Asian Fisheries Society

The Value of Marine Protected Areas: Through the Eyes of Community Members

Abstract:

Values and beliefs play a vital role in how people make choices, judgments, and undertake actions related to marine resource use. This information is vital for marine protected area (MPA) managers since values and beliefs influence behavior of the community members, which in turn affect the management operation of the MPA. Gender roles can influence the community’s values and beliefs. MPAs affect women and men differently, and thus MPA implementation and management need to take this into account.

This study was conducted to examine the values and beliefs on MPAs of community members in San Joaquin, Central Philippines. Results show that women and men have different perspectives on their marine resources and differ on their knowledge and perceptions regarding MPAs. A greater percentage of women respondents than men had complete awareness of, and some formal knowledge about, MPAs. Similarly, a higher percentage of women respondents than men had a "sustainability mindset" that acknowledged the need to manage marine resources sustainably for future generations. Statistical analyses showed a significant difference between the responses of women and men respondents. This study supports the findings of other studies that strategies need to integrate gender perspectives in implementing resource management initiatives such as the establishment and management of MPAs.

Publication Date : 2017-12-31

Volume : 30

Issue : Special Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries: Engendering Security in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Page : 163-176

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Date 2017/12/31
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