Panay-Cuison, Floribeth2026-07-172026-07-172026-04-30Panay-Cuison, F. (2026). Safeguarding shores, strengthening livelihoods: An empirically grounded theory of change for sustainable coastal livelihoods in Luna, La Union, Philippines. Journal of Marine and Island Cultures, 15(1), 1-27. https://jmic.online/issues/v15n1/15/2212-6821https://doi.org/10.21463/jmic.2026.15.1.15https://lakasa.dmmmsu.edu.ph/handle/123456789/2212Full textThis study examines how shoreline gravel extraction in Luna, La Union, Philippines, is shaped by the interaction between household livelihood dependence and coastal erosion risks. Prolonged manual extraction has altered shoreline dynamics while providing immediate income for coastal households. Using a qualitative approach, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with coastal residents and institutional stakeholders, supported by field observations, document analysis, and triangulated estimates of shoreline change and extraction activity. Reflexive thematic analysis identifies four interrelated drivers sustaining extraction: immediate income needs; resilience constraints associated with poverty, limited education, and exposure to hazards; financial insecurity and limited market access; and weak governance combined with low ecosystem awareness. Existing interventions have not produced sustained livelihood transitions because they fail to address these constraints in combination. In response, the study develops the Sustainable Alternative Livelihoods Framework (SALF), an empirically grounded Theory-of-Change model that establishes an evidence-based linkage between coordinated institutional and economic conditions and livelihood diversification. While grounded in Luna, the framework is analytically applicable to small-island and coastal municipalities facing similar social–ecological constraints.en-USSustainable coastal livelihoodsCoastal resource managementCoastal governanceGravel extraction;Coastal erosionLivelihood diversificationSocial-ecological systemsTheory of ChangeSustainable developmentLuna, La Union, PhilippinesCoastal zone management--Environmental aspectsCoastal zone management--Luna, La Union, PhilippinesCoastal zone management--Philippines--Luna (La Union)Sustainable development--PhilippinesCoastal ecology--PhilippinesCoastal communities--Economic aspects--PhilippinesLivelihood (Economic anthropology)--PhilippinesGravel mining--Environmental aspects--PhilippinesCommunity development--PhilippinesArticle