Local Community Engagement Research Articles

The Role of Gastronomy in Shaping Tourist Experiences: A Study of Iloilo Province, Philippines

This study investigates the influence of gastronomy on tourism in Iloilo Province, Philippines, addressing the gap in literature on the interplay between local culinary practices and tourism dynamics in this region. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, insights were gathered from a diverse group of stakeholders, including local chefs, restaurant owners, tourists, and farmers. The findings reveal that gastronomy plays a pivotal role in shaping Iloilo’s cultural identity, serving as a medium for preserving and showcasing its rich heritage. Key local dishes such as talaba (oysters) and binakol (chicken soup), inasal, pancit molo, and most especially batchoy enhance the tourist experience, influencing their destination choices and likelihood of revisiting. The study underscores gastronomy’s dual role as a cultural expression and an economic driver, contributing to local development, community engagement, and sustainability. The emphasis on local produce and sustainable practices highlights the region’s commitment to environmental conservation and community empowerment. Integrating gastronomy more deeply into tourism strategies can significantly boost Iloilo Province’s appeal and competitiveness as a tourist destination, setting a model for other regions.

Insights from communities’ awareness and participation in greening semi-arid lands for effective environmental conservation

Background and Research Aims Tree planting holds significant potential for environmental protection in the era of climate change and variability. It is particularly crucial in semi-arid areas where tree density is extremely low, necessitating the engagement of local communities. However, information about local people's awareness and their willingness to participate in greening practices is rarely considered. We assessed the levels of community awareness, the extent of participation, and the factors influencing their willingness to green the Dodoma semi-arid area between 2018 and 2022. Methods We collected data from 145 respondents using a household questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, while template analysis was applied to the qualitative data. Results We found the overwhelming majority of respondents (n= 136) are aware of the importance of tree planting, and 89.7% of respondents participated in greening practices. Income level, education level, environmental awareness, perceived benefits of tree planting, and social influence were significant predictors of communities' willingness to plant trees. Conclusion Despite the greater awareness and active participation of tree planting found among local actors in the study area, efforts must be directed towards suitable selection of adaptive, affordable and improved tree species for sustainable and feasible socio-ecological benefits of afforestation in semi-arid areas. Implications for conservation The study underscores the potential of community awareness and participation in tree planting for environmental conservation and the sustainable supply of forest products, which are vital for local livelihood development. We advocate for the consideration of socioeconomic and ecological factors when engaging local actors in greening urban semi-arid lands through technical and financial empowerment.

The Management of Traditional Lao Ethnic Culture in Sa Kaeo: A Study of Local Community Engagement

The Management of Traditional Lao Ethnic Culture in Sa Kaeo: A Study of Local Community Engagement

Cultural tourism and indigenous languages: fostering economic development in Polokwane Local Municipality

This paper explores the potential role of indigenous languages in fostering local economic development through cultural-tourism within the Polokwane Local Municipality. As a region rich in cultural diversity and indigenous heritage, Polokwane presents a unique opportunity to leverage its linguistic and cultural assets for sustainable economic growth. This paper discusses how the incorporation of indigenous languages can contribute to various aspects of local economic development, including tourism, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Therefore, this conceptual paper uses a traditional literature review and secondary data analysis techniques to discuss trends of research on the relationship between indigenous language, cultural tourism and local economic development.

Merapah Akuntansi Hijau Dalam Harmoni Pemikiran Perintis (Ala “Prilly Latuconsina”) dan Industri Pusaka Lingkungan Jember menuju Green City

Sustainable environment is a primary focus in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in urban development and addressing climate change. The green economy is an approach that considers environmental and sustainability aspects in measuring and reporting the economy of a region or organization. This study employs a qualitative approach to describe green accounting and the environmental industry, comparing observed phenomena with existing theories. The analysis indicates that the Jember District Government actively promotes the green economy through local community and business engagement. Initiatives such as Pusaka Lingkungan and Jember Fashion Carnaval serve as platforms to implement strategies for establishing a green economy, encompassing the greening of economic development structures and processes; fiscal and monetary policies; financial markets; industries, businesses, and corporations; as well as education, mass media, and public involvement. The Jember District Government should maximize adherence to central government directives to support national efforts in the green economy for a comprehensive implementation of the national green economy strategy.

