Understanding Coastal Management Dynamics In Tagkawayan, Quezon, Philippines: A Triangulation Approach

Abstract

Ensuring sustainable coastal management practices requires a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between local knowledge, best practices, and existing management initiatives. This study investigates coastal management dynamics in Tagkawayan, Quezon, Philippines, employing a multifaceted approach termed CLEMENTE (Coastal Local Knowledge, Management Efforts, and Needs Triangulation). A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 119 registered fisherfolk who participated in semi-structured interviews, capturing their local ecological knowledge (LEK) on the relationships between biodiversity, economic well-being, and environmental health. Data triangulation was achieved by complementing the LEK collection with interviews of key informants from relevant Local Government Unit (LGU) offices, exploring their plans and programs for coastal management. This CLEMENTE approach transcends the limitations of singular data collection methods. By triangulating findings from fisherfolk (LEK), LGU officials (plans and programs), and the inherent context gleaned from secondary data (existing documents and reports), the study offers a holistic understanding of how local knowledge, best practices, and LGU initiatives interact to shape coastal resource management in Tagkawayan. Overall, the findings depict a community that recognizes the importance of responsible resource management and the value of collaboration. However, there's a need to address the gaps between awareness and action. Thus, this approach is helpful to assess the coastal management dynamics of the study area. And can be applied in other fishing communities to assess the alignment between existing management efforts and the lived experiences of stakeholders, ultimately promoting more sustainable coastal management practices.