Former mayor Edward Hagedorn and officials have set their vision to see the City of Puerto Princesa, on Palawan Island in the Philippines, as “a model city in sustainable development.” This dissertation discusses how people have committed to accomplish this vision and also how they have contributed to Puerto Princesa being recognized as the “City in the Forest” of the Philippines. The objective of this study is to identify the sustainable development model of Puerto Princesa City and to describe the sustainable development story of Puerto Princesa using case studies and to offer an exclusive approach to case study research that is practical and applicable in other parts of the Philippines and neighboring countries. Global recognition to the concept of sustainable development, its history and application in to island city is discussed throughout this dissertation.
This dissertation introduces the trend of the world, the Philippines and Puerto Princesa City’s mangrove and forest covers. Case studies of annual mangrove plantation and tree planting are discussed in detail. Community based sustainable tourism and livelihood activities are also discussed in the form of case studies. Based on the interviews and surveys, stakeholder’s contribution, leadership and the society of Puerto Princesa City is described. Puerto Princesa City’s tourism development story, why people protects the environment, the sustainable development story of Puerto Princesa City and the possibility of applying of the Puerto Princesa City’s sustainable development model in other parts of the Philippines and neighboring countries are also described in detail.
This study is conducted in the form of a case study. Qualitative data are mostly used but at the same time quantitative data are also used to prove qualitative descriptions as a mixed methodology. Data gathering techniques used in this study are interviews, focus groups, surveys, photography, participatory observations, action research and desk research. The sustainability of projects has resulted in creation of the first carbon neutral city in Southeast Asia, despite the fact that Puerto Princesa is highly an urbanizing city in the Philippines. Local community, policy makers, academia and politicians of the city are in agreement that the community is fully aware of forestation, protection and environmental security in the city, primarily because of continuous community based economic, environmental and social development projects.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: Introduction
1.1 Research background
1.2 Research problem
1.3 Research objectives
1.4 Research questions
1.5 Reasons for choosing this destination
1.6 Significance of the Study
CHAPTER 2: Research Methodology
2.1 Qualitative Research
2.2 Quantitative Research
2.3 Mixed Methodology
2.4 Data Gathering Techniques
2.4.1 Desk Research
2.4.2 Interviews
2.4.3 Focus Groups
2.4.4 Surveys
2.4.5 Observation
2.4.6 Photography
2.4.7 Field Notes
CHAPTER 3: Review of Literature
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Sustainable Development
3.3 Environmental Integration
3.4 Island Sustainability
3.5 Stakeholders
3.6 Community
3.7 Community Based Management
3.7.1 Community Based Forest Management
3.7.2 Community Based Mangrove Forest Management
3.7.3 Community Based Sustainable Tourism (CBST)
3.8 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER 4: Community Based Sustainable Tourism in Association with Mangrove Forest Case Studies
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Dwindling mangroves around the world
4.3 Status of the declining mangroves in the Philippines
4.4 Love Affair with Nature
4.4.1 How this project is sustained in Puerto Princesa
4.5 Island Tourism
4.6 Sustainable Tourism
4.7 Case Studies of Community Based Sustainable Tourism
4.7.1 Sabang Mangrove Paddleboat Tour
4.7.2 Iwahig Firefly Watching in Mangrove Forest
4.7.3 San Carlos Floating Restaurant
4.8 Mangrove protection and community based tourism development
4.9 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER 5: Community Based Forest Management Case study
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Dwindling Forests around the World
5.3 Status of Forests in the Philippines
5.4 Forest Degradation in the Philippines
5.5 Community Based Forest Management (CBFM)
5.5.1 Community Based Forest Management in the Philippines
5.6 Case study: Pista Y Ang Kagueban – “Feast of the Forest”
5.7 Findings of the Project
5.8 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER 6: Livelihoods and Capacity Development
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Capacity Development
6.3 Sustainable Livelihood
6.4 Livelihood projects
6.4.1 Babuyan weaving project
6.4.2 Ugong Rock
6.5 Analyzing case studies
6.6 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER 7: Results, Analysis and Discussions
7.1. Introduction
7.2 Puerto Princesa City Planning
7.3 Stakeholders contribution
7.4 Leadership
7.6 Puerto Princesa City’s Tourism Development Story
7.7 Puerto Princesa City’s Mangrove Forest
7.8 Puerto Princesa, a City in a Forest
7.9 Protecting environment
7.10 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER 8: Conclusion and List of References
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Puerto Princesa City today compared to 20 years ago
8.4 Sustainable development story of Puerto Princesa City
8.4.1 Application of the Puerto Princesa City’s sustainable development model in other parts of the Philippines and neighboring countries
8.5 Future of the city
8.6 Recommendations
8.7 Recommendations for future Research
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This dissertation aims to identify the sustainable development model of Puerto Princesa City and to illustrate its unique development trajectory through detailed case studies. The study seeks to provide a practical and scalable approach for other island regions by analyzing the interplay between community involvement, local leadership, and environmental conservation.
- Identification of the sustainable development model of Puerto Princesa City.
