Climate Action Philippines Project #10615

Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project

by De La Salle University

Project Report | Jan 7, 2016
Talim Bay Project update

By Terteen Omana | Development Specialist for Environment

Recognizing the local MPA efforts

Presence of marine protected area (MPA) is a test to all community members regardless of their affinity, connection, and position. In one of our informal conversations with Mr. Ariel Casihan, President of the Lian Kingfisher Association, he shared to us that one of his relative was caught fishing within the MPA. Even if it was hard on his part, he dealt with the situation as responsible manager of the KayReyna MPA. This is just one challenging circumstance being experienced by community members and even Barangay officials as they pursue genuine protection of the remaining marine life in Talim Bay. In the case of Barangay Binubusan, Kagawad (councilor) Efren Padua had expressed how the Barangay council is dealing with everyday challenges in managing MPAs versus resources users. Striking a balance between strict policy implementation and fair access to marine resources is not merely a responsibility as public official but it is more of an obligation to the next generation.

Such conservation efforts gained recognition at the 2^nd Batangas Recognition Awards for Verde Passage’s Outstanding (BRAVO 2015) Marine Protected Area and Best Bantay Dagat. Barangay Binubusan was awarded 2^nd place while KayReyna MPA as 3^rd place under Category 1 of Best MPA Initiatives. This recognition is a joint undertaking of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Conservation International, First Gen Corporation, and USAID.

Partners of the Lian MPA are continuously pouring in as support to marine life and community implementers. The Br. SHORE (Br. Shields Ocean Research Centre) of De La Salle University conducted scuba diving training to selected Bantay Dagat members and officers of Lian Municipal Environment and Natural Resource unit as continuing capacity for coral reef check monitoring in all MPAs along Talim Bay. On the other hand, the College of Law of De La Salle University is exploring possible collaboration with COSCA to assist community members in terms of legal aspect of the MPA.

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Oct 7, 2015
Talim Bay CRM update (Oct 2015)

By Terteen Omana | Development Specialist for Environment and DRRM

getting coordinates from the GPS

The Lian Municipal Environmental Resource Office (MENRO) together with COSCA, Barangay Council of Binubusan, Lian Fisherfolks Association (LFA), and Samahan ng Maliliit ng Mangingisda ng Binubusan (SMMB) held its 2^nd No-Take-Zone MPA marking in Barangay Binubusan on June 10. Over 20 individuals assisted in the marking, including Barangay officials. Further, MENRO facilitated the Lian Marine Protected Area Council meeting held on June 11. The council meeting was participated by the following: Barangays Binubusan, Balibago, Luyahan, and San Diego, Municipal Administrator, Municipal HR, Municipal Budget, De La Salle Br. Alfred Shields Ocean Research Center, and COSCA. Among the major activities include coral reef appreciation, updates on Talim Bay Coastal Resource Management, and Marine Environmental Assessment (MEA). CRM issues arising include waste management, presence of “black bands” on corals, coral bleaching, and limited support to “Bantay Dagat” volunteers.

In July 2015, the Lian Municipal Council approved the 2013-2016 Management Plan of Marine Protected Area of Barangay Binubusan and So. KayReyna, Barangay Lumaniag through Resolution No.025 as support to the other existing conservation efforts of the Peoples Organizations and the Barangay Councils. Prior to this, the declaration of both Marine Protected Areas were approved on February 20 and 25, 2015 respectively.

On one hand, COSCA initiated tactic meetings and consultations with LFA, SMMB, and SMC-79 on their respective organizational status and PO activities. It is observed that there is a strong CRM implementation in Barangay Binubusan due to good partnership between SMMB and council members. However, the majority of the Peoples Organizations need further capacity building, including social entrepreneurship identification to manage and maintain the declared marine protected area.

Coordination meetings with Lian LGU were also conducted as part of the transition phase of COSCA to sustain the initiatives for the Talim Bay Marine Conservation. In light with the significant reforestation activities by various organizations and stakeholders, COSCA in partnership with LFA collaborated with Lumaniag Elementary School to establish school-based mangrove nursery as contribution to the project. Further, COSCA had initiated GIS mapping of the mangrove cover, including reforested sites from 2009 to 2015.

attaching sinkers

hoisting the demarcation flags

report author explaining value of activity

nemo...found!

reef species

reef residents

local official explaining conservation efforts

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Jul 21, 2015
Talim Bay Project Updates

By Terteen Omana | Development Specialist for Environment and DRRM

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