docuRep task4 final 21may - Department of Environment and
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docuRep task4 final 21may - Department of Environment and
Docume D enttatiion n Re epo ortt Task 4: Initial steps on developing the Operational Framework Plan for the Regional ICRM Centers (RICs) nt of IC CRM Cente C ers in Esstablisshmen Re egionss II an nd III Parrt of Component B (ICRM and Biodiv versity Conservation) of the Inte egrated Coastal C Re esources Managem M ment Projecct (ICRMP P) Loa an No. 2311-PHI/ Gra ant 0071-P PHI 21 May 2010 1 Contents Contents ....................................................................................................................................................... i List of Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................. iv List of Tables.............................................................................................................................................viii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ ix List of Appendices ..................................................................................................................................... xi Index of Photos .........................................................................................................................................xiii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 1 1. Role of the RICs in Luzon ................................................................................................................... 2 2. State-of-Knowledge Workshops: initiating the RICs to understand their niches in the regions....... 3 2.1. State-of-Knowledge Workshop on the Babuyan Marine Corridor, 24 September 2009, Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao City ............................................................................................3 2.1.1. Opening ceremonies .........................................................................................................4 2.1.2. Presentations: State-of-knowledge in the Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC)..................5 2.1.2.1. BMC as a key biodiversity area ..........................................................................5 2.1.2.2. Oceanography of the Luzon Strait ......................................................................6 2.1.2.3. CSU-Aparri biodiversity studies along the Babuyan corridor ............................6 2.1.2.4. Research and management initiatives in the Babuyan Marine Corridor: DENR Regional Office II ......................................................................7 2.1.2.5. Babuyan Channel initiatives: towards conservation and management of fisheries resources in the North ...............................................8 2.1.2.6. Open Forum.........................................................................................................9 2.1.3. Closing program.............................................................................................................. 11 2.2. State-of-Knowledge Workshop on the Zambales Coast, 12 October 2009, CLSU Training Center, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija .............................................................. 11 2.2.1. Opening ceremonies ...................................................................................................... 11 2.2.2. Presentations: State-of-knowledge in the Zambales Coast (ZC)................................. 13 2.2.2.1. Hazard assessment of the Bucao and Balin-Baquero river system, Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales ................................................................................... 13 2.2.2.2. Coastal erosion and flooding in Zambales ...................................................... 14 2.2.2.3. Fisheries research, monitoring, and management initiatives in Zambales (2005-2009) ..................................................................................... 15 2.2.2.4. Fisheries-related accomplishments of ICRMP in Zambales .......................... 16 i 2.2.2.5. Coastal oceanography of Zambales ............................................................... 17 2.2.2.6. RD&E and management initiatives of DENR (RO III and PENRO) on the coastal and marine environment of Zambales ......................................... 17 2.2.2.7. ICRMP activities with participating coastal municipalities in Zambales ......... 18 2.2.2.8. SIKAT CRM Work in Zambales ....................................................................... 18 2.2.2.9. Masinloc ICRM Program: an Approach to Sustainable Ecosystem Development..................................................................................................... 19 2.2.3. Closing program.............................................................................................................. 20 2.3. Summary: research and management interventions in the BMC and the ZC ......................... 