Test development for knowledge, attitude, and practices on conservation: A tool for developing sustainable protected area buffer zone management

Abstract

A survey tool to gather the knowledge, attitude, and practices on conservation of local villagers in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental was developed following the standard scale development procedure. The Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO and ASEAN Heritage Park. There are 350 individuals who participated in the test development representing the three Local Government Units surrounding Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. The test consisting of four main domains pertaining to conservation was subjected to internal consistency evaluation and improvement, and factor analysis was used in determining the possible sub-domains. This tool is recommended to establish the baseline data of local villagers living within the buffer zones of MHRWS. This tool can be adopted in other protected areas and natural conservation sites.