Integrating Local Ecological Knowledge Towards Community Based Mangrove Conservation Management in Pulo, Calatagan, Philippines

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems play vital roles in coastal protection and community livelihoods, yet face significant degradation worldwide. In the Philippines, where more than 50% of original mangrove cover has been lost since the 1900s, the integration of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) with scientific approaches presents a promising strategy for enhanced conservation. This study investigated the integration of LEK and community-based management approaches toward improved mangrove conservation in Pulo, Calatagan, Batangas, focusing on a 7.5-hectare fringing mangrove forest. Using mixed methods research, the study collected data through structured interviews with 20 key informants, surveys of 35 households across three management zones, and three focused group discussions. The findings revealed sophisticated traditional taxonomic knowledge, with species identification accuracy reaching 95% for dominant species and traditional indicators showing 89% accuracy in predicting seasonal changes. Spatial analysis demonstrated significant variation in management participation across zones (F(2,32)=15.3, p<0.001, η2=0.48), with engagement declining from 75% in near zones to 25% in far zones. Knowledge integration success rates reached 82% (β=0.82, SE=0.04, p<0.001), substantially exceeding regional benchmarks. The study recommends implementing zone-specific management protocols, establishing digital knowledge archives, and developing structured knowledge transfer programs to enhance conservation outcomes while preserving valuable traditional knowledge systems. These findings contribute to both theoretical understanding and practical guidelines for improving mangrove conservation through integrated knowledge approaches.