20 3. Initial planning workshops: towards being functional RICs ..............................................................23 3.1. Operational planning with CSU-Aparri, 25 September 2009 .................................................... 24 3.1.1. Proposed RD&E agenda ................................................................................................ 24 3.1.1.1. Adaptive management of MPAs and MPA networks ..................................... 25 3.1.1.2. Ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management (EAFM) .................... 25 3.1.1.3. Improvement of the status of threatened species........................................... 26 3.1.1.4. Climate change adaptation .............................................................................. 26 3.1.2. Initial assessment of competence levels ....................................................................... 26 3.1.3. Proposed structure of RIC-II........................................................................................... 29 3.1.4. Expectations.................................................................................................................... 30 3.2. First meeting on the mode of cooperation between CLSU and RMTU, 4 September 2009, RMTU-Iba, Zambales; group visit to RMTU-Candelaria................................................. 31 3.3. Operational planning with CLSU and RMTU, 13 October 2009 ............................................... 37 3.3.1. Addenda to the State-of-Knowledge presentations ...................................................... 38 3.3.1.1. Floral diversity assessment of mangrove ecosystem in Masinloc, Zambales .......................................................................................................... 38 3.3.1.2. Socio-economic impact of the establishment of fish sanctuary in Candelaria, Zambales ...................................................................................... 39 3.3.1.3. Biodiversity studies along the Zambales Coast .............................................. 40 3.3.2. Finding the RIC’s niche: from perception of issues, recommending interventions/ strategies/ research, to prioritizing research needs of the Zambales Coast.............................................................................................................. 42 3.3.3. Proposed structure of RIC-III.......................................................................................... 45 3.3.4. Expectations.................................................................................................................... 46 ii 4. Proposed mechanisms for RIC functions .........................................................................................47 4.1. Biodiversity monitoring ................................................................................................................ 47 4.2. R&D capacity development ........................................................................................................ 47 4.3. IEC ............................................................................................................................................... 48 4.4. Networking and collaborative undertaking ................................................................................. 48 5. Funding and financial sustainability ..................................................................................................49 6. Schemes for the M&E of the RICs ....................................................................................................49 iii List of Abbreviations ADB Asian Development Bank AFMA Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (of 1997; Republic Act 8435) ARD Assistant Regional Director (of DA-BFAR) ASCOT Aurora State College of Technology BAS Bureau of Agricultural Statistics BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (of the Department of Agriculture, DA) BMC Babuyan Marine Corridor CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CENRO Community, Environment and Natural Resources Office/ Officer (of DENR) CEO Campus Executive Officer CEP Coastal and Environment Plan CEZA Cagayan Economic Zone Authority CHED Commission on Higher Education CI-Philippines Conservation International-Philippines CLE Coastal Law Enforcement (of LGUs) CLSU Central Luzon State University CMMD Coastal and Marine Management Division (of DENR) COD Center of Development (of CHED) COE Center of Excellence (of CHED) CREE Center for Rural Empowerment and the Environment CRM Coastal Resources Management CRMP Coastal Resources Management Plan (of LGUs) CSU Cagayan State University CTI Coral Triangle Initiative CY Calendar Year DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources DILG Department of Interior and Local Governments EAFM Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management EBM Ecosystem-Based Management ENROZ Environment and Natural Resources Office of Zambales (of the Provincial Government, PG) ENRP Environment and Natural Resources Project ENSO El Niño Southern Oscillation ERDB Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (of DENR) iv List of Abbreviations – continued ERDS Ecosystems Research and Development Service (of DENR Regional Offices) FARM Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management (component of FDMP) FARMC Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council FASPO Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Office FDMP Fisheries Development and Management Program (of SIKAT) FGD Focus group discussion FISH-BE Fisheries Information for Sustainable Harvest – BioEconomic Model FLA Fishpond Lease Agreement FRMP Fisheries Resources Management Project FSP Fisheries Sector Program FTAP Functionality, Transparency, Accountability and Participatory GIS Global Information System HAB Harmful Algal Bloom HEI Higher Education Institution ICM Integrated Coastal Management ICRMP Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project IEC Information, Education, and Communication ISU Isabela State University IV Importance value KBA Key Biodiversity Area LGU Local government unit LMMA Locally managed marine area MAO Municipal Agriculture Office/ Officer MCEP Municipal Coastal and Environment Plan MCRMP Municipal Coastal Resources Management Plan MCS Monitoring, Control and Surveillance MERF Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. MFARMC Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council MIS Municipal Information System MOA Memorandum of Agreement MOOE Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses MPA Marine Protected Area MSY Maximum sustainable yield NE Northeast v List of Abbreviations – continued NEDA National Economic and Development Authority NEUST Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology NGO Non-government organization NSAP National Stock Assessment Program NVSU Nueva Viscaya State University OD Organizational development OPAg Office of the Provincial Agriculturist OPCF Ocean Park Conservation Foundation (Hong Kong) PAM Project Administration Memorandum (of ICRMP) PAWB Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau PAWCZMS Protected Areas, Wildlife, and Coastal Zone Management Service (of DENR Regional Offices) PCRA Participatory coastal resources assessment PG-ENRO Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office/Officer PENRO Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office/ Officer (of DENR) PIRE Partnerships for International Research and Education (cf. Coral Triangle-PIRE Project) PMO Project Management Office (of ICRMP) PO Peoples’ Organization PSC Project Steering Committee R&D Research and Development (also RD) RD&E Research, Development and Extension (also RDE) RFO Regional Fisheries Office (of DA-BFAR) RFTC Regional Fisheries Training Center (of DA-BFAR) RIC Regional ICRM Center RING Regional ICRM Network Group RMTU Ramon Magsaysay Technological University RO Regional Office (of DENR) ROS Research and Outreach Station (of DA-BFAR) RSC Regional Steering Committee (of ICRMP) RTD Regional Technical Director (of DENR) SCS South China Sea SCUBA Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus SHDI Shannon-Wiener diversity index SHEI Shannon-Wiener evenness index SIKAT Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya vi List of Abbreviations – continued SST Sea surface temperature SUC State Universities and Colleges TBD To be determined TNA Training Needs Assessment TWG Technical Working Group UPCIDS University of the Philippines Center for Integrative Development Studies UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UPMSI University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute UPNIGS University of the Philippines Institute of Geological Sciences USAID United States Agency for International Development VMG Vision, Mission, Goals VP-RET Vice-President for Research, Extension, and Training WWF World Wildlife Fund for Nature ZC Zambales Coast vii List of Tables Page Table 1 Integration of RDE and management initiatives in the Babuyan Marine Corridor a/ b/ c/ (BMC) during the last 5 years. Legend: by CSU; by WWF-Philippines; by DENR-RO d/ II; from NSAP, by BFAR-RFO II 21 Table 2 Integration of RDE and management initiatives in the Zambales Coast (ZC) during a/ b/ c/ the last 5 years. Legend: by DENR-RO III (2007); from NSAP, by BFAR-RFO III; by d/ e/ f/ DENR-RO III (2006); established since 1993; monitored by BFAR-RFO III; part of the FARM component of the FDMP by SIKAT; g/ by DENR-RO III (2004); g/ led by BFAR-RFO III and assisted by DENR-RO III (2008) 22 Table 3 Competence levels of staff in CSU-Aparri for RD&E that may be improved by ICRMP. Legend for competence level: 1 – from none to limited, 2 – capable but needs refresher training, 3 – expert, TBD – to be determined 27 Table 4 Research ideas perceived to be on top of the research needs of the Zambales Coast (impact) and their achievability based on current staff competencies 44 viii List of Figures Page Figure 1 Priority biodiversity corridors and provinces to receive interventions from ICRMP in Luzon – (1) Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC) and Cagayan province, (5) Zambales coast (ZC) and Zambales province. (Source: ADB, 2006, Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors, Proposed Loan and Administration of Grant from the Global Environment Facility, Republic of the Philippines: Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project.) 