Human-nature interactions in relation to protection and conservation of Mt. Mantalingahan in Southern Palawan, Philippines

Results of the study revealed that the indigenous and migrant communities had both positive and negative impacts on the mountain's forests cover and wildlife population. Logging and kaingin farming are the main activities in the forests. Timber and rattan are common forests products gathered by the migrants while the indigenous dwellers make use of the forest as source of food and firewood. Sometimes these products are sold in exchange for some basic commodities such as salt, sugar and coffee. In contrast, the migrant dwellers make use of the forest as source of timber. The situation further revealed that the indigenous and migrant occupants, and outside poachers put increasing pressure on the mountain and forest resources, threatening to rupture the delicate ecological balance and symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna in the area. A result of statistical analysis indicates that the present vegetation of Mt. Mantalingahan is closely associated with the cultural practices of the residents in the area, such as charcoal making, land conversion, and year of stay in the area. The longer the residents stayed in the area, the more the vegetation is negatively affected. In spite of the existence of policies, laws and decrees for the protection of Mt. Mantalingahan, lose of forest cover and wildlife continue. This might be due to the poor law enforcement. The changes in the ecosystem's condition in return affect the dwellers specifically those living within and in the mountain surroundings. Some of the negative effects of clearing the forests are: loss of water supply, inadequate stream flow for downstream use, loss of biodiversity, and reduced agricultural productivity. The respondents believed that for the conservation program to be effective, there must be a cooperative effort between the government and the local community, and that no conservation strategies will succeed without government support and participation from the community