Applying Ostrom's CPR Theory in Environmental Education for Wildlife Conservation and Disaster Resilience in Samar
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Elmer A. Irene1*, Andres B. Sequito1, Jakeboy D. Carbonquillo1, Ruel H. Amascual21College of Education, Samar State University, Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines2College of Industrial Technology, Samar State University, Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines*Corresponding email: [email protected] study examines the transition from traditional wildlife hunting to conservation practices in the forests of Samar, Philippines, through the lens of Ostrom’s Common-Pool Resource (CPR) Theory, with a focus on the role of environmental education in fostering sustainable resource management. The research engages ten local hunters in participatory interviews, field observations, and conservation activities to understand their hunting practices and explore how education can shape ecological literacy and conservation-oriented behavior. Findings highlight the potential of science education to enhance understanding of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and sustainable practices, enabling communities to shift from exploitative behaviors to ecological stewardship. The study demonstrates that integrating CPR principles such as collective governance, adaptive policies, and community participation with targeted educational strategies can improve ecosystem health and disaster resilience. This offers a replicable framework for aligning biodiversity conservation with disaster risk reduction through science education, particularly in contexts vulnerable to climate-related challenges. This work underscores the importance of integrating education and governance in fostering long-term sustainability and resilience in local communities.Keywords: Wildlife conservation, Common-pool Resource (CPR) theory, Environmental education, Sustainable resource management, SDG15 Life on landIntroductionThe exploitation of natural resources, while integral to human survival and economic development, poses significant challenges when it exceeds the natural regenerative capacity of ecosystems. In many developing countries, forest resources face relentless pressure from overharvesting, driven by a combination of weak law enforcement, corruption, and unsustainable consumption practices [1,2]. This overexploitation leads to biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and the depletion of common-pool resources critical to community livelihoods and disaster resilience.In the Philippine context, Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) serves as a vital biodiversity hotspot yet remains under threat from unsustainable wildlife hunting and resource extraction. Communities in upland and forest-adjacent areas, often driven by poverty and limited livelihood options, continue to prioritize short-term resource gains over long-term ecological stewardship. The prevalent ”use-it-or-lose-it” mentality exacerbates the degradation of forest ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable interventions that integrate education, governance, and conservation efforts [3].Ostrom’s Common-Pool Resource (CPR) Theory offers a framework for addressing such challenges, emphasizing the importance of local governance systems, collective decision-making, and adaptive management in fostering sustainable resource use [4]. While CPR principles have demonstrated success in various contexts globally [5,6], their application in SINP requires careful adaptation to local socio-economic realities. Factors such as poverty, cultural beliefs, and limited institutional support can hinder effective governance and community self-regulation [7].Education emerges as a critical tool in this transition, equipping communities with ecological literacy and conservation-oriented attitudes. Integrating science education with community-based resource management can foster a deeper understanding of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and sustainable practices. Evidence from similar studies in the Philippines and other regions demonstrates that when conservation initiatives align with local livelihood needs, they achieve better outcomes for both biodiversity and community well-being [8].This study applies Ostrom’s CPR framework to evaluate the socio-cultural, economic, and ecological drivers of wildlife exploitation in SINP. It seeks to identify pathways for balancing conservation efforts with the livelihood needs of forest-dependent communities. By combining insights from participatory research and education interventions, this study aims to propose an integrative model for sustainable wildlife management that also enhances community resilience to climate-related disasters.Objectives of the StudyThe primary objective of this study is to explore the socio-cultural, economic, and ecological factors driving wildlife exploitation practices among local communities in SINP. Specifically, the study aims to:Examine the role of local knowledge and belief systems in shaping attitudes toward wildlife and conservation, including their impact on hunting practices and sustainability perceptions.Assess how current wildlife hunting practices align with or diverge from Ostrom’s CPR principles, with a focus on governance structures, resource boundaries, and community rule-making.Develop and evaluate an environmental education framework to enhance ecological literacy and promote conservation-oriented behaviors, aligning sustainable wildlife management with disaster resilience efforts.MethodologyStudy SettingThe study was conducted among communities in the forests of Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), a biodiversity hotspot and home to the largest tract of relatively intact lowland forest in the Philippines. SINP is a center of biological diversity and endemism, hosting numerous threatened and endemic species within the Eastern Visayas and Mindanao biogeographic region [9,10]. Despite its ecological importance, SINP faces significant threats from wildlife exploitation, particularly by upland communities that rely on the forest for their livelihoods.These upland villages are situated in rugged terrains characterized by lush vegetation and diverse flora and fauna. Local residents engage in subsistence farming, livestock rearing, and forest-based activities such as hunting, trapping, and gathering forest products. These practices, shaped by traditional customs and limited livelihood opportunities, contribute to the exploitation of natural resources. The region’s socio-economic challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, further underscore the need for sustainable interventions [11,12]
Institution: Samar State University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4407182456