Community Management for Marine Reserves in the Philippines
Case Study C0051
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| Date | 2000 |
| Agency | Government of Philippines |
| Donor/support agency | Self |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Philippines |
| Locality | Not known |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/Landscape and species |
| Development focus | Local communities of island villages near the reserves |
| Conservation goals | Check overexploitation of coral reef fisheries with the help of local communities |
| Poverty reduction goals | None |
Summary
In the Philippines, overexploitation of coral reef fisheries was a big problem. In 1985, the concept of community management was adopted and Marine Management Committees (MMCs) for three reserves were formed to design new coral reef protection and management schemes, which reflected the interests of local communities. Apart from the patrolling of the coral reef areas, activities like growing and harvesting of giant clams for the communities were undertaken. MMC members were trained in tourism and in alternative income schemes such as mat weaving and sea cucumber mariculture. Poaching and destructive fishing methods, such as dynamite and cyanide, were controlled. This has resulted in an increase in diversity and abundance of fish species. Mean percentage increase in species diversity ranges from 20 to 40 percent and all food fishes have increased from 42 to 293 percent in numbers in all three reserves. It has increased benefits of local fishermen significantly. Owing to success of this model, the government of the Philippines has decentralised the fisheries management in the entire country.
Conservation impact
Poaching and destructive fishing methods, such as dynamite and cyanide, have been controlled. This has resulted in an increase in diversity and abundance of fish species. Mean percentage increase in species diversity ranges from 20 to 40 percent and all food fishes have increased from 42 to 293 percent in numbers in all three reserves.
Poverty reduction impact
Fish yield have increased and people are having additional incomes through alternative means.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Local conservation enterprise opportunities
Devolution or reinstatement of local rights over/access to resources
Reference 1
http://www.ecoagriculturepartners.org/cases/CSI.htm
More information
Sara J. Scherr, President, Ecoagriculture Partners, 1050 Potomac St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 USA, Tel: (202) 298-3004; (703) 758-2548, e-mail: sscherr@ecoagriculturepartners.org
Related records above this one:
- Government of Philippines (Organisation O0029)