*2.4. Data Analysis*

This study utilized descriptive statistics (i.e., frequencies, percentages, and means), comparison tests, multivariate regressions, and correlations. Descriptive statistics were used to show the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, and utilization of BCE services, and their perceptions on threats and management of these resources. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to evaluate if there are significant differences between the study sites in locals' awareness level and utilization frequency, and perceptions of threats and management strategies of BCEs. Moreover, multivariate regressions were utilized to evaluate the influence of respondents' socio-demographic characteristics on their awareness and utilization of BCE services. Lastly, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ) was carried out to evaluate whether the locals' utilization patterns can be linked with their knowledge of ES [33].
