Harnessing Tangible and Intangible Benefits from Beach Forests: Insights from Dinagat Island Communities

Beach forests are vital coastal ecosystems that offer ecological, cultural, and subsistence benefits to nearby communities. Despite their importance, they remain underdocumented in the Philippines. This study investigated the resource use practices of residents from four coastal barangays: Magsaysay, Esperanza, Imelda, and Cabayawan in the Dinagat Islands. Using semi-structured interviews, 241 respondents aged 13 and above were interviewed to obtain information on how beach forest resources contribute to daily life. Most respondents reported recreational use (92.53%), followed by the collection of medicinal plants (81.74%), edible plants (68.05%), and fuelwood (64.73%). Less common uses included the gathering of fodder, ornamental plants, ritual materials, freshwater, and occasional hunting. A total of 42 medicinal and 40 edible plant species were documented, including three vulnerable species: Magkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus), Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis), and Kalingag (Cinnamomum mercadoi). Among the documented species, only 26.19% of medicinal plants and 15% of edible plants were native or naturally associated with coastal and sandy dune ecosystems. The prevalence of non-native species in beach forests can be attributed to human settlement, intentional cultivation in backyard gardens, and the ability of certain plants to adapt to sandy, saline, and disturbed coastal environments. The findings emphasized the significance of beach forests in sustaining local livelihoods and well-being. However, various threats including invasive species, lack of regulations, and unsustainable practices, jeopardized the beach's integrity. This study highlights the need for community-based conservation, policy enforcement, and public awareness to ensure the long-term sustainability of beach forest ecosystems in the Dinagat Islands.