An assessment of local community engagement in wildlife conservation: A case study of the Save Valley Conservancy, South Eastern Zimbabwe

AbstractIn southern Africa, human and wildlife interactions have significantly increased over the past decade, resulting in complex conservation conflicts. As humans and wildlife share space, stakeholder engagement becomes a critical component of wildlife management and transformative conservation. We analysed the conservation conflicts in the Save Valley Conservancy (SVC) in south‐eastern Zimbabwe. Data were collected between April and May 2020 through focus group discussions and interviews with purposively sampled informants. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were adopted in this study. The results revealed that the absence of an effective, inclusive, integrated multi‐cross‐sectional stakeholder engagement plan is a primary contributing factor to conservation conflicts in the SVC. In conclusion, our study found that community participation in land use decision‐making is limited within the SVC, and this is a general lack of consensus among the community members on viable land use options. This study proposes an integrated, cross‐sectional stakeholder working framework that not only informs conservation practitioners but also fully addresses the prevailing conservation conflict scenarios. These conflicts emanate from the exclusion of humans from protected areas and the encroachment of wildlife in human settlements.

Circular economy in the Amazon: technology, design, and community

The Amazon, characterized by its rich biodiversity and relevance in global climate regulation, faces ongoing challenges linked to deforestation, unsustainable natural resource exploitation, and socioeconomic inequalities. This work explores Circular Economy (CE) as an effective means to promote sustainable development in the region, through an in-depth analysis of how sustainable technologies, innovative design, and community engagement can be integrated to facilitate this transition. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, this study identifies and discusses the barriers and facilitators influencing the transition to a CE in the Amazon, as well as proposes effective engagement strategies for the adoption of sustainable technologies and innovative design practices in the region. The analysis revealed that the effective engagement of local communities, the incorporation of sustainable design practices, and the adoption of sustainable technologies are central to optimizing resource stocks and flows, thus promoting sustainability in the region. Moreover, challenges such as inadequate waste management, challenging socioeconomic conditions, and a lack of awareness about the benefits of CE were highlighted, as well as opportunities including the promotion of bioeconomy, regional and global cooperation, and design innovation. This work provides valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and the general community, offering a framework for promoting CE in the Amazon while highlighting the need for future multidisciplinary research and collaborations for effective implementation and scaling of CE in the region.

Genus Acacia in Mainland Portugal: Knowledge and Experience of Stakeholders in Their Management

The global rise in issues related to the invasion of alien tree species is becoming increasingly prominent. Genus Acacia is one of the most pervasive invaders among the non-native flora introduced to Portugal over the centuries. This research aimed to pinpoint the key players engaged in its management, their expertise, and the methodologies applied to control acacias or decrease affected regions. Data were gathered via an online survey and subjected to diverse statistical analyses. Numerous stakeholders have emerged in recent decades, employing various methods to fight acacia invasion. Mechanical, chemical, and combined methods are the most frequently applied. The findings highlight the need for continued funding for long-term acacia control in the same invaded areas, increased training actions and best practices demonstration in the field and increased public awareness and engagement in local communities and the general public.

Rural tourism in Europe from a landscape perspective: A systematic review

This systematic review offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of knowledge regarding tourism in European traditional multifunctional cultural landscapes (TMCLs) from a landscape perspective. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, this study aims to identify the principal contextual themes, geographical patterns, and drivers of change in TMCL tourism research from a theoretical landscape perspective. The outcomes of this systematic review revealed that the study of tourism in European TMCLs is still in its early stages, characterized by a scarcity of studies and a limited representation of countries within the existing literature. The analyzed papers underscore a restricted focus on local stakeholder preferences and carrying capacity, with only one study acknowledging the concept of landscape services. Conversely, government initiatives and local community engagement emerge as the most influential drivers of change in the tourism sector. In view of these findings, this study accentuates the significance of embracing a holistic approach to tourism that integrates living systems thinking and regenerative tourism as key priorities. Consequently, the study suggests that future research prioritize investigating local stakeholder preferences, carrying capacity, and other contextual variables to overcome the current limitations of the literature and shape tourism towards a more resilient and sustainable future. The results of this systematic review provide valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the field of tourism in TMCLs. Additionally, they serve as a foundational basis for future research endeavors in this domain.