2 Figure 2 Marine conservation priorities in the Babuyan Marine Corridor and the threats to marine biodiversity in general, based on Corridors: 2002 Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities (DENR/ CI-Philippines/ UPCIDS). In 2006, these sites have been identified as key biodiversity areas or KBAs (CI Foundation Philippines/ DENR-PAWB/ Haribon Foundation) 5 Figure 3 The intrusion of the Kuroshio current into the South China Sea through the Luzon Strait is one of several physical oceanographic processes that has direct impact on the biodiversity of the BMC. Source: slide from the presentation cf. Meunier et al. (UPMSI) 6 Figure 4 Sites along the BMC where Cagayan State University-Aparri conducted ecological and biodiversity studies since 1995. Source: slide from the presentation 6 Figure 5 Coral reef habitat assessments by DENR-RO II. Source: slide from the presentation 7 Figure 6 Estimates of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for the BMC (1999 to 2004) by BFARRFO II. Source: slide from the presentation 8 Figure 7 Marine and coastal geologist Dr. F. Siringan showed pathways of lahar from Mt. Pinatubo through the municipality of Botolan, Zambales and eventually into the South China Sea (left) as well as indications of erosion in the Zambales Coast from coastline profiles taken in different years (right). Source: Pdf versions of slide presentations cf. Siringan et al. (UPMSI/ UPNIGS) 13 Figure 8 Landing centers in Zambales monitored by BFAR-RFO III for the fisheries NSAP. Source: slide from the presentation 15 Figure 9 Participation of the Provincial Government of Zambales in PCRAs for ICRMP. Source: slide from the presentation 16 Figure 10 Persistent northward flow and eddies in the West Luzon Current that dominates in waters off Luzon and the Zambales Coast. Source: slide from the presentation cf. Villanoy et al. (UPMSI) 17 Figure 11 One of several management initiatives of DENR through the PENRO of Zambales (top) and the initial RD&E efforts of the Regional Offices through the CEP (bottom). Source: slides from the presentations 18 Figure 12 Ms. C. Reyes shared SIKAT’s Fisheries Development and Management Program (FDMP) in Zambales. Source: slide from the presentation 19 Figure 13 Location of the four MPAs established by the LGU of Masinloc. Source: slide from the presentation 19 Figure 14 The CEO of CSU-Aparri leads the RIC in Region II while the focal person/ Center director and his deputy directly interact with research, extension, and administrative personnel, as well as with prospective members of the RING. 29 Figure 15 On developing the RICs as functional units in the regions. Source: slide from the presentation 37 ix List of Figures – continued Page Figure 16 Responses of fishers in Masinloc and Subic on stopping their fishing and shifting livelihoods. Source: slide from the presentation (cf. EBM) 41 Figure 17 Staff from both CLSU and RMTU take on management positions in the proposed structure of RIC III. 45 Figure 18 Sources of funds to support the functions of the RICs – initially from ICRMP (first 2 bullets) and some counterpart allocation, and then possibly from external sources and organized training. Source: slide from the presentation 49 x List of Appendices Reference Page Appendix 1 Correspondence exchange with RIC II focal person Prof Meliton Soriano on initial arrangements for the state-of-knowledge and operational planning workshops for RIC II 3 Appendix 2 Invitation sent to Dr Simeon Rabanal Jr, CEO, CSU-Aparri, regarding the proposed state-of-knowledge and operational planning workshops for RIC II 3 Appendix 3 Correspondence/ invitations sent to stakeholders of the Babuyan Marine Corridor regarding the upcoming state-of-knowledge workshop 3 Appendix 4 Attendees to the session State-of-Knowledge and Management Initiatives in the nd Babuyan Marine Corridor, 24 September 2009, Blue Room, 2 Floor, Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao City 4 Appendix 5 Program for the session State-of-Knowledge and Management Initiatives in the nd Babuyan Marine Corridor, 24 September 2009, Blue Room, 2 Floor, Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao City 4 Appendix 6 State-of-knowledge presentation: The Babuyan Marine Corridor: a key biodiversity area (Presenter: Dr Hildie Maria Nacorda, MERF-UPMSI) 5 Appendix 7 State-of-knowledge presentation: