Stakeholders’ Perception on Mangrove Ecosystem Services and Marine Plastic Waste Management in Cebu Islands, Philippines

Marine plastic litter has become a serious global concern, which continuously plagues vulnerable countries and communities.  The Philippines has found itself as one of the top plastic polluters in the marine environment.  Its plastic waste problem has been documented in several studies; however, its implications are still unclear though a call for serious action is certain.  The existence of waste management practices adapted from a legal basis such as The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (known as the Republic Act No. 9003 or RA 9003) has greatly contributed to its call for action.  However, data from studies conducted to date suggests that the plastic waste problem is far from being addressed and is potentially starting to affect other environmental ecosystems such as mangrove ecosystems.  This study aims to assess the perception of the stakeholders on what ecosystem services the mangroves can offer and how this can benefit them.  Similarly, this seeks to examine what the community needs in order to mitigate improper plastic waste disposal especially in mangrove ecosystems.  A series of focus group discussions (FGDs) was conducted in 4 municipalities and 3 cities around the province of Cebu, Philippines. A total of 142 participants and representatives from the Academic, Business, Community, and Government (ABCG) sectors joined the activity. (ABCG model).  The results show that the people of Cebu province are more cognisant of the provisioning and regulating ecosystem services of mangroves than its support and cultural services.  One notable misconception among them is their view of mangroves as a filtering area where plastic wastes get trapped before going to the sea. Analysis on the behavioural factors influencing the people of Cebu province in the context of plastic waste management practices also show that Self-regulation>Risk influences them to manage their waste but Ability>Attitude>Norm has more weight in hindering them from practicing proper waste management.  This suggests a need for capability and capacity building interventions integrated in sound policy implementation that would encourage and empower the people to practice good plastic waste management on a more serious and consistent level especially in marine ecosystems. This study champions the ABCG model in this regard.