Bridging the gap between gender and marine conservation: The case of calatagan mangrove forest conservation park in Batangas, Philippines

Abstract

© Universiti Putra Malaysia Press Philippines sits on a global hotspot where the epicenter of marine biodiversity is found. To maintain ecological integrity of this seascape, community-based marine conservation projects like the Calatagan Mangrove Forest Conservation Park (CMFCP) have been introduced. However, in the years of implementing these projects, studies to determine the importance of gender roles in conservation were very few. This study was conducted to analyze gender role participation of the people who worked in the conservation site. Conducted through field interviews, observations, and focus group discussions, the research adapted the analytical gender and environment framework by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. In managing CMFCP, gender complementation was observed where tasks perceived as heavy were dominated by men and management of resources were done by women. In addition, there has been an observed increase of women’s participation to marine conservation in parallel to high number of women holding executive roles. Of the nineteen tasks identified, eight were participated by women. Productive work of women concentrated on wet season whereas their domestic roles were observed for both seasons. On the other hand, men’s productive role was observed for both seasons where their domestic roles were seen only during dry season. Both genders were knowledgeable on the different marine resources present in the area. Women were able to identify more resources than men in terms of class. This may be linked to women’s role as tour guides. In this program, the rise of women working in marine conservation was observed.

Source or Periodical Title

Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

ISSN

1287702

Page

193-213

Document Type

Article

Subject

Environmental management, Gender roles, Mangrove forest conservation, Marine conservation

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