Oceanography of the Luzon Strait (Presenter: Dr Gil Jacinto for Dr Laura David, UPMSI, Diliman, Quezon City) 6 Appendix 8 State-of-knowledge presentation: The Cagayan State University at Aparri biodiversity studies along Babuyan Marine Corridor (Presenter: Dr Simeon Rabanal Jr, CEO, CSU-Aparri, Aparri, Cagayan) 6 Appendix 9 State-of-knowledge presentation: Research and management initiatives in the Babuyan Marine Corridor (Presenter: Ms Jam Flores, DENR-RO II, Tuguegarao City) 7 Appendix 10 State-of-knowledge presentation: Babuyan Channel initiatives: towards conservation and management of fisheries resources in the north (Presenter: Dr Evelyn Ame for RD Dr Jovita Ayson, BFAR-RFO II, Tuguegarao City) 8 Appendix 11 Correspondence exchange with RIC III focal person Dr Annie Melinda PazAlberto on initial arrangements for the state-of-knowledge and operational planning workshops for RIC III 11 Appendix 12 Correspondence exchange with CLSU President Dr Ruben Sevilleja regarding the proposed state-of-knowledge and operational planning workshops for RIC III 11 Appendix 13 Correspondence/ invitations sent to stakeholders of the Zambales Coast regarding the upcoming state-of-knowledge workshop 11 Appendix 14 Attendees to the session State-of-Knowledge and Management Initiatives in the Zambales Coast, 12 October 2009, RET Amphitheatre, CLSU, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija 11 Appendix 15 Program for the session State-of-Knowledge and Management Initiatives in the Zambales Coast, 12 October 2009, RET Amphitheatre, CLSU, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija 13 Appendix 16 State-of-knowledge presentation: Hazard assessment of the Bucao and BalinBaquero River System, Mt Pinatubo, Zambales (Presenter: Dr Fernando Siringan, UPMSI) 13 Appendix 17 State-of-knowledge presentation: Coastal erosion and flooding in Zambales (Presenter: Dr Fernando Siringan, UPMSI) 14 xi Appendix 18 State-of-knowledge presentation: Fisheries research, monitoring and/or management initiatives in Zambales (2005-2009) (Presenter: ARD Lilian Garcia, BFAR-RFO III, Iba, Zambales) 15 Appendix 19 State-of-knowledge presentation: Accomplishment Report: Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) as of June 30, 2009 (Presenter: Mr Reynaldo Reoligio, Provincial Fisheries Office, Iba, Zambales) 16 Appendix 20 State-of-knowledge presentation: Coastal oceanography of Zambales (Presenter: Dr Gil Jacinto for Dr Cesar Villanoy, UPMSI, Diliman, Quezon City) 17 Appendix 21 State-of-knowledge presentation: DENR management initiatives on the coastal and marine environment of Zambales, 2005-2009 (Presenter: PENRO Nelson Gorospe, PENRO, Iba, Zambales) 17 Appendix 22 State-of-knowledge presentation: RDE initiatives of DENR-3 on the coastal and marine environment of Zambales: Ecosystems Research and Development Service (Presenter: PENRO Nelson Gorospe for RTD Juliet Texon, DENR-ERDS, Iba, Zambales) 18 Appendix 23 State-of-knowledge presentation: Fisheries Development and Management Program (FDMP) – Zambales (Presenter: Ms Cristina Reyes, SIKAT Zambales Field Office) 18 Appendix 24 State-of-knowledge presentation: Masinloc ICRM Program: an approach to sustainable ecosystem development (Presenter: Mr Oscar Empeño, CRM Office, Masinloc, Zambales) 19 Appendix 25 Correspondence exchange with RIC II focal person Prof Meliton Soriano regarding facility layout/ refurbishment costs and the RIC II organizational structure 29 Appendix 26 Attendees to the initial discussion on the operational arrangements between CLSU and RMTU for the RIC facility,4 September 2009, Conference Room, Office of the President, RMTU, Iba, Zambales 31 Appendix 27 Attendees to the Operational Framework Planning Workshop for RIC III, 13 October 2009, CLSU, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija 37 Appendix 28 Overview of the Operational Framework Planning Workshop for RIC III (Presenter: Ms Melen Dizon) 37 Appendix 29 State-of-knowledge presentation addendum #1 – Floral diversity assessment of mangrove ecosystem in Masinloc, Zambales (Presenter: Prof Rowena Remojo-Sazon, RMTU) 38 Appendix 30 State-of-knowledge addendum #2 – Socio-economic impact of the establishment of fish sanctuary in Candelaria, Zambales (Presenter: Prof Jurelac Marquez, RMTU) 39 Appendix 31 State-of-knowledge addendum #3 – Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand: Philippine National Coral Reef Point (MERF-UPMSI Report, January 2003 – December 2008) (Presenter: Dr Perry Aliño, MERFUPMSI) 40 Appendix 32 Area scanning mechanics facilitated by Ms Melen Dizon for the core group in RIC III 42 Appendix 33 Correspondence exchange with RIC III focal person Dr Annie Melinda PazAlberto regarding facility layout/ refurbishment costs and the RIC III organizational structure 45 xii Index of Photos Page 22 September 2009, Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao City: (left photo) National Coordinator for ICRMP Dr. Lucena Mercado giving the opening remarks; (right photo) MERF-UPMSI Project Leader Dr. Gil Jacinto stating the rationale for the State-of-Knowledge Workshop. 