Abstract
While protected areas (PAs) are established primarily for biological diversity conservation and provision of ecological services, social dimensions comes into play. This paper extends the discourse on PAs’ impact to local communities by focusing on the latent functions and social consequences utilizing Robert Merton’s Functional Analysis. Based on in-depth interviews among community leaders and elders, and forest custodians around Mount Hamiguitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is revealed that establishment of PAs entails varied consequences beyond what are being intended and manifested. While communities availed of some latent benefits from the declaration of the PA, they also have responses that limit the success of conservation initiatives. Hence, forest protection is a complex social and political process that demands more integrative response on community’s social, cultural, and political structures and dynamics.
Highlights
Establishment of Protected Areas (PAs) are primarily aimed at biological diversity conservation and provision of ecological services (Scherl et al, 2004)
For the purposes of this paper, we extend discourses about the relationship between PAs and local communities by focusing on the latent functions and social consequences of PAs based on Robert Merton’s Functional Analysis, which is a product of a qualitative study among selected stakeholders of Mount Hamiguitan, Davao Oriental, Philippines
The declaration is in accordance with Republic Act No 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 which has been promulgated “to maintain essential ecological processes and lifesupport systems, to preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent possible” (The LawPhil Project, 1992)
Summary
Establishment of Protected Areas (PAs) are primarily aimed at biological diversity conservation and provision of ecological services (Scherl et al, 2004). Inclusion of the human dimensions in such initiatives has been raised. As Scherl et al (2004:2) put it, their inclusion is based on “practical” and “ethical” considerations. The practical reason is that PAs could survive if they are considered as land-use options that help in pursuing sustainable development. The ethical consideration is based on the fact that “human rights and aspirations” are essential in “national and global strategies” for the attainment of social justice. The social dimension of PA establishments is legitimated by international agreements like the Convention of Biological Diversity and the Millenium Development Goals (Scherl et al, 2004)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
