Valuing vanishing coasts: The case of Miagao coastline in Southern Iloilo, Philippines

Coastal area loss is becoming a major problem to the people living in such areas. Miagao coastline is rich in marine resources on which most of the coastal communities are dependent to for their employment opportunities, resources, goods and services, and the aesthetic value of the coasts. However in recent years, there have been observed cases of diminishing land area as the coastline moves inward. This study characterized and estimated the value of Miagao coastal area losses in selected barangays, through valuation of lost land, buildings and structures, trees, economic activities, and docking areas using market price method. The study also characterized and measured psychological impacts to the community by using Likert scale that measured the attachment of the residents to these coastal losses. Results of the study found out that coastal area loss amounted to Php 71,708,000.00, while about 60% of coastal communities were highly attached. The study suggests that coastal communities, non-government organizations, and the government should work together to formulate adaptation strategies that can reduce risk and potential damages due to coastal area loss.