January 8, 2014 class (2nd half)

January 8, 2014 class notes

Outline:
1. Community conservation in the Philippines.


Part 1 Community conservation in the Philippines.
History
Philippines consist of 7000+ islands.
Centuries have used reefs for livelihood.
Since 1970s, threatened by over-exploitation and destructive fishing methods.
Conservation started in 1974. 
Many projects failed.
Politics tied to conservation.
Local governments have authority but not knowledge or budget.

To be successful, combination of local and national people.
Within local group, must include users of reef; fishermen, resort owners, coastal residents, scuba divers.
Start of conservation
MDCP started in 1986 on three islands (62-166 households); Apo, Pamilacan, Balicasag.
All had less fish catch, increasing destruction and poverty.
MCDP plan
Marine reserves with buffer areas to increase number and diversity fish.
Development of local knowledge and alternative work.
Community center.
Outreach and replication program.
MCDP stepsIntegration into community.
Education - marine ecology and resource management.
Group building, formalizing, strengthening.

Results
Apo & Pamilacan remain strong.
Balicasag protection groups somewhat weakened due to large PTA resort and less local “ownership”.
PTA has good points too.
All islands have stronger municipal laws now.
Results
Local fisherman believe sanctuary has helped.
Comparison of 1985-86 data with 1992 shows increases in fish, stable coral cover.

Conclusions
MPAs work on small islands by preventing destructive fishing and making locals understand value of conservation.
Small islands easier to implement plans.
Immediate benefits must be seen.
Baseline data necessary.
Local fishermen help with MPA location decisions.
Locals must understand how problem and answer related.
Management groups must have respected members.
Link with all potentially helpful groups.
All plans vulnerable to politics and outside groups.

References
1. White & Vogt. 2000. Philippine coral reefs under threat: lessons learned after 25 years of community-based reef conservation. Mar Poll Bull 40: 537-550.