Bio-diversity

Project Description: This proposal aims to address the declining fish catch of marginalized fishermen in Roxas, Palawan caused by destruction of marine ecosystem and resources as a consequence of rampant illegal fishing activities and intrusion of commercial fishers in municipal waters. The project addresses the pressing threats to coastal and marine biodiversity in Green Island Bay, Roxas, by enhancing biodiversity and improves quality of life of the community who largely depend on coastal resources for subsistence and survival. It will employ a package of strategies to achieve the designed project objectives especially those that have been tested and found to be effective and efficient in undertaking coastal resource management works in Roxas. This will build on the experiences and gains, best practices, lessons learned from the implementation of MMCPC completed projects funded by the GEF-SGP-UNDP, PACAP and other donors. The project intends to expand community-based coastal resource initiatives in the whole area of Green Island Bay. This embodies strengthening of approaches and strategies being initiated by the proponent and its partners in different project-service-areas. Biodiversity characteristics/ value: The project site host abundant coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangrove sites and rich collection of marine species. Among the important species it intends to conserve are marine mammals such as dugong or sea cow, reef species such as octopus, samong, giant clams, and lobsters. Proponent Qualification: MMCPC was organized and formed in 1998 to undertake conservation-oriented programs and sustainable livelihood to support the requirements of the present and future generation and enhancement of the socio-economic condition of the members. It has implemented the community-based Marine sanctuary Management and Livelihood Support Project in Caramay, Roxas, Palawan supported by the GEF-SGP implemented by UNDP. It has also accessed projects from the LGU and Helvetas-Philippines for Sea Cucumber Culture Project and the DSWD s Micro-finance Project. Partnership Arrangement: MMCPC holds the overall responsibility and accountability on the Project. It shall facilitate execution of a MOA to ascertain delivery of outputs and outcomes with its partner MPAs. Ownership of all acquired materials/equipment shall be transferred to the partner MPAs. MPA Management Boards Act as technical oversight; monitor and document the progress of the project and maintain a feedback mechanism to LGU and other partners; co-facilitate the provision of capability building activities to the local volunteers at the barangays in the form of mobilization and research; sustain program activities by integration in barangay development plans DENR Provide technical assistance; participate in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; member of PMC LGU-Roxas represented by Municipal Agriculturist; member of PMC; provide technical assistance; participate in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; sustain program activities by integration in Municipal development plans. PCSD member of PMC; provide technical assistance; participate in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation BFAR member of PMC; provide technical assistance; participate in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation Sustainability of Project Initiative: The project shall install the following: Functional PMC continuously undertaking supervision and assistance on MPA management. Formulation of management plan for individual MPAs that will be integrated in Barangay development plans; and formulation of a comprehensive plan to cover all MPAs which will be integrated in Municipal development plans. MPA generating income from eco-tourism activities through the establishment of dive and snorkeling sites, and dolphin watching in Caramay waters to finance monitoring and patrolling of MPAs Barangay and Municipal Governments allocating funds for MPAs DENR/BFAR and PCSDS providing assistance as the key lead agencies to support MPA management. Objectives of the Project: General Objective - : Improve the quality of life of the people thru marine biodiversity conservation and protection of in Green Island Bay thru up-scaling community-based initiatives on MPA management covering the whole Municipal Waters. Specific Objective: 1. Improve the quality of life of the people thru marine biodiversity conservation and protection of in Green Island Bay thru up-scaling community-based initiatives on MPA management covering the whole Municipal Waters. 2. Enhance public awareness on coastal resource protection and management thru demonstrating lessons learned from projects mainly supported by UNDP-GEF/SGP and PACAP. Target Outputs: 1. Zoning of local waters - established 7 MPAs covering a total of 3,500 to 14,000 hectares 2. At least 90% of the coastal communities with MPAs 3. 95 hectares community managed mangrove forest 4. reduced incidence of illegal fishing 5. multi-disciplinary fisherfolk support structure established 6. additional income for MPA management - packaged eco-tourism tours (snorkeling, dive sites, and dolphin watching) 7. Consciousness raising materials developed

Philippines