Bachelor of Science in Forestry

Abstract

Indigenous People play a vital role in promoting sustainable development and environmental management. Although they are few, they hold invaluable local knowledge for nature stewardship. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness of the Indigenous People on environmental laws, rules, and regulations. This includes the different environmental-related activities conducted by the Agta Tribe in relation to their tradition and cultural beliefs. It also focuses on two factors (a) awareness on environmental laws, rules, and regulation, and (b) awareness on criminal offenses and penalties.

Descriptive research was utilized to gather data. It involved collecting and analyzing non-numerical data of the population response. The respondents were 60 (Indigenous people) from one district community of Calabgan Casiguran Aurora. They were selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected through descriptive techniques such as survey questionnaire, and interview.

The findings of the study indicated that the environmental-related activities conducted by the Agta Tribe in relation to their tradition and cultural beliefs are tree planting activities, gathering of exotic plant (orchids), fishing mostly in river for foods, gathering and harvesting of foods (rice, vegetables), and gathering of forest product: rattan, honey, resin, to a large extent. Furthermore, the awareness level of IPs on different environmental laws, rules, and regulations is 4.08 which states they are Slightly Aware. While their awareness level on the crime offenses, and penalties also states that they are Slightly Aware with a mean f 4.13. Lastly, 54 respondents agreed that there should be continuing discussions with indigenous people and their chieftains to let them know the different environmental laws, rules, and regulations that may affect them, which is 90% of the respondents.

The research showed that the Indigenous People in Brgy. Calabgan, Casiguran, Aurora, still conducts environmental-related activities which directly affects the nature. The results also states that better implementation and monitoring of the laws should further be enhanced to continuously protect and preserve the environment.