Undoubtedly, the mangroves and associated wildlife show signs of degradation in every region of the world. The historical data proves that in 10 regions there is a continuous mangrove lost since 1980 to 2005. The research destination, the Philippines has lost its mangrove cover severely. The government involvements, necessary law enforcement, political will proper leadership, community involvement, alternative livelihoods, education campaign, and involvement of all local and national organization and willingness of local communities are needed to change this trend of degradation of mangroves around the world. There is an example in the City of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Philippines that combined all the ingredients to a continuously performing sustainable environmental development project. This mangrove plantation project is known as “Love Affair with Nature”. This project is being held annually since 2003 and 58.5 hectares has been rehabilitated in Puerto Princesa. This project is very attractive with its mass wedding ceremony and celebrations. Averagely, about 150 couples get marry with the support of the local mayor under one condition of planting a mangrove tree together.
The performances rely upon the integrated environmental projects conducted in the Puerto Princesa city. The planting mangrove project on every Valentine’s Day is not a standalone program. There are varieties of other community based mangrove and tree planting projects conducted regularly. Every citizen of the Puerto Princesa is a part of the pride of being environmentally sound citizens. In this study, the author has proven that Puerto Princesa City in Palawan has gained its forest cover and mangrove forest during the past two decades. The qualitative findings among interviewing local community at various stages have proven that every citizen in Puerto Princesa is aware of the importance of mangroves and they believe that the mangrove forest in Puerto Princesa is growing. The available national statistics also prove that in Puero Princesa City and in the whole Palawan Province, both mangrove and forest cover is increasing. A unique methodology was used in this study and photography was used to document many of the qualitative findings. Also, the author has originally developed a framework of success for “Love Affair with Nature” Mangrove Plantation project and which can be adopted in various parts of the Philippines.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the research
1.2. Research Objectives
1.3. Research questions
1.4. Significance of the study
CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1. Value of natural resources
2.2. Importance of Mangrove
2.2.1. Economic value
2.2.2. Environmental value
2.2.3. Social Value
2.3. Decline of the world mangroves
2.4. Mangroves in the Philippines
2.5. Mangrove lost in Puerto Princessa
2.6. Managing mangroves
2.6.1. Sustainable silviculture
2.7. Mangrove Restoration and Afforestation
CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1. Qualitative Research
3.2. Quantitative research
3.3. Data Gathering Mechanism
3.3.1. Desk research
3.3.2. Interviews
3.3.3. Case Studies
3.3.4. Observation
3.3.5. Photographs
CHAPTER IV: RESEARCH DESTINATION - CITY OF PUERTO PRINCESA
4.1. Geographical Location
4.2. Puerto Princesa City
4.3. Population
4.4. Education level
4.5. Economic activities
4.5.1. Crop Production
4.5.2. Poultry and Livestock Production
4.5.3. Fisheries
4.5.4. Tourism
4.5.5. Trade Commerce and Industry
4.5.6. Construction Industry
4.5.7. Furniture and Cottage Industries
4.5.8. Food Processing/ Bakeshops/ Purified Water
4.5.9. Metal craft/ boat industry
4.5.10. Cooperatives
4.5.11. Forestry
4.6. State of Local governance
4.7. Sate of the Mangroves in Puerto Princesa City
CHAPTER V: LOVE AFFAIR WITH NATURE - MANGROVE PLANTATION PROJECT
5.1. Program Introduction
5.2. Program Objectives
5.3. Program History
5.4. Findings of the project
5.5. Other outcomes of the program
5.6. Reasons behind the success of the project
5.6.1. Conceptualization – Refocusing to the City’s vision
5.6.2. Consultation Meeting and Accountability Designation
5.6.3. Information Dissemination Campaign
5.6.4. Nursery Establishment
5.6.5. Identification of Project Site
5.6.6. Massive Mangrove Tree Planting
5.7. Legal aspects on sustainability
CHAPTER VI: SUPPORTING PROJECTS
6.1. Pista Y Ang Kagueban (Feast of the Forest)
6.1.1. Survival rate
6.1.2. Findings of the project
6.2. “Iwahig Firefly Watch” at Iwahig mangrove forest
6.3. Sabang Mangrove Paddleboat Tour
CHAPTER VII: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
7.1. Questionnaire analysis on sustainable mangrove plantation and management projects.
7.1.1. Community Participation
7.1.2. Outputs/ accomplishments based on targets
7.1.3. Incentives and Strategies
7.1.4. Management process
7.1.5. Project organization
7.1.6. Project Capability
7.2. Findings of interviews among local community
7.2.1 Section A
7.2.2. Section B
7.3. Secondary information about the mangrove and forest cover in Palawan and P.P.C
7.4. Mangrove cover and fisheries in Puerto Princesa
7.5. Mangrove cover in Palawan based on PCSD publications
CHAPTER VIII: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1. Conclusions
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary research objective is to investigate the performance and sustainability of mangrove plantation projects in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, specifically the "Love Affair with Nature" initiative. The study seeks to develop an integrated sustainable development framework by balancing economic, environmental, and social sustainability, ultimately evaluating whether such projects effectively increase benefits for the local community and ensure long-term environmental security.
