Bio-diversity

Project Description: The Polilio Group of Islands is one of the identified priority sites for conservation in the Philippines. The degradation of the country s ecosystems affects the livelihood of the fishing communities. Like the rest of the coastal communities in the country, a large segment of the population of Lamon Bay is dependent on fishing and fishery-related occupations, who suffers from poverty. As of 2000, about 40.5% of the 27,704 fishermen from Quezon particularly Burdeos, Panukulan and Polillo earn income below the annual poverty threshold of Php 12,469. Furthermore, their income is going down over the years due to declining fish catch which can be traced to unsustainable and environmentally destructive resource utilization practices. Given that poverty among the fishers in the Polillo islands can be traced to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, the project aims to address the problem through promoting the effective management and protection of their mangrove and coastal resources; hence, this project proposal. Biodiversity characteristics/ value: Lamon Bay covers approximately 300,000 hectares, is home to a total of 108 fish species. The bay, covering approximately 300,000 hectares, is home to a total of 108 fish species. The most dominant of these are Nemyptherus bathybus and Sardinella spp. commonly called "bisugo" and "tamban". Based on ISO study done in 2006, fish stocks caught in the area are mostly juveniles and fish species of high commercial value represents a meager .79% of population indicating that the area are subjected to high fishing pressure. The 2006 mangrove assessment in the area reported 21 true mangrove species and associated species in Northern Lamon Bay. Other fauna commonly found are mud lobsters, Mudcrabs (Scylla serrata) , Nerita shells, fiddler crabs, Terebralia shells, Telescopium (bagongon), mud skippers, samong, kababagyo, brittle star, octopus, sea cucumber, eel, and various species of shellfish. Based from Coral Reef Assessment, Out of 21 sites, 5 are in poor state, 7 Fair, 9 good, and 0 in excellent condition. Sustainability of Project Initiative: Institutionalization of the project s initiatives within the structures of the LGUs and other local institutions Ensure capacities of MFARMCs and IFARMC for planning and negotiating continuous financial and logistical support from the government. Complementing FAs empowerment with LGU capacity building (upgrading) so they could respond better to the issues the local communities bring to their attention Information Education Campaigns (IECs) to broaden mass- base support and participation General Objective: To contribute to the protection and enhancement of coastal and marine biodiversity in Burdeos, Panukulan, and Polillo in the Polillo Group of islands. Specific Objectives: 1. To identify and establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that could serve as spawning/breeding ground of various species of fish and other marine animals; 2. To improve biodiversity by expanding and enhancing the mangrove reforestation areas in Burdeos, maintaining the existing mangrove reforestation areas in Polillo, and establishing mangrove reforestation sites in Panukulan; 3. To form/strengthen the fishers organizations (FOs) in Burdeos, Panukulan and Polillo to enable them to manage the marine and coastal protection and enhancement initiatives; 4. To enforce environmental laws and policies for the protection of coastal and marine habitats, and, 5. To enhance the structures, mechanisms, and processes of the MFARMCs for a more functional role in mangroves and fisheries management. Outcomes - Indicators: 1. 15 hectares of Marine Protected Area (MPA) that takes into consideration the links/ connectivity of mangroves & coral reefs. 1 PCRA Report Map of proposed MPA 2. Partners support the creation of MPA 4 PCRA presentations 1 Municipal Ordinance declaring MPA Technical Description of the MPA 3. 1 mangrove nursery established in Panukulan 1 mangrove nursery established in Panukulan 4. Restored mangrove cover to serve as habitat of coastal and marine resources (mudcrabs, mollusks, crustaceans, etc.); (2) Increased protection of coastal communities from storm surges At least 80% survival rate of seedlings planted 5. Discussed and resolved organizational and project issues Minimum of 10 meetings conducted per year per FO 2 evaluation and planning sessions conducted per FO per year 6. Training workshops conducted 1 CRM Plan; 40 pax 40 members trained on nursery establishment and management 40 members trained on mangrove reforestation 40 LRT member trained; LRT members take on the task of participatory monitoring of protected areas/ reforestation projects 5. Bantay Pakatan adept on the legal procedures/ provisions of the fishery code/ PD 703 40 Bantay Pakatan, deputized 6. Reduced incidence of illegal fishing/ illegal cutting of mangroves 60 Bantay Pakatan/ Bantay Dagat actively involved in regular law enforcement; Patrolling operations conducted Number of apprehensions made, cases filed and resolved Amount of fines collected 7. improve the structures, mechanisms, and processes of the MFARMCs of Burdeos and Polillo for a more functional role in mangroves and fisheries management. FOs represented in the MFARMCs; 8 meetings conducted; Resolutions; passed 2 evaluation and planning sessions conducted per MFARMC per year 3 of the 9 MFARMC consultative meetings devoted to the creation of a Mangrove Management Committee under the MFAR

Philippines