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COASTAL RESOURCES AND FISHERIES CONSERVATION (CRFC) in the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion
BACKGROUND
Situated in the center of global marine biological diversity, marine fisheries and coral reefs in the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecosystem (SSME) face severe threats. Over-fishing, destructive fishing practices, increases in human population, habitat destruction, sedimentation and pollution threaten the protection and sustained use of these economically and biologically important natural resources.
Recognizing the gravity of these threats and impacts of such threats, WWF-Philippines leads efforts to conserve five priority areas under the three-year Coastal Resources and Fisheries Conservation Project. Building upon successes of previous and on-going projects in coastal and fisheries conservation, WWF will strengthen existing partnerships, develop new working relationships with key stakeholders and establish networks to support the management of marine protected areas. The Project will create replicable models for conservation which integrate effective planning, protection and management that can be adopted and expanded across marine protected areas.
PURPOSE
The Project will support the wise use and protection of the full range of marine biological diversity in the SSME by encouraging the participation and strengthening the capacities of local institutions and organizations including the private sector, local government and local communities to manage priority marine protected areas. The Project will achieve the following key results:
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1. Improved participation and coordination between local communities, NGOs, government representatives and the private sector (particularly coastal business establishments like hotels and resorts) to create a network to share best practices in marine-protected areas management and waste minimization/management.
2. At least two marine protected areas established and/or their management strengthened in each of the five Project sites (i.e., Batangas, Northern Palawan, Cebu, Bohol and Tawi-Tawi).
3. Increased awareness of the important role and contribution of marine protected areas by the private sector, local governments and local communities, particularly by hotels operating in coastal areas.
4. Increased support for the protection of marine and coastal resources by the private sector.
ACTIVITIES
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) will develop and nurture partnerships with key partners in the five project sites. Partnerships will include local government units, government agencies, NGOs and peoples' organizations, academic and research institutions, and the private sector (e.g., coastal businesses like hotels and resorts). WWF will carry out participatory consultations to plan, implement and assess activities, such as conservation financing fees, marine sanctuaries, waste minimization and multi-sector enforcement councils. In addition, the Project will collaborate with related efforts in marine conservation, such as USAID's environmental projects, national commissions (e.g. Presidential Commission for Integrated Conservation and Development Zone of Sulu Celebes Seas), ecoregional programs (e.g., Sulu Sulawesi Sea Marine Ecoregion) and international and regional bodies to promote conservation of coastal resources and fisheries in the SSME.
MORE INFO
Cooperator: World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines
Period Covered: September 2003 to September 2006
Mechanism: Cooperative Agreement
Joel Palma
Vice President - World Wide Fund for Nature
57 LBI Bldg. Kalayaan Ave.
Diliman Quezon City, Philippines
TEL: (632) 920-7923; (632) 929-1258
FAX: (632) 927-0247
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