Journal of Marine and Island Cultures

Wind Lore as Environmental Knowledge in Southern Vanuatu

K. David Harrison — 2024-06-24

Wind lore constitutes an important domain of environmental knowledge in eight cultures of southern Vanuatu (Aneityum, Futuna, Aniwa, Nafe, Naka, Netwar, Nanu, and Nahual). Our study reviews previous studies in Oceania which document wind systems as used primarily for long-distance navigation. The named winds of southern Vanuatu are not merely abstract directional markers, nor primarily for use in navigation, but are closely tied to the local geography, agriculture, health, and seasonal changes. They represent a survival skill and a cognitive-spiritual understanding of the environment. Wind lore is gradually being forgotten, but can still be described in detail by experts. We conclude by situating wind lore within a culture complex that includes knowledge of agriculture, fishing, time-reckoning, and weather magic. Our documentation of these systems is ongoing, and in collaboration with local experts.

Factors Affecting the Intention to Implement Pro-environmental Behaviors: A Case of Riverside Communities in Cotabato City Rivers, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Peter Jan De Vera — 2024-06-24

Rivers are known to be the emitters of waste in the world’s oceans. Most of the top ten rivers that contribute to the waste in the world’s oceans are situated in the Philippines indicating poor solid waste management in the country. Studies focusing on the pro-environmental behaviors among the riverside communities in the country are very limited. Thus, this study investigates the factors affecting the intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors among the riverside communities along the Cotabato City rivers, Mindanao Island. This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to determine the factors affecting the intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors (n = 387). Results showed that Attitude (ATT) and Subjective Norms (SN) have significant direct effects on the intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors among the respondents. Moderation analysis showed that gender has significant effects on the relationship between Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) and Intention (IN) to implement pro-environmental behaviors. The results of this study may provide insights into the policy design to promote and enhance the resident’s intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors for river conservation and protection. Extending the TPB model to assess other internal and external factors that may affect pro-environmental behaviors is recommended for future studies.

Prioritizing plants for conservation in forests over limestone in Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscapes and Seascapes using a localized conservation priority index (LCPI)

Inocencio, Jr. Buot — 2024-06-24

Philippine landscapes and seascapes have been undergoing massive degradation especially with the onset of the Anthropocene epoch. The unique forests over limestone in Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscapes and Seascapes in Eastern Samar has never been exempted from ongoing deteriorating condition leading to the diminishing ecosystem services for the nearby villages. Conservation plan and action are urgent. The current paper determines the top priority plants for conservation using the localized conservation priority index (LCPI), which considers the contexts of the locality. LCPI follows a point scoring procedure recognizing holistic social, cultural, ecological and biophysical variables, such as cultural use, frequency value of occurrences in study plots, species distribution, harvesting risk, and economic use. Research findings indicated Caryota rumphiana Mart., Saribus rotundifolius (Lam.) Blume Artocarpus blancoi (Elmer) Merr., Shorea negrosensis Foxw., Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., Calophyllum soulattri Burm.f., Artocarpus rubrovenius Warb., Nothaphoebe leytensis (Elmer) Merr., Shorea astylosa Foxw., Palaquium sp., Heterospathe intermedia (Becc.) Fernando, Hancea wenzeliana (Slik) S.E.C.Sierra, Kulju & Welzen, Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridl., Wallaceodendron celebicum Koord., Palaquium luzoniense (Fern.-Vill.) Vidal, Mastixia sp., Wrightia sp., Lubi-lubi, Kuyakya and Neonauclea formicaria (Elmer) Merr. The leaves, stems, fruits, and flowers are the most-commonly harvested plant parts in high priority level species, most of which are primarily used for housing and construction. The identified plants were geotagged to intensify onsite protection. The findings are of extreme relevance in providing guidance to protected area staff, local people organizations, and community residents in embarking on urgent conservation action in conserving locally vulnerable biodiversity in order to sustain ecosystem services.

A Study on Factors Influencing Behavioral Intentions for Separating Recyclable Waste in Korea

