Public Perception of Local Communities towards the Sustainable Management of Laguna Lake, Philippines

Abstract

Common failures in resolving multiple use conflicts are attributed to the inability of institutions to recognize and incorporate people's perceptions towards the resource. This study aims to determine the local communities' perceptions and factors influencing their perceptions towards Laguna Lake and its sustainable management. Copies of a self-administered questionnaire were distributed to systematically selected householders situated near and far from the Laguna Lake, Philippines. Correlation analysis determined the factors influencing the householder's perception. Results showed that attitudes, income and willingness to manage the lake affect the local communities' perception (P < 0.10). Results also showed that most respondents recognized that the lake is deteriorating due to pollution and each individual can take a role to sustainably manage it.