Sustaining Livelihoods in Protected Areas: Lessons from State-initiated Projects in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Philippines

State-initiated livelihood projects within UNESCO World Heritage Sites can foster sustainability if they adhere to defined principles, engage communities effectively, and provide adaptive support. A study on Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) in the Philippines reveals that successful strategies include conceptualizing projects with clear purposes, understanding community needs, implementing responsive approaches, ensuring sustained marketing and technical assistance, and forming partnerships with agencies. However, these projects face challenges such as lack of long-term sustainability planning, coordinated governance, and sufficient personnel. The research, based on in-depth interviews with implementers and surveys among beneficiaries, highlights that while state resources can drive sustainability, structural inadequacies pose significant impediments.

Mendoza, E. N., Apa-ap, M. J., & Amoroso, V. B. (2024). Sustaining Livelihoods in Protected Areas: Lessons from State-initiated Projects in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Philippines. International Journal of Rural Management, 20(3), 295–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/09730052241231087