KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF NATIVE TREES BY LOCAL FOREST USERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR A PHILIPPINE PROTECTED AREA

by Jackson, Noah

This thesis examines the forest knowledge of non-indigenous, local forest users in the Northwest Panay Protected Area located on the island of Panay in Central Philippines, and the opportunities and constraints to integrating this knowledge into local conservation efforts. The research is based on participant observation, interviews, and sketch maps involving eleven key forest users and interviews with representatives from the three local conservation organizations. Local forest knowledge is discussed through three themes: geographic or area knowledge (GAK), forest ecology knowledge (FEK), and tree species-specific knowledge (TSK). Tree species-specific knowledge, particularly knowledge of seeds and germaplasm transfer, was the component local forest users had the most working knowledge. Nevertheless, local conservation organizations do not seek and use local forest knowledge, or share information and resources with local forest users generally. The thesis concludes with recommendations for how local conservation organizations could utilize local seed and tree specific knowledge and practices in conservation efforts.