Making Waves: Improving the Management of Philippine Marine Reserves

This research investigates the effectiveness of different management regimes in the marine protected areas (MPAs) around the coast of the Philippines. It assesses how the MPAs are performing, from both an environmental and a social perspective, and finds out what constitute the key features of a successful management scheme. It finds that the type of institution in charge of an MPA makes little difference to its effectiveness. Instead, it finds that good leadership, adequate manpower & funds, and the provision of sustainable livelihoods are the key. The report suggests a number of ways in which community involvement in MPA management can be strengthened and highlights the need for community requirements to be taken fully into account in any MPA action plan. One of the key challenges facing conservationists across Southeast Asia - and indeed the world - is how best to manage protected wildlife areas. This is especially true for marine conservation, where illegal fishing, global warming and pollution are putting pressure on fragile coastal habitats. This research has investigated the management of protected marine and coastal areas. It found that the type of institutions in charge of these sites made little difference. Instead good leadership, adequate manpower and funds and the provision of sustainable livelihoods for local communities are critical.