Community Engagement in Local Communities: Hearing the Voices of the Public

Community Engagement in Local Communities: Hearing the Voices of the Public

Evidence on community-based intervention for tackling childhood pneumonia Project in Bangladesh

Abstract In Bangladesh, pneumonia is a major cause of child mortality, killed 26,766 under 5 children, accounting for 24% of all under 5 child deaths in 2022. To address this issue, we implemented a community-based project in Barishal from June 2021 to December 2022. Project activities aimed to strengthen the health system for improved access and utilization of quality child health care and child immunization services, encouraged community practice and behavior for care-seeking and exclusive breastfeeding. During the project period, 22 medical doctors, 30 paramedics and 168 MoHFW employed service providers including community clinics, community-based health facility for six thousand population, received case management training, 38 health centers were equipped with necessary logistics and supplies for improved case management of sick children. We also conducted special vaccination campaigns in 13 hard-to-reach areas, deployed 11 vaccination aids for improving child vaccination coverage in remote areas and raised awareness of recommended health practices at the community level. A comparison of baseline and endline survey data showed significant improvements in children among 12-23 months of age who received all recommended basic vaccines by 12 months [77% in baseline (n = 239) vs. 92% in endline (n = 235); p < 0.01]; care-seeking from health facilities or trained health service providers for sick children with pneumonia [40% in baseline (n = 127) vs. 52% in endline (n = 225); p < 0.005]; and exclusive breastfeeding for children below 6 months [52% in baseline (n = 122) vs. 62% in endline (n = 120); p < 0.01]. These results revealed the project's success with simple but contextualized efforts to enhance the health system by developing the capacity and skills of service providers to provide high-quality child health care for sick children, improving access to equitable child immunization, and raising social awareness through partnerships with the MoHFW and community engagement initiatives. Key messages • Community-based intervention with minimum resources have potential to scale up with improving accessibility and utilization of health services, specially in hard to reach areas in Bangladesh. • Contextualized and simple intervention through collaboration with local government and community engagement is critical for success of community based health system strengthening project.

Community and local partner: ‘Must-to-Have’ elements for achieving immunization target in Somalia

Abstract We have been working on a community-based project aiming to improve access to quality Immunization by strengthening the capacity of health structures and communities with identified immunization gaps in the Galgaduud and Jubaland states in Somalia. The project is delivered in partnership with Ministry of Health, UNICEF (strategic partner), Acasus (for data management using digital platform), and two local implementing organization WASDA and WRRS as local implementing agencies. Owing to the varying levels of insecurity in the regions targeted, to deliver to ensure optimal immunization services to communities without delay, we operationalized a rapid and intensive scale-up of immunization services in 27 health facilities and sites following a phased approach. The project also supported the set-up and strengthening of community-driven immunization systems as well as district-level immunization management systems to promote ownership of the immunization programs within the target locations. To achieve this the project is anchored on four pillars namely capacity strengthening (at community, facility, and district/regional level), immunization logistics and supply chain strengthening, use of data for decision making and scaling-up innovative approaches. The project efforts achieved most of its targets throughout the implementation period, more so in the second and third year. Between April 2021 and February 2022, supportive supervision was increased from 54% to 100% of facilities and the average number of monthly fixed and outreach immunization sessions increased by 54% and 31%, respectively. We found the number of Penta3 doses delivered was more than double while we compared data for 2021 and 2022. These encouraging results suggest critical importance of local community engagement in planning and monitoring plus having local community-based organizations for implementing the project in similar remote rural areas with high security risks in Somalia. Key messages • Without having intensive community engagement efforts, immunization project implementation in high security risk areas in Somalia is almost impossible. • Local community-based organizations as implementing partner is the other critical mass for success in achieving immunization target in similar high security risk areas like Somalia.

CREATING PLACES OF IDENTITY AND SOCIAL INTERACTION: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT AND PLACE MAKING

This qualitative literature study explores the synergistic relationship between Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Place Making in shaping urban environments that nurture strong identities and vibrant social interactions. Drawing from a wide range of literature sources, including journals, books, reports, and policy documents, the study conducts a thematic analysis of the existing body of research concerning the TOD-Place Making nexus. The findings emphasize that TOD has substantial potential for cultivating places with distinct identities and fostering social interactions within urban areas. Place Making emerges as a pivotal strategy for designing spaces that promote local identities, community engagement, and high-quality public realms.
 The study concludes that the integration of TOD and Place Making can metamorphose transportation hubs into lively centers of social life and community activities. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, stakeholder coordination, and long-term sustainability require attention. This research advances our comprehension of crafting and managing sustainable urban environments, offering insights for planning guidelines and policies. Particularly relevant to Indonesian cities, embracing TOD and Place Making principles can create inclusive, livable settings that amplify local identities and community cohesion, guiding urban planning and policy decisions for the sustainable evolution of Indonesian cities.

