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EARTH SUMMIT+5 Special Session of the General Assembly to Review and Appraise the Implementation of Agenda 21 New York, 23-27 June 1997 SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE PHILIPPINES
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| Argao Nearshore Area Protection and Rehabilitation Project
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| Location | Visayas Region (Talaga, Argao, Cebu), Philippines | |
| Responsible organization | Kaponongan Sa Gagmay'ng Mananagat Sa Argao (KGMA) | |
| Description | The project was conceptualized by a local community organization, the Kaponongan Sa Gagmay'ng Mananagat Sa Argao (KGMA) after undertaking a series of environmental awareness activities with the assistance of an NGO, the Plan International-Cebu. It was developed on the premise that the coastal/marine resources have to be rehabilitated and conserved as a sustainable source of livelihood. The project involves mangrove rehabilitation, artificial reef installation and trainings for project management. To ensure control and access of fisheries resources by the local community, the project included the issuance of Certificate of Mangrove Stewardship covering a total area of 16 hectares by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the issuance of a Certificate of Mangrove Stewardship. The certificate is good for 25 years and renewable depending on the performance of the local community. The project aimed to address rehabilitation and conservation of biodiversity of coastal and marine resources and sustainable livelihood of fishing communities. | |
| Issues addressed | Rehabilitation and conservation of biodiversity of coastal and marine resources, and sustainable livelihood of fishing communities. | |
| Objectives | The project aimed to rehabilitate ten hectares of mangrove and install artificial reefs to restore the breeding ground of fisheries and other aquatic resources, hence providing the local community a sustainable source of livelihood. | |
| Results achieved | A total of 16 hectares of mangrove areas were planted with three species of bakawan (Rhizophora apiculata, R. Mucronata and R. Sylosa). While the project planned to rehabilitate only 10 hectares, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) awarded to KGMA the Certificate of Mangrove Stewardship covering 16 hectares thereby maximizing the funds approved for the project. 40 concrete artificial reefs were constructed and installed by KGMA with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture. Increased awareness on the importance of mangroves and fisheries resources generated by the members of KGMA has spread on to other community members especially among the children. This was partly due to the active involvement/participation of entire families/households in gathering propagules, preparing seedlings, planting and other similar activities. Local community peoples (members and non-members of KGMA) were deputized as local fish wardens which further concretized the commitment of members to guard their marine resources against destructive elements. With the establishment of the mangroves in the project site, the local community has attested that fish catch have improved and the presence of some fish species which have previously stopped breeding in the area. The project now serves as a showcase of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the municipality. | |
| Lessons learned | Cooperation with private industry has been excellent, private investors are aware of the danger of using CFCs for the environment and have made a big effort to finalize this project. From the economic point of view the selected alternative is more convenient for the companies. | |
| Financing | The project was supported through a grant from the UNDP Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (UNDP GEF-SGP). | |
| Contact | Ms. Angelita B. Cunanan National Coordinator, UNDP GEF-SGP Room 210, NEDA Sa Makati Building 106 Amorsolo St. Legaspi Village, Makati City Philippines Telephone: + 63 2/892 0611 to 0620, extension 241
Mr. Efren Gelbolingo
Mr. Percival Fiel | |
Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
1 November 1997