Socio-economic Determinants of Community Willingness to Conserve the Lagonoy Natural Biotic Area, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Protected areas provide essential ecosystem services that sustain the well-being and livelihoods of upland communities. In the Lagonoy Natural Biotic Area (LNBA) in Camarines Sur, Philippines, these services are vital for local welfare and long-term sustainability. This study examined the determinants of residents’ willingness to conserve ecosystem services in LNBA and explored strategies to enhance community participation in conservation. A household survey involving 294 respondents was conducted to capture socioeconomic and demographic profiles. Using a binary logistic regression model, the study identified key drivers influencing conservation attitudes and the perceived economic value of ecosystem goods and services. Results indicated that residents’ willingness to conserve is strongly influenced by socioeconomic conditions and the benefits they derive from the protected area. The regression model demonstrated strong explanatory power (χ² = 64.823, p < 0.01) and adequate goodness of fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, p = 0.05). Although there is high community support for conservation, current usage levels appear unsustainable and pose risks to long-term livelihood security. Effective conservation requires strategies that integrate ecological preservation with socioeconomic needs. The study recommends sustainable management practices and alternative livelihood options to reduce ecosystem pressure and enhance resilience.