The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity in Coastal Ecosystems

Climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems worldwide. Coastal ecosystems, in particular, stand at the forefront of this crisis, bearing the brunt of rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events. This research delves into the intricate relationship between climate change and the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems, aiming to elucidate the extent of the impact and the pathways through which it manifests. Through a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses extensive field surveys, rigorous laboratory analyses, climate modeling, and geospatial mapping, this study paints a comprehensive picture of the vulnerabilities and adaptations of coastal ecosystems to a changing climate. Key findings include shifts in species distribution, alterations in community structures, and heightened risks to species and habitats that are highly specialized and reliant on stable coastal environments. The research identifies specific climate change impact zones, which serve as focal points for conservation efforts, mitigation strategies, and adaptive management. These zones are not only ecologically significant but also socioeconomically vital, as they support coastal communities dependent on these ecosystems for their livelihoods and sustenance. This study underscores the urgency of international collaboration to combat climate change and preserve coastal biodiversity. It advocates for policy initiatives that prioritize emissions reduction, resilient coastal infrastructure, and the expansion of marine protected areas. Additionally, it emphasizes the integration of local knowledge and community engagement in conservation and adaptation planning. Ultimately, this research offers a profound insight into the complex web of life that thrives within coastal ecosystems and the imperative of their protection. Coastal ecosystems are more than biodiversity hotspots; they are essential providers of ecosystem services that underpin human well-being. Preserving their integrity is not just an ecological imperative but a moral one, as they are a critical component of our planet's natural heritage. In conclusion, this research not only contributes to the scientific understanding of climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems but also calls for immediate and concerted action. By heeding the lessons learned in this study, we can work together to mitigate climate change, adapt to its inevitable consequences, and safeguard the rich tapestry of life that depends on these coastal environments.

Accelerating HIV vaccine development through meaningful engagement of local scientists and communities.

There is a need to conduct multiple experimental medicine trials in regions with significant burden of disease to ensure the global relevance of vaccines under development including the African context. African scientists can support accelerated HIV vaccine development by leading EMVTs in the region in a complementary fashion to global efforts and augment evidence generated to optimize and advance relevant vaccines towards licensure. The ADVANCE program enables EMVTs, where local scientists lead trial implementation and immunogenicity endpoint analysis of promising vaccine approaches. Concerted efforts towards scientific collaboration, enhancing specific clinical and lab capacity, and improving ethical and regulatory systems to review EMVTs in Africa will be catalytic. Appropriate engagement of local communities and stakeholders will be equally important, and the field needs to refine existing research literacy approaches to effectively partner with communities around current complex scientific approaches. Review of inclusion of relevant populations in early research is also needed. African scientists and communities can help accelerate HIV vaccine development through stronger global collaboration. Now is the time for bold investments to enable the conduct of innovative EMVTs in Africa where the eventual vaccines will have the greatest impact.

Fight for the Wild: emotion and place in conservation, community formation, and national identity

ABSTRACT This study analyses the documentary series, Fight for the Wild, examining how emotional engagements with place facilitate a complex nexus of conservation practices, community formation, and feelings associated with national identity. The documentary charts the progress and challenges of the ‘Predator Free 2050’ campaign which seeks to eradicate Aotearoa New Zealand of all introduced predators and protect endangered native fauna and flora. The documentary portrays how the campaign in constituted through networks of scientists and conservation workers, community groups, and institutional and political leaders, spanning a diverse geographical spectrum from areas of wilderness to urban environments. The study argues the conservation work portrayed in the documentary, and indeed all environmental activity, derives from emotions generated by an individual’s experiential relationships with an environment. Such an argument declares that human assignations of environmental value originate from experiential engagements with an environment, and the accompanying emotional recognition of the affordances of that environment, and that cognitive, social, and representational engagements with environments follow such a process. The article’s significance derives from a demonstration of how this process of subject formation individually informs and connects the scientific processes of conservation work, local community engagement, and more broadly the invocation of a national identity.

