Situational Analysis and Theory of Change Proposed Framework for Resilient and Sustainable Ecosystem Services of Conner, Apayao Watershed

Authors

  • Hannie T. Martin

    Forestry Department, Apayao State College, Luna 3813, Phillipines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i2.11678
Received: 29 August 2025 | Revised: 18 November 2025 | Accepted: 26 November 2025 | Published Online: 22 April 2026

Abstract

This study examines the situational analysis of the Conner watershed of Apayao as a basis for a theory of change framework for planning, implementing, and evaluating the said watershed. The objectives aimed to characterize the Conner Watershed as to its physical, biological, and socio-economic profiles; determine the drivers of change of ecosystem services within the watershed; and propose a Theory of Change Framework for sustainable ecosystem services within the watershed. Data gathering was performed through analysis of secondary data and techniques of Participatory Rural Appraisal, such as Key Informant Interviews and field work. Data analysis was conducted through mapping for visualization and spatial interpretation of the watershed and its key characteristics. Findings from these participatory and spatial analyses provided the basis for identifying ecosystem drivers and informing the development of the Theory of Change framework. The diversity indices were determined using Shannon-Wiener diversity and Simpson’s dominance indices. The Conner watershed occupies an area of 73,665 hectares and covers 20 barangays of Conner. The floral diversity index was 2.61 (Shannon) and 0.8980 (Simpson), indicating moderate diversity. Issues and problems within the Conner Watershed impacted the forest areas of the watershed. The six Strategic Approaches (SAs) were developed through the Theory of Change: Improve Watershed Vegetation; Provide Alternative Livelihood; Improve Information, Education, and Communication; Enhance Capacity for Law Enforcement; Improve Social and Human Capital Development; and Enhance Research and Technology Development. Overall, the theory of change framework provides a structured basis for sustainable watershed management and informed policy development in Conner, Apayao.

Keywords:

Watershed; Theory of Change; Ecosystem Services

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How to Cite

Martin, H. T. (2026). Situational Analysis and Theory of Change Proposed Framework for Resilient and Sustainable Ecosystem Services of Conner, Apayao Watershed. Research in Ecology, 8(2), 325–348. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v8i2.11678

Issue

Vol.8, Iss.2 (April 2026)

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2026 Hannie T. Martin

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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