Awareness, Perceptions, and Acceptability of Bioremediation of a Mined-Out Area in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Bioremediation is considered a safe, effective, and economical solution to contain, reduce, or remove toxins from mined-out areas. However, community support and acceptability are found to be significant to the success of bioremediation projects. Thus, a survey interview of 150 respondents using pre-tested questionnaires were conducted in Barangays Cagdianan, Hayanggabon, Taganito, and Urbiztondo in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines to determine the community’s awareness, perception, and acceptability of the bioremediation in the mined-out area for nickel. Only 55% of the respondents were aware of the project and their knowledge was primarily gained through the stakeholders’ forum during the survey period. The respondents had positive perceptions about bioremediation manifested by the widespread favorable responses on the value of trees; beliefs and expectations from the project; risks; environmental, community, and economic benefits; trust in the implementers; and participation albeit only 5% were involved in the project. Despite lack of awareness and non-involvement, the respondents were willing to accept (99%) the bioremediation initiative and to recommend (95%) this in other mined-out areas. This case demonstrates that awareness and participation is not of vital importance in the acceptability of a bioremediation project. Nonetheless, bioremediation and other environmental projects should be initiated with extensive information and education campaigns for well-informed and well-engaged communities to foster a sense of ownership and stewardship, thereby, more successful and sustainable projects.