Integrated coastal management and marine protected areas: Complementarity in the Philippines

Small marine protected areas (MPAs) were established in the Philippines as early as 1974. These models set forth a framework for coral reef management that has been shown to enhance fish yields to traditional fishers as well as protect and maintain near-shore coral reef habitats for biodiversity and multiple economic uses. The history of MPAs is described in relation to the evolution of integrated coastal management (ICM) in the Philippines. Devolution of authority for management of natural resources to local governments in 1991 was a major national policy shift that has supported more localized management efforts. This policy shift has encouraged more MPAs but not a higher rate of success. As the numbers of MPAs increased, the need for a support base beyond the MPA has become apparent. A convergence of MPAs within ICM programs was seen by 2000. Numerous experiments in coastal management have thus been conducted that range from broad area management planning for whole bays to small community-based MPA projects. Important lessons with implications for broader-based support systems required by MPAs within ICM, include: The importance of a well-articulated process that includes community participation and ownership in collaboration with single or multi-municipal governments; the role of multiple stakeholders, government and donor agencies in planning and management; the creative use of financial mechanisms to create long-term self-supporting MPAs; the need for localized periodic monitoring and evaluation to provide feedback to managers, and the need for nesting of MPAs within ICM through broad area planning and implementation.