Bujang Valley Tourism Co-Creation In Place Branding: The Role Of Local Community

Despite its well-known reputation for its unique archaeological artefacts’ findings and its historical sites, Bujang Valley or locally known as Lembah Bujang situated in Kedah Malaysia is unable to attract tourists in large numbers, specifically during post Covid-19 pandemic. This study aims to fill the gap by defining the role of local communities in branding Bujang Valley since local community engagement is imperative since they fulfil multiple functions in place branding. 20 locals were approached through convenience sampling for a semi-structured interview in defining their roles and views on the distinctiveness of place identity, culture, economy and hopes as well as their major involvement in the co-creation of the place branding. This exploratory study reveals that the local community are positive and share collective values towards uplifting the brand image specifically in respect to tourism factors, yet the authenticity and the core value should be sustained. The insights gathered provides a novel conceptualization in reproposing a new brand for Bujang Valley. In the future, Bujang Valley should continue to leverage its unique and well-received characteristics, highly considering the direct and indirect roles of the local community towards the process of place branding.

Discrete Choice Experiment Consideration: A Framework for Mining Community Consultation with Case Studies

Local community acceptance, a key indicator of the socio-political risk of a project, is addressed through good stakeholder (community) engagement. Discrete choice modeling (DCM) enhances stakeholder analysis and has been widely applied to encourage community engagement in energy projects. However, very little detail is provided on how researchers design discrete choice experiments (DCEs). DCE design is the key step for effective and efficient data collection. Without this, the discrete choice model may not be meaningful and may be misleading in the local community engagement effort. This paper presents a framework for mining community engagement DCE design in an attempt to determine (1) how to identify the optimum number of factors and (2) how to design and validate the DCE design. Case studies for designing discrete choice experiments for community acceptance of mining projects are applied to accommodate these two objectives. The results indicate that the four-factor design, which seeks to reduce cognitive burden and costs, is the optimal choice. A survey was used to examine the difficulty of the survey questions and the clarity of the instructions for the designs. It has, therefore, been proven that the DCM design is of reasonable cognitive burden. The results of this study will contribute to a better design of choice experiments (surveys) for discrete choice modeling, leading to better policies for sustainable energy resource development.

A low burden of severe illness: the COVID-19 Omicron outbreak in the remote Torres and Cape region of Far North Queensland.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared in the remote Torres and Cape region of Far North Queensland soon after the Queensland border opened for quarantine-free domestic travel in December 2021, with a total of 7,784 cases notified during the first ten-month outbreak period. We report a crude attack rate among residents of 25.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 25.1-26.1%), a hospitalisation rate of 1.6% (95% CI: 1.3-1.9%) and a crude case fatality rate of 0.05% (95% CI: 0.01-0.13%). Hospitalisation and case fatality rates were similar among First Nations and non-Indigenous people, with double dose COVID-19 vaccination rates higher among First Nations than non-Indigenous people by the end of the outbreak period. We attribute the low burden of severe illness to local community leadership, community engagement, vaccination coverage and recency, and community participation in a local culturally considered COVID-19 care-in-the-home program.

Modelling enablers of the post-disaster recovery of road infrastructure using ISM and fuzzy MICMAC analysis

The road infrastructure is damaged after a disaster, resulting in the area being disconnected from other locations. Thus, road clearing, and recovery operations are on priority during the emergency recovery operations to restore access to the disaster-affected area. Therefore, an investigation was conducted on the disaster in Uttarakhand (a Northern state in India) that occurred during February 2021, to advance our understanding of the enablers of the emergency recovery operations for road infrastructure. For this purpose, the study undertakes a comprehensive review of contemporary literature and discussion with the practitioners and academicians involved in this field of study. The study uses interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Fuzzy MICMAC analysis to identify and develop a hierarchical model of enablers to improve the post-disaster recovery of road infrastructure. The study identifies eleven enablers to the post-disaster recovery of road infrastructure, and interrelationships among these enablers are derived using the ISM model. The enablers include a focus on preparedness, prevention and mitigation phase, engagement of local communities, engagement of local contractors, support from local government, developing policies with more focus on disaster preparedness, allocation of funds, investment in technology, more utilization of technology, developing trust among stakeholders, promoting information sharing among stakeholders and foster coordination and collaboration among stakeholders. Further, the result indicates that driver variables, including the focus on preparedness, prevention and mitigation phase, engagement of local communities, engagement of local contractors, support from local government, and developing policies with more focus on disaster preparedness, are critical to improving the post-disaster recovery of road infrastructure.