GIS-based Vulnerability Assessment of Coastal Dwellers to Climate Change in the Southern Illana Bay of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

The Philippines has the fifth-longest coastline in the world, meaning a significant part of its population depends on fishery resources. Several studies show that climate change greatly impacts coastal communities. This study assessed the extent of climate change effects locally by measuring the vulnerability index of target coastal communities using GIS software to provide scientific information aimed at reducing their vulnerability to climate change. Household heads from coastal barangays in southern Illana Bay, Zamboanga del Sur, were randomly selected and surveyed with a structured questionnaire based on the Fisheries Vulnerability Assessment Tool (FishVool). The coastal residents were found to be moderately vulnerable (2.0) to climate change mainly due to high dependence on fishery resources, decreasing fish catches, low income from fishing, and low literacy rates. These factors contributed to their moderate sensitivity (16.12) and low adaptive capacity (16.08). Stakeholders should work to lower sensitivity and boost adaptive capacity by offering alternative livelihoods to reduce dependency on fishing and improving fishing gear to increase catch rates. Additionally, strengthening information and education campaigns will support conservation and preservation strategies for coastal resources and ecosystems, which can help increase fish catches and, consequently, income from fishing.