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Livelihood Strategy and Conservation of Small-island Ecosystem in Capul, Northern Samar, Philippines
Dissertation Abstract:
This study analyzed the effects of the Abaknon’s major livelihood strategy on the conservation of small-island ecosystem in Capul, Northern Samar for one whole year. Employing qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study (1) described the social and biophysical environment of Capul; (2) analyzed the major livelihood strategy of the Abaknon; and (3) determined the relationship of livelihood strategy to conservation of the island ecosystem in terms of quantity and quality of runoff and sediment load, sea grass diversity, net primary productivity (NPP), mollusks species diversity, and fish productivity.
Significant changes in the socio-biophysical environment of the upland subsystem did not significantly affect the coastal subsystem. The meager sediment loaded to the coastal zone increased the seagrass NPP during rainy season, an indicator of efficient farming practices. Mollusk diversity was high. High fish productivity was observed during rainy season. The main threat to the coastal subsystem was exceedingly high coliform count.
The Abaknon’s livelihood strategy contributed significantly to conservation of the whole island ecosystem. However, municipal ordinances and programs must be promulgated, especially in relation to environmental health. The use of humanenvironment interaction approach, with emphasis on local knowledge, is relevant in designing future studies on small-island ecosystems.