Rooted in Resilience: Sustainable Community Practices for Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines

Abstract

This research focuses on sustainable community-based adaptation to climate change within coastal communities in the Philippines via a qualitative systematic review of current literature. Using thematic analysis of current approaches, the paper considered commonly used adaptation strategies, the conditions influencing their implementation and sustainability as well as the roles of local knowledge, community involvement and governance on enhancing climate resiliency. The results of the study indicate that ecosystem-based adaptations, disaster preparedness, sustainable resource management and participatory governance are instrumental in mitigating climate vulnerability. Nevertheless, there are still significant barriers to long-term adaptation, such as limited financial support, poor policy implementation, inadequate infrastructure and institutional limitations. The research concluded that an effective strategy for improving climate resiliency can only result from collaboration among communities, governmental organizations and other stakeholders through the use of both indigenous knowledge and scientific methods of climate change adaptation.