4 24 September 2009, Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao City: Participants to the session on the State-ofKnowledge in the Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC) were staff of DENR (FASPO, RO II, PGENROCagayan), BFAR (RFO II, RFTC-Aparri), CSU – Aparri (designated RIC for the Region), CSU – main, NVSU, CEZA, and a representative of local government units of Sta. Teresita, Cagayan. 10 12 October 2009, Opening program of the State-of-Knowledge Workshop, RET, CLSU, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija: (top photo) President of CLSU Dr. Ruben Sevilleja delivering the Opening Remarks, and RTD Juliet Texon (bottom photo) of DENR-RO III articulating her experiences in her message. 12 12 October 2009, CLSU, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija: Participants to the session on the State-of-Knowledge in the Zambales Coast (ZC) were staff of DENR (FASPO, RO III-ERDS, PENRO-Zambales, CENRO-Masinloc), BFAR (RFO III, ROS), CLSU (designated RIC for the Region), RMTU (designated host of the RIC facility, hence, collaborator of the RIC), NEUST, ASCOT, PG-ENRO (Zambales), SIKAT, and representatives of local government units of Zambales (Botolan, Masinloc, Castillejos). 20 4 September 2009, RMTU, Iba, Zambales: The ADB review mission, together with staff of DENR, visited RMTU and met with its key officials, officials of CLSU, and Project staff from MERF-UPMSI. The mission team, composed of (left to right) Ms. Lorna Enjaynes (Associate Operations Analyst), Team Leader Tosio Kondo? (Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist?), and Ms. Maria Lourdes Drilon (Natural Resources Economist), was welcomed to RMTU by its President, Dr. Feliciano Rosete (rightmost). 32 4 September 2009, Iba, Zambales: Attendees to the first meeting on the mode of cooperation between CLSU and RMTU for the RIC of Region III – (seated, left to right) – Dr. Gil Jacinto (Team Leader, MERF-UPMSI), Ms. Juanita Nacino (DENR-FASPO), Dr. Annie Melinda Paz-Alberto (RIC Focal Person, CLSU), Ms. Melen Dizon (MERF-UPMSI), and CLSU President Dr. Ruben Sevilleja; (standing, left to right) – Mr. Keith Carloy (RMTU-Candelaria), Ms Maricel Edurain (RMTUCandelaria), staff from RMTU-Candelaria (name undisclosed), Dr. Perry Aliño (MERF-UPMSI), Mr. Michael Lopez (DENR-RO III), Dr. Terry Abella (RIC Focal Person, CLSU), Dr. Elizabeth Farin (VP for Research, Extension and Training, RMTU), Prof. Jimmy Avecilla (Executive Dean, RMTUCandelaria), and Prof. Randy Balaoing (RMTU-Candelaria) 37 xiii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In September 2009, the Project Steering Committee approved Resolution 09-002, which designated the Cagayan State University (CSU) – Aparri Campus and the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) as the Regional ICRM Centers (RICs) in Regions II and III, respectively. The Center facility in Region II shall be located within the campus premises of CSU while that in Region III shall be located in Ramon Magsaysay Technological University (RMTU) – Candelaria Campus. The latter shall be operated by CLSU together with RMTU. In January 2010, the Regional Steering Committee of ICRMP in Region III approved Resolution 09-002, which endorsed the recommendation of designating CLSU as the RIC for Region III and of CLSU running the Center facility in RMTU-Candelaria together with RMTU. To jump-start the establishment phase of the Regional ICRM Centers in these two Regions of Luzon, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, through the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc., engaged both CSU and CLSU in organizing the State-ofKnowledge and Operational Planning Workshop in their respective regions. The State-ofKnowledge Workshops, held to update active stakeholders of research, development and extension (RD&E) initiatives in the Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC) and the Zambales Coast (ZC) that have been undertaken during the last 5 years, were conducted to allow the RICs to recognize their respective strategic niches in the regions. These sessions were followed by initial Operational Planning Workshops, wherein CSU and CLSU faculty identified specific issues and knowledge gaps in the target key marine biodiversity areas and the thematic concerns in the context of from Ridge to Reef, their potential partners for the RD&E program, and details of Center operations. This document is a compilation of the proceedings of the state-of knowledge and initial operational planning workshop sessions held in Tuguegarao City for RIC II and in the Science City of Muñoz (Nueva Ecija) for RIC III. The proceedings of the first meeting of CLSU and RMTU officials and staff together on 4 September 2009 in RMTU-Iba is included to demonstrate the cooperative character of both HEIs. The Centers listed (a) themes for their marine corridortargeted research, (b) specific commitments, and (c) the expectations from their partners. Finally, the means to carry out the functions of the Centers, funding options, and the schemes for the Centers’ M&E are proposed. 