Gender- Based Conservation in Calatagan Mangrove Forest Conservation Park in Batangas, Philippines

Mangrove resources around the world are now overexploited and undervalued without realizing its direct and indirect benefits. This study aimed to determine gender difference on the level of knowledge and awareness and the economic valuation of direct uses of mangrove resources. And conservation activities of PALITAKAN members. Focus group discussion (FGD) was used to determine the gender-based conservation practices of the People’s Organization commonly known as PALITAKAN and key informant interview was conducted to validate the information gathered from FGD. The women from the PO and local community have very high level of awareness and knowledge on mangrove resources, services and conservation practices. Men from the LGU have higher awareness on conservation practices than women. However, it was observed that men (LGU and PALITAKAN) have very high level of awareness toward mangrove conservation. Both men andwomen would sell the different mangrove resources in different prices. The knowledge and awareness andeconomic valuation of the three important stakeholders of the mangrove conservation park give a better pictureon how the value mangrove forest. There are still mangrove conservation activities that are exclusively doneby men and women of PALITAKAN. Gender-based conservation provided greater and sustainable efforts in mangrove education and conservation.

Keywords – Biodiversity, gender and development, mangrove conservation, Philippines