Environmental Management Through People Participation and its Impact on Community Development

Community development is made possible primarily through the cooperation and participation of the people. One of the most vital programs towards community development is environmental management, which is one of the prime concerns of community stakeholders who should plan, implement, manage, monitor, control, and evaluate, solicit community support and participation for the attainment of common goals. To effect, initiatives were done in the community by both local and international concerned agencies to wit: the Ecosan (Ecological Sanitation) pilot project; integrated coastal management; coastal conservation and education; Local government units (LGU) partnership with local and international companies, etc. The island municipality understudy has managed its environmental management plan through the support of the government and non-government agencies, both national and international, to bring about a positive impact on its people’s general well-being and progress. People participation becomes indispensable in the implementation of environmental management initiatives in the island which are made successful through active people participation. Although there are challenges to be overcome, the environmental management program ushers into more positive impact and benefits to the community stakeholders: the improved practice of proper waste management; more active people participation in community development projects; promotion of health among the people; cleanliness and beautification of the environment; income-generating and tourism opportunities and development of values among the municipal residents. To sustain the program, there is a need for a proposed strategic action to enhance and continuously boost people’s participation in the implementation of the environmental management plan.

Keywords – community development, environmental management, environmental practices, impact