Community Well-Being and Willingness as Key Drivers of Watershed Conservation in Mt. Magdiwata Watershed and Forest Reserve in Northeastern Mindanao, Philippines

Social dimensions of environmental conservation are crucial for the long-term success of watershed conservation efforts. This study investigates the intricate relationship between community well-being, socioeconomic factors, and watershed conservation efforts in rural areas, particularly in the Mt. Magdiwata Watershed Forest Reserve (MMWFR) in the Philippines. Using the Structural Equation Model (SEM), the findings highlight that the Quality of Life (QoL, R2 = 0.55) is the most influential latent factor shaping local attitudes toward conservation, with the provision of safe evacuation areas and access to green spaces emerging as key priorities. Community willingness (R2 = 0.39) to participate in watershed conservation is significantly influenced by socio-economic demographics (R2 = 0.31), including civil status, household size, and agricultural dependence, highlighting the need for context-specific conservation strategies. The study also identifies water provisioning (R2 = 0.14) as a significant motivator for participation, with accessibility and convenience being more critical than cost in driving community involvement. While the influence of awareness of local environmental policies is relatively low (R2 = 0.08), it remains a crucial factor for fostering long-term behavioral change and policy support. The research highlights the importance of integrating socio-economic realities, improving service delivery, and increasing community awareness to develop effective and sustainable watershed conservation programs. Policy frameworks must integrate these relationships in ongoing advocacy for the efficient conservation of MMWFR as a protected area in the Philippine countryside.