Bio-diversity

Project Description: Barangay Dolores in Nueva Valencia has the richest fishing grounds in the island province of Guimaras. Likewise the mangrove forest of Basyaw Cove was believed to have sustainably maintained the supply of fish and other marine resources in the locality for some time. However, the ecosystem of the area was gradually destroyed resulting in the rapid depletion of the natural resources. Mangroves are illegally cut or harvested for fuel and charcoal making and mangrove areas are converted to fishponds. These are considered major threats to the mangroves. Over gleaning also destruct newly planted mangroves and is observed to be the cause of low survival rate. The project through this project to rehabilitate, protect and conserve the eco-tourism park of Basyaw Cove for resource generation of the mangrove ecosystem and its utilization for the benefit of the local residents. This project is under the Basyaw Cove Reforestation and Development Plan formulated by the proponent in 2007. Biodiversity characteristics/ value: Mangrove patches, mostly Avicennia and Rhizophora species totalling 4.5 hectares are found inside the cove. During the baseline biophysical survey conducted, mangroves found in the cove comprised 10 species of true mangroves belonging to 4 families and 6 genera -- Family Avicenniaceae represented by Avicennia marina (AM) and A. officinalis, Family Combretaceae represented by Lumnitzera racemosa (LR) and L. littorea, Family Rhizophoraceae composed of Bruguiera cylindrical (BG), Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora apiculata (RA), R. mucronata and R. stylosa, and Family Sonneratiaceae represented by Sonneratia alba. The mangroves in Basyaw Cove serve as nursery ground for all kinds of fish and shellfish. It is a source of income for 304 households in Barangay Dolores who are dependent on fishing for livelihood. Basyaw serves as access route for fishermen who go out fishing in the adjacent seawater. It is home to a variety of wildlife such as snakes and birds. The mangroves in Basyaw Cove preserve the clearness of the water by preventing soil erosion and trapping sediments making the place ideal for eco-tourism i.e Kayaking. Basyaw Cove is also an excellent mariculture area i.e. mud-crab fattening and culture of high value fishes income from which can augment fishers income. Sustainability of Project Initiative: KAMAMADO will facilitate the convergence of the project partners in all the activities and will ensure that the activities of the project are mainstreamed in the municipal development plans and well-appropriated in the in the annual programming of the provincial tourism development council. The proponent will see to it that local policies are passed to protect the Basyaw Cove and KAMAMADO s skills in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation will be enhanced together with the partners who could be their mentors. During the 2 years of project implementation, KAMAMADO skills in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluating projects will be honed with the mentoring of partners. KAMAMADO systems and policies will be compiled and written as a manual for operational reference. Second-liners will be identified and trained to become leaders of KAMAMADO. Local policies, i.e., resolutions and ordinances passed to protect Basyaw Cove. Protection fully enforced using established mechanism between Bantay Basyaw Cove and the local police. KAMAMADO has established partnership with LGUs, LGAs and funding donors. Coordination established between BDTC and KAMAMADO for activities in Basyaw Cove. Savings mobilization scheme of KAMAMADO is operational. Inclusion of KAMAMADO in the ICM Project Coordinating Committee at the municipal and provincial levels to ensure that concerns are mainstreamed in the policy and planning at both levels of governance General Objective: To rehabilitate, protect and conserve Basyaw Cove for resource regeneration of the mangrove ecosystem and utilization for economic benefit by the community. Specific Objectives: a) To reforest 4.5 hectares of mangroves in Basyaw Cove in the context of Integrated Coastal Management of Guimaras Province; b) To protect mangroves in Basyaw Cove through passage of local ordinances enforced by trained Bantay Gubat and fish wardens; c) To augment income of KAMAMADO members by engaging in mariculture and other income generating activities; d) To develop IEC materials for information dissemination and campaign; e) To practice ecological solid waste management through IEC, construction and installation of eco-friendly facilities; f) To strengthen the organizational and technical capacity and skills of KAMAMADO for successful and sustainable project management; g) To create/enhance cooperation between BDTC and KAMAMADO in the management of Basyaw Cove; h) To establish partnership and linkage with Line Government Agencies (LGA), LGUs and other groups (e.g. UPV and SEAFDEC) with similar undertakings; i) To enhance participation of women through increased involvement in organizational and economic activities. Expected Outputs: 1. Efficient project management (members increased awareness and understanding of their roles and project targets) 24 monthly team meetings conducted 24 monthly progress report documented 4 program review (mid and year end) and assessment conducted 1 project orientation conducted to members 1 set of indicators developed for monitoring and evaluation Quarterly meetings/ small group discussions Management of

Philippines