Analysis of factors and impacts of good environmental governance in coastal areas [of Central Visayas, Philippines]
2011
Butardo-Toribio, M.Z.
Step-wise and multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between selected institutional, socio-economic and biophysical attributes of 31 study LGUs [local government units] in Central Visayas, Philippines and their environmental governance performance. The latter was measured using the Guided Self Assessment on the State of Local Environmental Governance method. It was only the institutional factors, specifically the ability to leverage external assistance, political will and leadership, and LGU internal management capability that were found to have statistically significant influence on environmental governance performance. All socioeconomic factors tested - Internal Revenue Allotment, income class, population density, and degree of urbanization were found to have no statistically significant influence. Among the biophysical variables considered, only the size of forestland and the total land area of the LGU were found to have significant contribution to environmental governance performance. The regression analyses indicate mostly insignificant relationships between biophysical improvements and environmental governance performance. Nonetheless, qualitative data analysis, perception survey, and field observations suggest that good environmental governance can lead to environmental improvement. Improving local environmental governance offers a potent approach to environmental sustainability but the process takes time and needs outside assistance and higher level policy support.
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