SOCIOECONOMIC-CULTURAL STUDIES (SECS)

Resource Utilization Patterns in the Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems in Mt. Malindang and its Environs

Land and water comprise the major natural resources utilized by people to survive. People enhance the utilization of land and water resources to increase productivity.

However, pressures on these resources mount over time. These influence resource utilization, particularly those that relate to livelihood. Engaging in livelihood activities, however, involves more than just the use, access to or control over land and water resources, but also over other natural resources, referred to as “assets” (i.e., natural, physical, human, financial, and social capital).

Social differentiations affect access to, control over, and use of these assets. Three important social differentiations are considered in this study: those that pertain to ethnicity, class, and gender. Social differentiation by ethnicity is of fundamental importance to the study, given the presence of indigenous peoples – the Subanon – in the study sites. Social differentiation by class is also vital, as there exists pronounced differences in land ownership, personal wealth, and educational attainment among and between households. Meanwhile, gender specialization in production is to be explored as this results in different perceptions and priorities in coming up with livelihood and biodiversity conservation strategies.

Knowledge about resource utilization patterns over time as they relate to livelihood and environment is seen to have important implications for policy formulation, both at the national and local levels. Resources or assets used, controlled or accessed are widely accepted springboards for programs and policies that are oriented to poverty alleviation and long-term livelihood security.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Modern Technology-Based Approaches: Opportunities for Biodiversity Management and Conservation in Mt. Malindang and its Immediate Environs

Central to the issue of sustainable development is an understanding of IKS. Indigenous knowledge is the systematic body of knowledge acquired by local people through the accumulation of experiences, informal experiments and intimate understanding of the environment in a given culture.

The study recognizes that the indigenous people possess an immense knowledge of their environments, based on centuries of living close to nature, with the richness and variety of complex ecosystems. It also discerns the gender differentiations in biodiversity resource use, management and conservation of floral and faunal resources.

This study aims to provide a basis for formulating appropriate strategies in designing programs for biodiversity resource management and conservation grounded on a synergism of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and modern technology.

Policy Analysis for Biodiversity Management and Conservation in Mt. Malindang and its Environs

Policies, laws, codes and ordinances are normally designed to improve the status of the vast majority, if not all, of the affected stakeholders.

The intent of environmental-related policies, both at the national and local levels is for proper management and conservation of the natural resources, without jeopardizing the livelihood of those who are dependent on those resources.

This study is designed to address the policy-related concerns of the biophysico-chemical studies and other socioeconomic and cultural studies under the aquatic and terrestrial components of the Master Project.

This study aims to evaluate policies, laws and ordinances that are relevant to biodiversity management and conservation, with particular reference to livelihood security and environmental sustainability, and other implications to gender, ethnicity and culture.

Results of the other studies will be used as inputs to this study, particularly in recommending policy formulations, as well as policy advocacy for livelihood security and environmental sustainability.

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