Integrated Population and Coastal Resources Management (I-POPCORM) Initiative
Case Study C0090
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| Date | 2005 |
| Agency | PATH Foundation Philippines Inc. (PFPI) |
| Donor/support agency | David and Lucile Packard Foundation |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area Community conserved area |
| Geographic coverage | Philippines |
| Locality | 30 coastal municipalities |
| Biodiversity focus | Marine ecosystem/seascape |
| Development focus | Local communities and fishermen's households |
| Conservation goals | Maintain biodiversity and productivity of coastal ecosystems and habitats |
| Poverty reduction goals | Reduce poverty among fishermen and other traditional users of coastal resources |
Summary
Between 1966 and 1986, the productivity of the Philippines' coral reefs dropped by one-third as the national population doubled. More recent population growth has outstripped fish production in coastal Visayas, indicating the beginning of a crisis in the security of food and from aquatic resources. This has been acknowledged by the government, which released a report in 1999, "if current trends of overfishing and environmental degradation continue, coastal resources will not be able to provide enough food for the Philippines' growing population." The same report identifies coastal resource management (CRM) as a strategy for food security, and family planning as a "strategic intervention" to reduce fishing effort and population pressures in the coastal zone. In an effort to implement these recommended strategies and contribute to the evolving field of experience in integrated population-development, PFPI, a Filipino non-profit, non-governmental organization, is spearheading the Integrated Population and Coastal Resource Management (I-POPCORM) Initiative, with support from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and other contributors.
I-POPCORM, addresses population, poverty and environment dynamics, and their linkages, in the Philippines coastal zone, where 60% of the Philippines population reside, and where poverty incidence and population growth/density exceed average national figures. The program aims at building local government-NGO teams and strengthen their capacity to assist coastal communities to implement community-based and integrated conservation and reproductive health strategies that can alleviate poverty, improve food security and conserve biodiversity of critical coastal ecosystems.
During 2001-2005, the program channelled appropriate technology and financial support to 14 local NGOs and 30 municipal government units who, in turn, assisted 95 Peoples Organizations (fisherfolk, women/youth), 167 barangay (village) development councils and 900 small entrepreneurs to implement coastal resource management (CRM), family planning, alternative livelihood and marketing activities in 995 coastal subvillages bordering eight marine hotspots where 275,000 people reside.
Conservation impact
35 protected areas are now under improved management (compared to 17 in 2001); 1,720 community members are involved in protected area management, monitoring and enforcements activities; 3,566 fisherfolk implemented alternative livelihoods/enterprises; 50 regulatory measures passed by 13 local governments to protect critical ecosystems; 18 regulations passed requiring permits to fish in municipal waters; 18 regulations passed restricting use of compressors (used in cyanide fishing); dynamite fishing ceased altogether in one hotspot (Cotong Bay, Bohol); I-POPCORM approach was adopted in 77 barangay development agendas.
Poverty reduction impact
Per capita income of household members increased by 21% during 2002-2004 in sites where I-POPCORM’s integrated approach was applied, whereas it declined or stagnated in sites where single-sector approaches are being implemented for comparative evaluation purposes. Women’s income share increased by 60% in integrated sites but stagnated/declined in the non-integrated sites. Proportion of community respondents saying their family sometimes lacks food decreased in the integrated site; whereas it increased or remained the same in the non-integrated sites.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Partnership with private sector
Reference 1
http://www.pfpi.org/ipopcorm.php
Reference 2
http://www.coast.ph/projects/ipopcorm1.htm
More information
Contact: Leona D'Agnes
E-mail: pathphil@lava.net