Sustainable Ecosystem Management (SEcoM) Project Danao Bay, Mindanao

The ecosystems of Danao Bay are under heavy stress by human disturbances such as destructive and overfishing, but may in (near) future also face the negative impacts of global climate change. Fisherfolk of Danao Bay, like other fishing communities all over the country, are facing worsening economic situation. Their income is not even enough to shoulder household basic needs. Destruction of environment is the leading factors resulting poverty. Efforts have been done in the past but these are still not enough. An enhanced robustness and diversity of the coastal ecosystem can increase the productive capacity of the bay. Improved management of MPAs provides the best areas for fast re-growth and recovery of resources, and supply of recruitment outside. These resources should be wisely utilized, in order that the bay can sustain providing income to the fisherfolk. A collaborative implementation of coastal resource management activities is an assurance to the effectives of management efforts. There is evidence that healthy ecosystems have a better resilience to disturbances and greater ability to recover and it was suggested that MPAs can play an important role in mitigating the impact of coral bleaching, a major expected effect of global climate change. The SEcoM project in Danao Bay aims to properly manage the bays’ resources to enhance the diversity of coastal ecosystem and increase the productive capacity of the bay. The project also aims to strengthen the local fisherfolk federation, DB-REMO, in order to face the challenge of sustaining resource management efforts. Through the active citizenship displayed by the fisherfolk, all stakeholders can be convinced that proper and sustainable use of resource can lead to sustainable livelihoods. To achieve this, DB-REMO will engage with key stakeholders to generate interest and involvement to develop and strengthen partnership. Work towards defining local governance that is more responsible, more accountable, with active community participation in making authoritative decisions. It involves mutual interaction between and among government agencies in setting-up direction, planning, monitoring and resolving resource management conflicts.