Social Acceptability of the Bioremediation Technology for the Rehabilitation of an Abandoned Mined-Out Area in Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines

Rehabilitation of mined-out areas poses great challenge because nutrients are depleted and conditions are not conducive for the conditions necessary for the growth and survival of plants. Proper combination of mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, compost, and lime to support the growth of trees in the poor soil has been discovered by the University of the Philippines Los Baños National Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology. Having established a protocol using this formulation, a plant survival rate of 95% was achieved in a bioremediation project implemented by the Institute in a mined-out area in Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines. The social acceptance and adoption of this rehabilitation strategy was determined through a survey interview in the study area with the use of questionnaire. Six factors and nine variables were considered in the assessment. The bioremediation technology was acceptable to the community as indicated by the high percentage of respondents who gave an overall positive response (90%) and who were willing to adopt and recommend it for implementation in other mined-out areas (90%). Binary logistic regression showed that income and distance of residence from the rehabilitation site significantly influenced the respondents’ decision to accept the technology. Future bioremediation initiatives should also consider the participation and acceptance of stakeholders to ensure sustainability. Indigenous and endemic planting materials should be used in rehabiliation.