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Bridging the Links: Indigenous and local knowledge and social-ecological resilience in Northwest Panay Island, Philippines

Alonsagay, John Carl LU (2026) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20261
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
This study examined how Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) contributes to social-ecological resilience in Libertad, Antique, Northwest Panay Island, Philippines, through two subsistence livelihoods: Bariw (screw palm) harvesting/weaving and freshwater shrimp fishing. Using a qualitative research approach involving participant observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and co-produced ecological calendars across three communities, the study explored how ecological knowledge, customary practices, institutions, and local worldviews shape adaptive ecosystem management. Findings show that ILK is embedded in daily livelihood practices through intergenerational learning, social memory, taboos, and communal norms that... (More)
This study examined how Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) contributes to social-ecological resilience in Libertad, Antique, Northwest Panay Island, Philippines, through two subsistence livelihoods: Bariw (screw palm) harvesting/weaving and freshwater shrimp fishing. Using a qualitative research approach involving participant observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and co-produced ecological calendars across three communities, the study explored how ecological knowledge, customary practices, institutions, and local worldviews shape adaptive ecosystem management. Findings show that ILK is embedded in daily livelihood practices through intergenerational learning, social memory, taboos, and communal norms that regulate resource use and reinforce stewardship. However, these adaptive capacities are increasingly challenged by market integration, environmental degradation, climate variability, and formal institutional policies that influence access to previously held customary areas. The study highlights that ILK in this context remains dynamic and adaptive but is contingent on supportive institutional arrangements and continued fostering of human-nature relationships. (Less)
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author
Alonsagay, John Carl LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
knowledge systems, institutional arrangements, livelihoods, ecosystem management, social-ecological resilience, sustainability science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2026:036
language
English
additional info
The Master’s thesis was supported through funding from the Right Livelihood College-LUCSUS Grant and the Minor Field Studies (MFS) Grant provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
id
9227835
date added to LUP
2026-06-03 14:38:20
date last changed
2026-06-03 16:19:57
@misc{9227835,
  abstract     = {{This study examined how Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) contributes to social-ecological resilience in Libertad, Antique, Northwest Panay Island, Philippines, through two subsistence livelihoods: Bariw (screw palm) harvesting/weaving and freshwater shrimp fishing. Using a qualitative research approach involving participant observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and co-produced ecological calendars across three communities, the study explored how ecological knowledge, customary practices, institutions, and local worldviews shape adaptive ecosystem management. Findings show that ILK is embedded in daily livelihood practices through intergenerational learning, social memory, taboos, and communal norms that regulate resource use and reinforce stewardship. However, these adaptive capacities are increasingly challenged by market integration, environmental degradation, climate variability, and formal institutional policies that influence access to previously held customary areas. The study highlights that ILK in this context remains dynamic and adaptive but is contingent on supportive institutional arrangements and continued fostering of human-nature relationships.}},
  author       = {{Alonsagay, John Carl}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Bridging the Links: Indigenous and local knowledge and social-ecological resilience in Northwest Panay Island, Philippines}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}