Gender-Based Difference in the Knowledge, Awareness, Economic Valuation, and Conservation Roles in Calatagan Mangroves Forest Conservation Park (CMFCP) in Batangas, Philippines

Abstract

Using a survey questionnaire, this study determined the gender difference in the level of knowledge, awareness and economic valuation of direct uses of mangrove resources among the local community, local government unit (LGU), and Palitakan–a people organization (PO) who takes an active part in the protection and conservation of the Calatagan Mangrove Forest Conservation Park. The study also differentiated the gender roles of the stakeholders in the protection and conservation efforts through focus group discussion (FGD).  Gathered data was validated through a key informant interview. Respondents from PO and the local community were men and women, while respondents from LGU were mostly men. Results showed that women from the PO and local community have a very high level of awareness and knowledge of mangrove resources, services, and conservation practises than men.  Men from the LGU have higher awareness on conservation practises than women. Since the men from LGU and the men and women from the PO were actively engaged in the protection and conservation efforts in the mangrove park, they were observed to have a very high level of awareness toward mangrove conservation. Both men and women would sell the different mangrove resources at different prices. The knowledge, awareness, and economic valuation of the three important stakeholders on the mangrove conservation park give a better picture on how they value the mangrove forest. There are still mangrove conservation activities exclusively done by men and women of Palitakan. Gender-based conservation provided more significant and sustainable efforts in mangrove education and conservation.