Comparative analysis of environmental management of selected protected areas in the Visayas, Philippines

The study was conducted to make a comparative analysis of environmental management of three protected areas, namely: Rajah Sicatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL), Lake Danao Natural Park (LDNP) and PNOC Reservation. Primary data were obtained through respondent interviews with protected areas users. Key informant interviews were also conducted to elicit information not discernible through respondent interviews. Selected biodiversity variables were obtained through field measurements. Secondary data from office records and files were used to reinforce and substantiate the primary data. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used. Farming, the most dominant economic activity undertaken inside protected areas, shifted from subsistence to cash economy in the three sites. There was a significant increase in inputs and use of improved varieties instead of traditional ones. Integration of few exotic tree species in the farm became evident. Farm species diversity was positively associated to the respondents' age, number of years in farming, household size, farm size, off-farm income, total income and number of years with livelihood projects. A difference in the cropping systems, based on the crop management and amount of production input used, was observed in the three sites. Traditional mosaic and low-input staple production systems were practiced in RSPL. Low-input mosaic, low-input abaca-based, and high-input vegetable production systems were associated with LDNP and PNOC. Although legally prohibited, timber cutting was virtually taking place for subsistence use in the three sites. The most prefered timber species for construction by the respondents were premium hardwood belonging to the family Dipterocarpaceae, which could be found only in less accessible primary and secondary forests. Preference to timber species, which was influenced by the availability of species in the locality, differed among the respondents in the three protected areas. Hunting, an important part of the underground economy among the inhabitants inside and around protected areas, increasingly shifted from subsistence to commercial. Because of the attractive financial incentive attached to wild pig, the primary target game species, hunting intensity was increasing along with the improvement of hunting techniques. Farm size, total income and livelihood projects showed significant negative relationship with hunting effort. Hunting was more evident in LDNP and PNOC than in RSPL owing to the high stock of game. Stock of the preferred game may be comparatively high in LDNP and PNOC because of the availability of less disturbed breeding grounds. In RSPL, wildlife habitat was more disturbed because of the favorable access and proximity to human population centers. The environmental management program of PNOC-managed protected areas focused on providing sustainable livelihood package to its recognized beneficiaries, aside from the very rigorous protection work. The program of DENR-managed protected areas put more emphasis on ecotourism. PNOC's environmental management program significantly reduced the dependence of the local inhabitants on protected areas resources. Considering the financial resources, institutional arrangement and management strategies, PNOC-managed protected areas would be more sustainable than DENR-managed protected areas. The difference in biodiversity among the three sites is due to the inherent silt variability and land use history. The diversity of commercially important flora and fauna was declining significantly. Considering the low economic status of the inhabitants and the lack of other livelihood opportunities in protected areas, there is a strong financial incentive to overexploit cropped areas, wildlife and commercial timber species. Unless the trend is reversed, the future of our biodiversity is highly uncertain even in protected areas, which are considered the last refuge of this precious national treasure