Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project

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.