An assessment of the potentials for community-based conservation of Chocolates Hills, Bohol Province, Philippines

Date

2001

Abstract

The study examined the potentials for community-based conservation of Chocolate Hills by looking at environmental perception or the "panan-aw sa palibot" of various stakeholders of this resource. Three sitios of Barangay Buenos Aires in Carmen, Bohol Province were selected as study sites where 111 community respondents were interviewed on perceptions toward the Chocolate Hills and its conservation, community participation in conserving the hills, and community evaluation of ecotourism. Other respondents included thirty-six excursionists (36) and seventeen government officials (17). Highest education level attained was positively correlated while estimated distance of residences to Chocolate Hills Resort and Complex, age and household size were negatively correlated to perceptions of community respondents toward Chocolate Hills and its conservation. Number of years in residence, occupation, and annual family income were not related to perceptions of community respondents toward Chocolate Hills and its conservation. Occupation was positively correlated while estimated distance of residences to Chocolate Hills Resort and Complex, age, number of years in residence, household size, highest education level attained, and annual family income were not related to community participation in conserving Chocolate Hills. Household size and highest education level attained were positively correlated while age and number of years in residence were negatively correlated to community evaluation of ecotourism. Estimated distance of residences to Chocolate Hills Resort and Complex, occupation, and annual family income were not related to community evaluation of ecotourism. Age, highest education level attained, and occupation were not related to perceptions of selected excursionist toward Chocolate Hills and its conservation. Also, age and highest education level attained were not related to perceptions of selected government officials toward Chocolate Hills and its conservation. Community residents were found to be willing to participate in efforts to conserve Chocolate Hills if they were asked. The willingness of community residents to participate in conserving the Chocolate Hills indicated that there are potentials for community-based conservation of hills. Community respondents were generally hesitant to accept tourism as an economic development-cum-conservation tool. They noted the need for more information on ecotourism before they commit to participate in related activities. The question of availability of capital for ecotourism-related business also needs to be addressed. A study of "panan-aw" among community members contributed to an assessment of the potentials for community-based conservation of Chocolate Hills. It identified groups of stakeholders that could serve as anchor for community-based conservation of Chocolate Hills. However, their full participation was constrained by too much dependence on conventional authority, conflicting views among government agencies and their line offices on the best use of the resource and insufficient information on ecotourism.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 2001 E8 C78

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