A social responsibility: Traveller's awareness and behavior towards marine protected areas of San Joaquin, Iloilo

Abstract

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are vital in the protection of marine biodiversity, encouraging sustainable tourism and fostering social responsibility among travelers. This study explores the awareness and behavior of travelers visiting Marine Protected Areas in San Joaquin, Iloilo, alongside the socio-demographic factors influencing their environmental responsibility. Employing a quantitative research design, the study assessed levels of awareness and behavior among 150 MPA travelers, classified by demographic categories: age, educational level, income level, residence, and sex. Findings showed no significant differences in awareness and behavior across sex, educational level, and residence, which indicates a shared understanding and behavioral pattern among diverse traveler groups. However, the results stressed a strong, direct relationship between awareness and behavior, underlining the importance of environmental education in determining responsible actions. The study also pointed out the broader socioeconomic factors, such as income levels, which influence travelers’ ability to act responsibly. Although financial stability allows higher-income travelers to spend more on sustainability and engage in conservation efforts, hindrances are still present in adopting sustainable practices that exist in lower-income groups. This calls for tailored interventions, including educational campaigns, community-based initiatives, and cost-effective conservation programs, to promote inclusivity in marine conservation efforts. The findings aligned with existing literature, emphasizing the interrelation between awareness, behavior, and social responsibility in tourism, and further underscoring the need to bridge informational and financial gaps. It makes an important contribution towards understanding how tourists perceive and respond to their role in marine conservation by addressing the intricacies of awareness and behavior in MPAs. Insights gained can be applied to inform policymakers, environmental organizations, and tourism stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism practices through targeted strategies that heighten traveler awareness and encourage responsible behavior. This will not only enhance the protection of MPAs but also strengthen their role as centers of conservation and sustainable development.