Procedural Justice and Legitimacy in Conservation in the Philippines: An Empirical Assessment

• In Event: Beyond Protectionism: Exploring Human Interactions and Normative Processes in Conservation Science

Abstract

Previous research has identified various models to facilitate conservation efforts, including fortress and community-based initiatives. Studies indicate protectionist strategies emphasizing militarized approaches can alienate communities, while community-centered initiatives have demonstrated promise. These findings highlight the significance of perceived fairness, which has been shown to enhance community-ranger relations. However, limited research has formally integrated and tested policing models within a conservation context, including the traditional procedural justice-legitimacy link. The present study contributes to this literature by utilizing survey data collected from four protected areas in the Philippines to investigate the factors influencing community members' perceived legitimacy towards the protected area authorities. Results from structural equation modeling (SEM) highlight the positive impact of procedural justice and the effectiveness of authority performance in securing achieved legitimacy. The field of conservation enforcement could gain from integrating procedural justice to improve community-ranger relations and potentially promote participatory management initiatives.

Authors

• Lucas Alward, Boise State University

• William Moreto, University of Central Florida

• Richard Elligson Jr., University of South Florida