Assessing Community Knowledge and Perceptions on Marine Conservation for the Establishment of the Manlot (Tridacna gigas) Protected Area in Magalumbi Island
This study examines community knowledge and perceptions of marine conservation in relation to the proposed establishment of the Manlot Protected Area (MPA) on Magalumbi Island, Batad, Iloilo. A multi-method approach was applied, combining habitat assessments, biodiversity surveys, geospatial mapping, and stakeholder consultations. Semi-structured interviews with local fishers, policymakers, and environmental groups highlighted the community’s heavy reliance on marine resources and concerns about the declining Manlot population, driven by habitat degradation and overharvesting. While some residents initially expressed scepticism toward conservation measures, many acknowledged the potential benefits of an MPA, particularly in restoring fish stocks and developing eco-tourism as an alternative livelihood. Environmental assessments indicated favorable conditions for Manlot rehabilitation, including adequate coral cover and suitable water quality. However, challenges remain, including illegal fishing practices, poor waste management, and weak enforcement of existing regulations. To address these issues, a zoning plan was proposed that designates core conservation zones, buffer areas, and regulated-use zones to balance ecological protection with sustainable resource utilization. The study further highlights the importance of community participation through education campaigns and monitoring initiatives. Overall, it emphasizes an integrated framework that links biodiversity protection, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods to support effective marine conservation.
Link to the original full article: https://ap.fftc.org.tw/article/3921
ABSTRACT
This study examines community knowledge and perceptions of marine conservation in relation to the proposed establishment of the Manlot Protected Area (MPA) on Magalumbi Island, Batad, Iloilo. A multi-method approach was applied, combining habitat assessments, biodiversity surveys, geospatial mapping, and stakeholder consultations. Semi-structured interviews with local fishers, policymakers, and environmental groups highlighted the community’s heavy reliance on marine resources and concerns about the declining Manlot population, driven by habitat degradation and overharvesting. While some residents initially expressed scepticism toward conservation measures, many acknowledged the potential benefits of an MPA, particularly in restoring fish stocks and developing eco-tourism as an alternative livelihood. Environmental assessments indicated favorable conditions for Manlot rehabilitation, including adequate coral cover and suitable water quality. However, challenges remain, including illegal fishing practices, poor waste management, and weak enforcement of existing regulations. To address these issues, a zoning plan was proposed that designates core conservation zones, buffer areas, and regulated-use zones to balance ecological protection with sustainable resource utilization. The study further highlights the importance of community participation through education campaigns and monitoring initiatives. Overall, it emphasizes an integrated framework that links biodiversity protection, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods to support effective marine conservation.
Keywords: Biodiversity protection, community perceptions, eco-tourism, habitat assessment, Magalumbi Island, Manlot Protected Area, marine conservation, marine resource management, stakeholder engagement, sustainable livelihoods.
摘要
針對在怡朗市巴塔德地區的馬加倫比島擬成立的巨蛤保護區（MPA），本研究探討了社群對海洋保育的認知與看法，並進行相關分析。本研究採取了多重方法理論，結合棲地評估、生物多樣性調查、地理空間製圖及相關利害關係人的諮詢等方式。透過對當地漁民、政策制定者及環保團體採取的半結構式訪談，凸顯出了社群對海洋資源的高度依賴，以及因棲地退化和過度捕撈所導致巨蛤族群數量銳減所引發的憂慮。儘管有部分居民一開始對保育措施抱持著懷疑態度，然而許多人也了解此巨蛤保護區所帶來的潛在效益，特別是在恢復漁類資源及作為替代生計來源的生態旅遊發展。環境評估的結果顯示，巨蛤的復育條件良好，包括充足的珊瑚礁覆蓋率與適宜的水域品質。然而，巨蛤族群仍面臨諸多挑戰，包括非法的捕撈行為、廢棄物管理不善，以及現行法規執法不力等。為處理這些議題，本研究提出了區域劃分的想法，用以畫分出核心保護區、緩衝區及受管制區域，期望在生態保育與資源永續利用之間取得平衡。本研究亦進一步強調，透過教育宣傳與監測計畫來促進社群的參與度所扮演重要的角色及重要性。整體而言，本研究強調應建立一個整合性框架，將生物多樣性的保護功能、環境教育與永續生計相互連結，以支持有效的海洋保育工作。
要約
本研究は、イロイロ州バタドのマガルンビ島におけるしゃこ貝保護区（MPA）の設立案に関連し、海洋保全に関する地域社会の知識と認識を検証するものである。生息地評価、生物多様性調査、地理空間マッピング、およびステークホルダーとの協議を組み合わせた多角的な手法が採用された。地元の漁業者、政策立案者、環境保護団体に対する半構造化インタビューからは、地域社会が海洋資源に大きく依存していること、および生息地の劣化や乱獲によってしゃこ貝の個体数が減少していることへの懸念が浮き彫りになった。一部の住民は当初、保全措置に対して懐疑的な見方を示したが、多くの住民はMPAがもたらす潜在的な利益、特に魚類資源の回復や代替生計手段としてのエコツーリズムの発展を認めていた。環境評価の結果、十分なサンゴ被覆率や適切な水質など、しゃこ貝の回復に適した条件が整っていることが示された。しかし、違法漁業、不十分な廃棄物管理、既存規制の執行力不足といった課題も残されている。これらの問題に対処するため、生態系の保護と持続可能な資源利用のバランスを図るべく、中核保護区、緩衝地帯、利用規制区域を指定するゾーニング計画が提案された。本研究はさらに、啓発キャンペーンやモニタリング活動を通じた地域社会の参加の重要性を強調している。この研究はさらに、啓発活動やモニタリング活動を通じた地域社会の参加の重要性を浮き彫りにしている。全体として、効果的な海洋保全を支援するために、生物多様性の保護、環境教育、そして持続可能な生計を結びつける統合的な枠組みの重要性を強調している。