Analysing social media sentiments to inform community-based conservation in mining-affected landscapes near a World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental, the Philippines

Social media discussions around open-pit mining near the UNESCO-listed Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary reveal critical public sentiments that can guide sustainable conservation efforts. The study analyzed 481 unique comments, identifying themes such as community protest, governance concerns, environmental degradation, and calls for action. These insights informed the development of the RESPECT framework—a model for ecological regeneration, accountable governance, and stakeholder collaboration in mining-affected landscapes. By leveraging Social Representations Theory (SRT), researchers argue that public sentiment on social media reflects shared meanings about mining, which can shape policy and conservation strategies. The findings underscore the need to integrate community voices into development plans to balance economic growth with biodiversity protection.

Villegas, J., Verzosa, R., Bauyot, M. F., Hemillan, J., Pilar, J., Ngoho, M. C. J. N., Rivera, E., Medina, M. N., Antonio, E., & Sumile, E. (2026). Analysing social media sentiments to inform community-based conservation in mining-affected landscapes near a World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental, the Philippines. Discover Conservation, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44353-026-00107-w