- Performance and sustainability of mangrove plantation projects.
- Economic, social, and environmental benefits for local stakeholders.
- Methods for increasing community involvement in environmental management.
- Development of an integrated sustainable development model (Framework) for Palawan.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Background of the research
Currently there is a variety of environmental projects going on in Palawan, Philippines such as mangrove forestation projects. Many of these projects are done with the community involvement. In February 2010, the author and a team of researchers visited Puerto Princesa to witness the impacts of the local government launched project called “Love affair with nature mangrove plantation project”. This program requests the community to involve in planting mangrove and share the love between environment and people during Valentines’ day.
According to Dr. Palis, in Palawan there are varieties of mangrove forestation projects going on but the mangrove management program only focus on planting trees.
Based on the research of Dr. Palis and the author’s investigations on sights and initial discussions with local community, the author secured a strong feeling that these projects are not economically viable and there are no direct economic benefits for the local community. Therefore, the stability, continuation and regular involvement will not be sustainable in the long term. Therefore, this study focuses on developing an integrated sustainable development framework and applies it to mangrove plantation projects in Palawan. This model is in line with the triple bottom line approach (Society, Environment, Economy) of development. There are various studies about mangroves done in Thailand related to deforestation, environmental issues, social issues and very few economic impacts. Therefore there is a huge potential to develop
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the context of Palawan's natural resources and the "Love Affair with Nature" project, establishing the research objectives and the necessity of a sustainable framework.
CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of global mangrove statistics, their ecological and economic value, and the historical drivers of mangrove decline.
CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This section details the mixed-method research approach, covering qualitative and quantitative techniques including interviews, field observation, and desk research.
CHAPTER IV: RESEARCH DESTINATION - CITY OF PUERTO PRINCESA: This chapter profiles Puerto Princesa, detailing its geography, population dynamics, economic activities, and its existing environmental governance structures.
CHAPTER V: LOVE AFFAIR WITH NATURE - MANGROVE PLANTATION PROJECT: This chapter analyzes the specific mangrove restoration project, its history, objectives, success factors, and its institutionalization via city ordinance.
CHAPTER VI: SUPPORTING PROJECTS: This chapter evaluates additional community-based environmental initiatives in Puerto Princesa, such as "Pista Y Ang Kagueban" and local eco-tourism paddleboat tours.
CHAPTER VII: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS: This chapter presents the empirical data gathered from community questionnaires and interviews, correlating local perceptions with forest cover statistics.
CHAPTER VIII: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This final chapter summarizes the research findings and provides strategic recommendations for policy enforcement and practical project improvements.
Keywords
Mangrove, Sustainability, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Reforestation, Love Affair with Nature, Community Participation, Environmental Management, Ecotourism, Biodiversity, Restoration, Forest Cover, Ecosystem Services, Economic Development, Conservation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis examines the sustainability and performance of mangrove plantation projects in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, focusing on how community-based approaches can balance economic and environmental goals.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include community involvement, the socio-economic benefits of mangrove restoration, ecological preservation, and the institutionalization of environmental projects via local governance.
What is the research goal?
The goal is to develop an integrated development framework that ensures the long-term sustainability of mangrove projects by aligning societal needs, environmental health, and economic viability.
What methodology does the author use?
The author employs a mixed-methodology approach, utilizing qualitative data (interviews and participant observation) alongside quantitative data (population statistics, land cover changes, and survey analysis).
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the literature review on global mangrove trends, the socio-economic profile of Puerto Princesa, the implementation and impact of the "Love Affair with Nature" project, and analysis of other supporting environmental initiatives.
Which keywords define this research?
Key terms include Mangrove, Sustainability, Puerto Princesa, Community Participation, Reforestation, and Environmental Management.
How successful is the "Love Affair with Nature" project?
The project is described as highly successful, having restored 58.5 hectares of mangroves and fostering strong community ownership and awareness since its inception in 2003.
Why are the plastic bags on seedlings a point of concern?
The author notes that plastic bags from seedlings are often not removed during planting, leading to environmental pollution as they wash into the sea during high tide or heavy rain, creating potential ecological issues.
What role does the local government play in these projects?
The local government provides essential leadership, logistical support, nursery establishment, and legal frameworks, such as the ordinance designating Valentine’s Day as "Love Affair with Nature Day."
How does this project impact local fishers?
Local fishers have reported increased fish catches as a result of the habitat restoration provided by the expanding mangrove forests, which serve as breeding grounds for various marine species.
- Quote paper
- Dimithri Jayagoda (Author), 2011, The Performances of Sustainable Environmental Development Projects (Mangrove Plantation) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan-Philippines, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/305803
