The rapid urbanization experienced in the Las Pinas and Parafiaque coasts have dramatically changed the land use of the coastal area facing Manila Bay. Threatened by reclamation for development, pollution, and the changing attitudes of coastal communities towards the environment, the 182-hectare Las Pinas Parafiaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) is considered tlie last coastal frontier of southern Manila Bay. Comprised of mangroves, salt ilats, lagoons and ponds; and home to more than 80 bird species, there is a pressing need to address aspects of land use in the protected area. By understanding what the community values in the protected wetland, the land use planning of the area can be informed by local perceptions that respond to the immediate needs of the community — reinforcing ecosystem services which benefit the community and thus making the protected wetland an indispensable resource for them.
The study aims to understand this perception of wetland ecosystem services by the community to improve on Isind use plaiming approaches in LPPCHEA. The study features the use of quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis procedures that include household surveys, key informant interviews, direct valuation, and narrative analysis. Results showed that the community values provisioning and cultural ecosystem services the most and are willing to pay for these as either an annual barangay tax (Php 492), a per-use fee (PhPlSO), or as an annual entry fee into the park (>PhPl,000). To conserve the wetlands at LPPCHEA, strategies recommended include enhancing the qualily of engagement ol" the community in the land use planning process, focusing land use planning on cultural and provisioning ecosystem services valued by the community, democratizing access to the area for marginalized community members, and integrating ongoing master planning in Manila Bay with the protected area management plans of the LPPCllliA.