Enabling role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in local environmental management in the Philippines: A systematic review

ABSTRACT

How enabled is civil society in the Philippines’ local environmental management scene? A systematic review with predetermined criteria identified 21 studies that describe the contributing roles of civil society organizations (CSOs) in their environmental initiatives. The review reveals that CSOs in the Philippines take roles as Advocate, Giver, Mediator, and Partner. Key enabling indicators influencing their effectiveness include their ability in providing mutual benefits, engaging operationally, resolving conflicts proactively, adapting to dynamic settings, incorporating local knowledge, building social trust, and harmonizing stakeholder knowledge. Despite their strong potential, CSOs in the country face challenges such as divergent stakeholder interests, bureaucratic weaknesses, community unacceptability, weak local tourism control, biodiversity blind spots, and legal resistance. Understanding the dynamics of CSO engagement leverages their strengths while addressing their barriers to realize their full potential as actors in local environmental management. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance CSO engagement in the Philippines and within the broader discourse of sustainable development in the Global South.

KEYWORDS:

• Civil society
• environmental management
• sustainable development
• environmental politics
• Philippine NGOs

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).