- Evaluation of the role of community-based forest and mangrove management.
- Analysis of sustainable tourism and livelihood projects as drivers of local development.
- Investigation into the influence of local leadership and stakeholder collaboration.
- Assessment of the transferability of this model to other island communities.
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4.2 Dwindling mangroves around the world
World Atlas of Mangroves (2010) defines mangroves as "trees or large shrubs, including ferns and palms, which normally grow in or adjacent to the intertidal zone and which have developed a special adaptation in order to survive in this environment” (p. 1). Malena (2000) defines, “Mangrove is a type of forest growing along tidal mudflats and along shallow water coastal areas extending inland along rivers, streams and their tributaries where the water is generally brackish” (p. 1). Mangroves are unique species that is common within 25 degrees north and south to equator even though it can be found in latitudes as high as 32 degrees north (Maltby, 1986). Unfortunately in some parts of the world, tourism industry has seen this resource as an obstacle as Mangrove Action Project mentioned “Mangrove forests are often seen as obstructions to one's view from a bay-side hotel or obstacles to easy beach access. They are frequently looked at as mosquito infested muddy swamps holding back progress and hindering tourism development. They may be vilified by developers, lending agencies, and governments alike, and allowed to be rapidly cleared without thorough environmental impact studies in order to make way for the promise of great profits from industrial-scale developments” (MAP, 2013). Mangroves are ranging between 190,000 and 240,000 square kilometers globally and it counts for one quarter of the world’s tropical and sub-tropical coastlines (Kelleher, 1995). The World Atlas of Mangroves (2010) suggests that the total area of remaining mangroves in this millennium is only 150,000 square kilometers. Based on available national statistics, these calculations are given to show current availability, indicating mangroves to be a rare global habitat.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: Introduction: This chapter provides the research background, defines the research problem regarding sustainable development in island societies, and outlines the study's core objectives and significance.
CHAPTER 2: Research Methodology: This chapter details the mixed-methodological approach, emphasizing the use of qualitative case studies supported by quantitative data to analyze development strategies.
CHAPTER 3: Review of Literature: This chapter provides a theoretical foundation by discussing global sustainable development concepts, environmental integration, and the specific challenges of island sustainability.
CHAPTER 4: Community Based Sustainable Tourism in Association with Mangrove Forest Case Studies: This chapter introduces case studies of mangrove-related tourism in Puerto Princesa and analyzes their impact on local ecosystems and livelihoods.
CHAPTER 5: Community Based Forest Management Case study: This chapter focuses on reforestation efforts, specifically the "Feast of the Forest" campaign, to examine the role of community-led forest management.
CHAPTER 6: Livelihoods and Capacity Development: This chapter examines livelihood projects such as the Babuyan weaving project and Ugong Rock, focusing on how these activities foster community capacity development.
CHAPTER 7: Results, Analysis and Discussions: This chapter synthesizes the findings, discussing the role of city planning, leadership, and community engagement in achieving sustainable development goals.
CHAPTER 8: Conclusion and List of References: This chapter summarizes how the research objectives were met, evaluates the Puerto Princesa model, and provides recommendations for future research and application.
Key Words
capacity development, community based forest management, environmental security, livelihoods, leadership, sustainable development, sustainable tourism, mangrove protection, Puerto Princesa, social capital, stakeholder management, island sustainability, carbon-neutral city, conservation, biodiversity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research examines the sustainable development model of Puerto Princesa City on Palawan Island in the Philippines, specifically focusing on how the city balances environmental conservation with economic and social growth.
What are the core themes addressed in this work?
The core themes include community-based management, sustainable tourism, forest and mangrove protection, livelihood creation, local leadership, and capacity building within an island ecosystem.
What is the primary research question?
The study seeks to identify the sustainable development model of Puerto Princesa City and understand how this model can be practically applied in other parts of the Philippines and neighboring countries.
What methodology is employed to conduct this research?
The author uses a mixed-method approach, primarily utilizing qualitative case studies, along with desk research, surveys, interviews, and participatory observation, to provide a holistic view of the city's success.
Which aspects of the city's development are analyzed in the main body?
The main body covers specific case studies on mangrove plantation, forest management (such as the "Feast of the Forest" event), community-based tourism projects (like the Sabang paddleboat tour and Ugong Rock zip line), and various livelihood programs that empower local residents.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include sustainable development, community-based management, capacity development, environmental security, sustainable tourism, and leadership.
How does the "Feast of the Forest" contribute to the city's goals?
The "Feast of the Forest" (Pista Y Ang Kagueban) acts as a powerful educational and mobilization tool that fosters a culture of environmental consciousness among citizens and helps increase the city's forest cover through annual mass tree planting.
What makes Puerto Princesa's model unique for other regions?
The model is unique because it integrates high-level political will with community-led execution, leveraging local culture and social capital to ensure that conservation provides tangible economic benefits to the local population, thereby making sustainability a "way of life."
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- Dr. Dimithri Jayagoda (Autor:in), 2014, Community and Environment Centered Sustainable Development: Case Studies from Puerto Princesa City of Island Palawan, the Philippines, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/343640
