A Qualitative Study on the Experience and Innate Knowledge Concerning Environmental Changes of the Residents in Selected Coastal Communities of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
Authors: 1*Randy A. Quitain, 2Myla V. Izon, 3Mark Reinier B. De Guzman, 4Baldomero J. Bicaldo Jr., 5Glanys Wajima Rocell A. De Guzman
DOI: 10.87349/ahuri/181042
Page No: 173-188
Abstract
The residents of the coastal communities illustrate deep-rooted experience and intrinsic knowledge can shape effective responses and comprehend environmental changes happening in various ecosystems. Their profound connection to both land and marine environment enables them adapt the challenges they encounter when natural hazards threat their lives and livelihood. This intrinsic ability of humans that made them learn the changes occurring in the environment through experience is an interesting research subject that can be of help in providing valuable insights for researchers and policymakers that can be incorporated in local knowledge to improve environmental management strategies. The objective of this study explores the connection between experience and innate knowledge of the residents in the selected coastal communities of Bongabong which serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing environmental change. This study employed a qualitative content analysis approach to explore the inner experiences of individuals that reveals how experiences shape the participants realities. The study focused on the coastal communities of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, specifically in Barangay Aplaya and Poblacion. The study involved six residents from these areas selected through purposive sampling. The data analysis adhered to the Graneheim and Lundman qualitative framework, initial codes were extracted and merged based on similarities, leading to the identification of underlying concepts. Based on the analysis the following themes were formulated; Observation Regarding the Current Status of the Natural Surroundings, Distress Relative to the Changes of the Natural Surroundings, Human Influence in Relation to Environmental Stewardship, Future of Humanity, Ecosystem Services of Mangroves.
