From conversion to conservation to carbon: The changing policy discourse on mangrove governance and use in the Philippines. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Song, Andrew M.; Dressler, Wolfram H.; Satizábal, Paula; Fabinyi, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of rural studies. Volume 82(2021)
• Page Start: 184
• Page End: 195
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Aquaculture -- Blue economy -- Climage change -- Coastal governance -- Framing -- Small-scale fisheries; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Country life -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; Land use, Rural -- Planning -- Periodicals; Rural conditions -- Periodicals; Sociologie rurale -- Périodiques; Vie rurale -- Périodiques; Développement rural -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation agricole du -- Planification -- Périodiques; Conditions rurales -- Périodiques; Country life; Land use, Rural -- Planning; Rural conditions; Rural development; Sociology, Rural; Periodicals; 307.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.01.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-0167

Abstract

Abstract: The current focus on mangroves as key ecosystems in mitigating the impacts of climate change has largely neglected the livelihoods of coastal dwellers interacting with mangroves. This article provides a review of scholarly and policy attention paid to these social groups and their means of struggle. It argues that the latest dominant governance discourse tying mangroves to blue carbon signifies a departure from catering to coastal people's interests and rights in mangroves. We describe the evolving discourses that have shaped mangrove use and conservation in the Philippines since the 1970s. While the mid-century preoccupation with mangrove conversion to fish farms gradually gave way to the pursuit of community-based mangrove conservation in the late 1980s and 1990s, recent experiences suggest a comparably weakened focus towards recognizing local access and use patterns. We contend that the present blue carbon framing of mangroves, which harbours technocratic and financialized ideals of sustainability, poses a fundamental disadvantage to local users of mangroves. We conclude by reflecting on ways to redress this trend via a new framing of mangroves. Highlights: This article engages with the social ramifications of the "blue carbon" discourse. We trace the dominant representations of mangrove forest governance over a 50-year period in the Philippines. Three key framings are clearance and conversion, replantation and conservation, and carbon sink. Each produces different sets of policies that change the functions and meanings of mangroves. Amid these shifting trends, coastal dwellers' livelihoods and resource tenure are at risk of being marginalized and displaced.