Boon or Bane: The Pebble Picking in Luna, La Union

The municipality of Luna, La Union, is distinguished by its unique coastline rich in naturally occurring pebbles, which support a vital source of livelihood for many residents. However, the unregulated extraction of these coastal resources has led to alarming environmental consequences, including accelerated erosion, flooding, and ecological imbalance, placing both the community and its future at risk. This study critically examines the intersection of local economic activity and environmental degradation through the lens of sustainable development. Using a mixed-method research design, the study employed interviews, documentary analysis, and survey questionnaires to investigate the environmental impacts of pebble picking, the regulatory response of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB), and the compliance behavior of local extractors. Findings revealed that while awareness of environmental policies is relatively high, enforcement gaps, boundary encroachment, and inconsistent policy implementation continue to exacerbate coastal vulnerabilities. The PMRB’s moratorium on pebble extraction, though well-intentioned, has created tensions between economic survival and environmental protection. This research underscores the pressing need to reframe local natural resource governance within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and life below water (SDG 14). The study proposes a context-sensitive, LGU-led coastal resource management strategy that integrates ecological sustainability with livelihood resilience demonstrating the critical role of local governance in achieving long-term environmental justice and sustainable coastal development.

Sustainable Development, Coastal Resource Management, Local Governance, Environmental Degradation, Luna La Union

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