Mona Chang — 2024-06-24

This study delves into the intricate relationship between individuals' environmental knowledge, awareness of the ban on disposable plastic cups, and intentions to separate recyclables. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, the research design, data collection, and methodology encompassed the acquisition of 483 valid samples from 16 major metropolitan cities and provinces in South Korea. Environmental knowledge was assessed, focusing on two pivotal factors: environmental harmfulness and recycling. Path Analysis, executed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), allowed for evaluating path coefficients, specific indirect effects, and total effects of latent variables within the research model.
The results illuminate the most influential pathways within the model. Individuals' attitudes toward separating recyclables substantially impacted their intentions to engage in separation behavior (t = 9.420, R² = 0.380, p < 0.000). Furthermore, environmental knowledge significantly shaped individuals' attitudes (t = 8.607, R² = 0.271, p < 0.000). Every hypothesis within the model was statistically significant, underscoring the robustness of the findings. An intriguing discovery was that the awareness of the ban on disposable plastic cups exerted a more pronounced influence on individuals' practical understanding of precise recycling methods, as opposed to their general knowledge about the harmfulness of plastics.
In conclusion, this study offers compelling evidence that residents' environmental knowledge and attitudes toward recycling play pivotal roles in boosting their active participation in waste separation efforts. These findings have substantial implications for environmental policy and awareness campaigns, emphasizing the need to foster knowledge and positive attitudes to promote sustainable recycling practices.

Plastic litter assessment of the riverbanks of Pulot river and its tributary in Sofronio Española, Palawan Island, Philippines

Carlo Gutierrez — 2024-06-24

Rivers are essential sources of plastic litter in the marine environment. Recently, the Philippines was reported as the biggest polluter of plastic litter from riverine sources. However, the riverine plastic litter's origin has been less established. In this study, we determined the density, composition, and accumulation of plastic litter on the riversides of Pulot River and its tributary in Palawan Island, Philippines. We also identified the possible sources of plastic litter. Results showed that the plastic litter density was highest at the river edge during the first sampling period. Litter densities for the predefined zones and sampling periods all showed no significant differences. The most dominant plastic litter types were food packaging and plastic bags, followed by toiletries. ‘Others’ consisted of multilayers, mixed, and plastics accounted for the most abundant polymer types. We identified the residents in the vicinity illegally dumping litter, for there were small illegal dumping sites along the river. These results suggest the urgent need for better waste policy implementation measures to protect the riparian environments and reduce the input of riverine plastic litter into the marine environment to ensure river resource sustainability.

The Functions of Myth in Mangrove Ecotourism Development in Ibu Kota Nusantara, Indonesia

Dessy Wahyuni — 2024-06-24

The mangrove area in Mentawir Village has the potential to be developed into ecotourism in Nusantara Capital City (Ibu Kota Nusantara or "IKN"), Indonesia. Apart from the mangrove conservation area, some myths add to the tourist attraction of IKN. Various myths continue to live and develop in the lives of the Paser indigenous people in Mentawir Village (Sepaku District, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia). The functionalization of the myth is expected to support mangrove ecotourism. So, how can existing myths affect the use of mangroves to support the development of mangrove ecotourism in IKN? Ethnographic data collection conducted through participatory observation and in-depth interviews can reveal the existence of myths that affect the use of mangroves in people's lives. The results showed that three myths developed in Mentawir Village: the myth of yellow mangroves (lemit mangroves/bakau lemit), the myth of the Mentawir River (Sungai Mentawir), and the mystery myth of the peace stone (misteri batu perdamaian). Using the Malinowski cultural functionalization approach, it can be seen that these myths can support the development of mangrove-based ecotourism and creative economy as IKN tourist attractions that can support community welfare.

Marine Cultural Tourism Gwangalli Eobang Festival: Cultural Inheritance and Efficiency Enhancement from a Humanistic Perspective

Mi-Hee Kong — 2024-06-24

This study first examines the establishment of Gyeongsang-jwasuyeong¹, currently Suyeong-dong, Busan, where the Gwangalli Eobang Festival is currently held, and the activities of the Gyeongsang Left Navy to analyze how the region’s history and cultural characteristics are faithfully reflected in the programs of the Gwangalli Eobang (Fishing Village) Festival. Next, it explores the inheritance of the naval and fishing folk culture from a humanistic perspective² based on the characteristics and past Gwangalli Eobang Festivals and the five major programs. Lastly, the study proposes methods to enhance the efficiency of the Gwangalli Eobang Festival as a marine cultural tourism event.

The Gwangalli Eobang Festival aims to preserve and develop the unique traditional culture and noble spirit that embody the cooperation of Korean ancestors. It focuses on the fishing cooperatives called “Eobang (Fishing Villages)” formed by the naval forces and fishermen during the Joseon Dynasty. This study examines five major programs of the Gwangalli Eobang Festival, which are based on the traditional naval and fishing folk culture.

