultural productivity and the degradation of rangelands, making local livelihoods increasingly fragile.
The areas most affected are semi-arid and steppe villages, particularly those that rely on rain-fed agriculture or livestock herding. The most vulnerable communities include small-scale farmers, pastoralists, low-income households, and especially women and children, as their livelihoods depend directly on natural resources and they have limited economic alternatives.
Despite these challenges, local communities employ a range of traditional and adaptive coping strategies, such as adjusting cropping patterns, conserving water, practicing seasonal livestock mobility, and relying on strong social solidarity within families and communities. These approaches closely resemble the collective community action seen in the Philippines, where mangrove restoration served as a nature-based solution to enhance protection and resilience.
In terms of institutional support, government involvement remains limited and mainly focused on agricultural guidance and small-scale water projects. At the same time, local and international non-governmental organizations provide humanitarian assistance, livelihood support, and training in more sustainable practices. However, this support is often insufficient and needs to be strengthened through long-term climate adaptation strategies.
In conclusion, this comparison highlights that environmental restoration and community-based action are not only about protecting ecosystems, but are also closely linked to building resilience, improving livelihoods, and empowering vulnerable groups. This shared lesson connects the mangrove restoration experience in the Philippines with the realities of rural communities facing climate stress in Syria.