A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998

The study aims to determine links between conservation and human welfare. It follows a premise that conservation can be achieved if primary stakeholders such as members of the community realize the benefits derived from the conservation effort. In order to carry out this task, the study attempts to answer the following questions: Does an improvement in the welfare of the local community lead to conservation? What are the factors that allow or prevent this from being realized? Results based on the Lantawan case study show that a conservation and development initiative can lead to conservation if development goals are initially achieved that results from an improvement in the well being of the local community. However, an enabling environment is necessary before this can be carried out. Thus, usufruct rights should be given to upland dwellers and environmental laws should be enacted. The strategy employs the cooperation of government in strictly enforcing laws, NGO in identifying the appropriate technology to be applied and a PO in effectively implementing this technology. Further, the use of existing local network that supports a policy implemented at the micro level will facilitate implementation of the project in the community. Lastly, local community organizers who have the special qualities in mobilizing communities should be tapped. Thus, conservation can then be achieved once members of the local community realize the benefits derived from the conservation and development effort. The local community's involvement that results from the improvement in their welfare shall ensure sustainability of the conservation effort.