Furthermore, this study analyzes the characteristics and issues of the Gwangalli Eobang Festival in line with the literature “Comprehensive Assessment on Cultural Tourism Festivals” published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism from 2010, when the Gwangalli Eobang Festival was selected by the ministry to be surveyed for the first time, to the present. The assessment concentrated on three aspects, namely satisfaction, program, and operation. With the visitor satisfaction surveys, it was shown the festival is still at the national average level and many areas in the program and operation sections need improvement. Lastly, the study identifies the improvements based on the suggestions of the previous literature “Comprehensive Assessment on Cultural Tourism Festivals.” Considering the findings, the study analyzes the 21st Gwangalli Eobang Festival in 2023, including its characteristics and challenges. The study proposes 10 measures to enhance the efficiency of the festival in the future.

This study is significant as it examines the historical background of the Gwangalli Eobang Festival, which is known as Korea’s representative maritime cultural tourism event. It explores how the festival program links to the aspects of inheriting and developing the traditional culture of Korean ancestors.

In addition, it is significant that the study systematically analyzed “Comprehensive Assessment on Cultural

Tourism Festivals” published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism from 2010, when it was selected by the Ministry to be surveyed. This analysis specifically focused on the features and problems of the Gwangalli Eobang Festival. Moreover, for the first time to date, the study analyzed the actual conditions of the aforementioned challenges of the 21st Gwangalli Eobang Festival in 2023. It also proposed strategies to improve the efficiency of the Gwangalli Eobang Festival in the future.

Potential Conflict of Small-Scale Fishermen on the North Coast of Java (Case Study of Muarareja village, Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia)

Zulfa Nur Auliatun Nissa' — 2024-06-24

The condition of fisheries on the North Coast of Java is known to have experienced overfishing; this then has an impact on low fisheries productivity, high conflicts that occur between fishermen, increased poverty for fishermen, and threatened food security for coastal communities whose livelihoods are very dependent on fish resources in the sea. Therefore, this study examines potential conflicts among small-scale fishermen in using fish resources and conflict resolution. The method used is a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data. Data analysis refers to the structural-functional theory and conflict theory. The study results show that conflicts for livelihood mostly dominate the conflicts that occur among small-scale fishermen. The forms of conflict that small-scale fishermen often perpetrate are vandalism and petty theft, with protests or sanctions that are given only to be silenced because coastal fishermen in North coast of Java still uphold Javanese culture, which prefers to live in peace and harmony. Therefore, settling conflicts among small-scale fishermen is usually completed by simply being silent and forgotten over time or through deliberations mediated through religious leaders, rich fishermen (upper layer), and wise old fishermen. Conflict dynamics among small-scale fishermen do not surface much because more latent conflicts exist.

Citizen Science in the Philippines: Coastal biodiversity engagements on a small island

Kristian Aldea — 2024-06-24

The community's extreme perception of volunteerism (97%) for conservation on a small island relates to the limited resources and coastline vulnerability. This probably results in various types of citizen scientists on different biodiversity-related engagements. Gender prevalence in the participation is reflected in the nature of these engagements (suggesting viable options of participation for both genders), while the age and frequency of activities suggest that younger and more active individuals are significantly present in one type (Independent Citizen Scientists). In terms of public services and systematic data gathering, it is generally recognized that citizen scientists contribute to productive coastal biodiversity monitoring on the island. A limitation, is nevertheless, identified which is the tendency to conduct (or join) a project even without a science or professional intervention (likely due to the extreme perception), primarily involving Independent Citizen Scientists. It must be emphasized, however, that this study does not discourage any type of citizen scientists. Nevertheless, this study recommends policy formulation and professional interventions in the island’s coastal biodiversity programs.

The Sadoh: Profit Sharing System of Bajo in Fishing, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Lalu Erwan Husnan — 2024-06-24

Sadoh is a system of sharing profits from fishing. It is one of the local knowledge that Bajo’s fishermen still apply. Each boat, along with the system, has its way of sadoh. This system involves all stakeholders who are bound to the fishing system. Sadoh is based on the fishing gear used, the fishing system, the type of fish, the crew (sabi), and the captain (punggawa). However, the calculations appear to be the same for sabi and fishing gear, although the system and type of fish can influence them. The method used in this study is linguistic anthropology. Data was collected using direct observation and in-depth interviews in three Bajo villages in West Nusa Tenggara Province. They are Pulau Maringkik village of Keruak of East Lombok Regency, Pulau Bungin village of Alas of Sumbawa Regency, and Bajo Pulau Village of Sape of Bima Regency. The data were analyzed qualitatively using a linguistic anthropological approach. The study results show that the sadoh count for the badang component tends to be the same for all fishing systems and durations. At the same time, material investment in the form of aiai, capital, and honor has a changing distribution component and tends to be more for different fishing systems and durations. Components owned by the badang also have a fixed share value, while investment tends to increase according to the system and duration of the catch. Thus, sadoh, as a profit-sharing system, places greater emphasis on returns on aiai, capital, and honor.