1 Documentation Report Task 4: Initial steps on developing the Operational Framework Plan for the Regional ICRM Centers (RICs) 1. Role of the RICs in Luzon The Regional ICRM Centers or RICs were envisioned by the Project as (a) hubs for biodiversity monitoring and research, (b) hubs for training and demonstration activities, and (c) focal points for undertaking Information, Education and Communications (IEC) campaigns. In Luzon, these Centers shall facilitate the convergence of individuals and institutions involved in the CRM efforts in the Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC) (1 in Fig. 1) and the Zambales coast (ZC) (5 in Fig. 1), and tackle research/ monitoring and training/ demonstration activities on biodiversity conservation in these target marine corridors. The Centers are also expected to engage other groups and institutions (including those in the private sector) as well as with stakeholders at the locality or habitat(s) needing intervention to discuss, plan, implement, and complement needed interventions related to CRM and biodiversity conservation. As focal points for undertaking IEC campaigns, the Centers are, foremost, to draw attention to the significance of the challenges and the ways to reduce threats to the BMC and ZC, classified as “extremely high” and “very high to high” priority conservation areas1. These campaigns shall “be developed and implemented in 1 5 Figure 2 Priority biodiversity corridors and provinces to receive interventions from ICRMP in Luzon – (1) Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC) and Cagayan province, (5) Zambales coast (ZC) and Zambales province. (Source: ADB, 2006, Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors, Proposed Loan and Administration of Grant from the Global Environment Facility, Republic of the Philippines: Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project.) 1 DENR. 2002. Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities: A Second Iteration of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Manila, Philippines. 2 coordination with the ongoing works under the communication, education, and public awareness program of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)”2. In September 2009, the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines (UPMSI), through the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. (MERF), informed CSU-Aparri and the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) as the hosts of the RICs for Regions II and III, respectively. They have been informed that the recommendation has been received well by the Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Office (FASPO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and was then undergoing the process of being formally endorsed through Resolution 09-002 by the Project Steering Committee (PSC). Both HEIs were also informed that soon after the endorsement of the Resolution, the Secretary of DENR shall be sending each of them an official communication of their institution’s designation as RIC and of further arrangements to follow, including a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DENR through the Regional Offices (ROs). 2. State-of-Knowledge Workshops: initiating the RICs to understand their niches in the regions To jump-start the establishment phase of the RICs in the two regions of Luzon, MERFUPMSI engaged both CSU-Aparri and CLSU in taking part in the two-day State-ofKnowledge and Operational Planning Workshop for Regions II and III. The first day of the workshops tackled the present state-of-knowledge on the Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC) and the Zambales Coast (ZC) with invited talks from academic institutions, DENR, BFAR, NGOs, and other stakeholders who are active in these areas. This workshop was supposed to be an opportunity for the RICs to identify knowledge gaps related to marine biodiversity conservation and their potential partners for RD&E. 2.1. State-of-Knowledge Workshop on the Babuyan Marine Corridor, 24 September 2009, Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao City A series of consultations on the proposal to convene the workshop with CSU-Aparri was made with focal point person Prof. Meliton Soriano (Appendix 1), following which the formal communication was sent to CSU-Aparri (Appendix 2). Mr. Soriano immediately confirmed the core group’s availability for the event; hence, invitations to academic institutions, partner agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders in the region were sent out (Appendix 3). The letters enjoined the institutions to contribute their research, monitoring, and/or management initiatives in the BMC during the last 5 years. The state-of-knowledge program was then finalized based on confirmations received. 