GIS-based Vulnerability Assessment of Coastal Dwellers to Climate Change in the Southern Illana Bay of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines has the fifth-longest coastline in the world, meaning a significant part
of its population depends on fishery resources. Several studies show that climate
change greatly impacts coastal communities. This study assessed the extent of climate
change effects locally by measuring the vulnerability index of target coastal
communities using GIS software to provide scientific information aimed at reducing
their vulnerability to climate change. Household heads from coastal barangays in
southern Illana Bay, Zamboanga del Sur, were randomly selected and surveyed with a
structured questionnaire based on the Fisheries Vulnerability Assessment Tool
(FishVool). The coastal residents were found to be moderately vulnerable (2.0) to
climate change mainly due to high dependence on fishery resources, decreasing fish
catches, low income from fishing, and low literacy rates. These factors contributed to
their moderate sensitivity (16.12) and low adaptive capacity (16.08). Stakeholders
should work to lower sensitivity and boost adaptive capacity by offering alternative
livelihoods to reduce dependency on fishing and improving fishing gear to increase
catch rates. Additionally, strengthening information and education campaigns will
support conservation and preservation strategies for coastal resources and
ecosystems, which can help increase fish catches and, consequently, income from
fishing.