2 ADB. 2007. Project Administration Memorandum. PHI: Integrated Coastal Resources Management. Manila, Philippines. 3 2.1 1.1. Open ning ceremo onies During the ope ening progra am (Appendix 4), participants who made it to the event were recognize ed and ackno owledged; th hey represen nted 11 institutions (Appe endix 5), nam mely, CSU-Carig, CSU U-Aparri, DE ENR-FASPO,, DENR-RO O II, BFAR-Regional Fissheries Office e (RFO) II, BFAR-Regio B nal Fisheriess Training C Center (RFTC C)-Aparri, Pro ovincial Gove ernment of Cagayan, C Nu ueva Viscayya State Univversity (NVS SU), local govvernment un nits of Caga ayan (Sanch hez-Mira an nd Sta. Tere esita), and Cagayan Eco onomic Zone e Auhority (C CEZA). On behalf of RTD R Henry Patricio of DENR-RO D II, Dr. Lucena Mercado, National Coordinator forr ICRMP (DE ENRF-FASPO O) gave the opening o rem marks. She prrovided a brie ef overview of o the ADB-ffunded Proje ect and brieflly mentioned d its components, the targ get sites for the interven ntions, and financing f me echanisms. She also sta ated that the e host of the ICRM Centter for the Re egion is the Cagayan Sttate University-Aparri Campus, as re ecommended d by MERF--UPMSI. The RIC shall serve as a hub for bio odiversity monitoring, train ning, informa ation, and ressearch initiattives for the corridor. c Dr. Gil S. Jacin nto, Professo or of UPMSI and Project Leader of th his undertakiing, gave the e overview and a rationale e of the worrkshop. He reiterated r the need to abate a the sevvere loss off biodiversityy in the Bab buyan Corrid dor, which iss among the e priority ma arine biodiversity corridors and ecos systems considered by ICRMP. Drr. Jacinto elucidated thatt part of the ICRMP com mponent on Biodiversity Conservatio on is the esttablishment of o Regional ICRM I Centers (RICs), fo oreseen as th he hub of bio odiversity Together with ressearch and monitoring. m w partners in biodiverssity conserva ation, the RIC Cs are to co oordinate, if not lead, th he capacity developmen nt of stakeholders in scie ence-based management. In Regiion II, the establishmen e nt of Region nal ICRM Network Group ps (RINGs) iss also envisioned as an outcome of this partners ship, with parrticipation fro om academ mic institution ns, e.g., NV VSU and ISU U, local gov vernment units, private se ector, and pe eople’s organ nizations. Dr. Jacinto strressed that the vision for a strengthe ened and in nstitutionalized Center that t provide es the assis stance in ressearch and monitoring m ne eeds of the BMC. B Eventu ually, adjacen nt corridors, and their 22 September 20099, Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao T Cityy: (left p photo) National Coordinator for ICRMP Dr. Lucena Mercado giving the openingg remarks; (right photo) MERF-UP PMSI P Project Leader Drr. Gil Jacinto statiing the rationale for f the S State-of-Knowledg ge Workshop. 4 partners and other stakeholders may have distinct roles and contributions towards the attainment of this vision. Dr. Jacinto disclosed that for the workshop, the sharing of what is known in the BMC was to help identify knowledge gaps and to become a basis for the Center’s research agenda for the BMC. In his brief message, CSU Vice-President for Research and Extension Affairs Dr. Rogelio Matalang, expressed his appreciation to MERF-UPMSI and DENR for endorsing CSU-Aparri as the RIC for Region II through ICRMP. He also articulated his hope that, through the Project, the College of Fisheries in Aparri eventually returns to its status as CHED Center of Excellence in fisheries. As a contribution to environmental conservation, Dr. Matalang reported that the University uses its radio station for community broadcasting (information campaign) targeting local communities and covering relevant local issues. 2.1.2. Presentations: State-of-knowledge in the Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC) There were five presentations in this session (Appendix 4), namely, (a) the BMC as a key biodiversity area (KBA), (b) the oceanography of the Luzon Strait, (c) CSUAparri’s biodiversity studies along the Babuyan Corridor, (d) research and management initiatives of DENR in the BMC, and (e) the Babuyan Channel initiatives of BFAR towards the conservation of fisheries resources in the north. 2.1.2.1. BMC as a key biodiversity area Dr. Hildie Maria Nacorda (MERF-UPMSI) discussed the significance of north Philippines as already a biologically diverse region and the BMC having priority conservation sites (Fig. 2) and key biodiversity areas (KBAs) (Appendix 6). She emphasized on large marine mammals known to be in the corridor and the red seaweeds that are uniquely present in this part of the country. She cited the threats to biodiversity, and called the attention on the need to effectively manage the marine corridor. Threats: Figure 2 Marine conservation priorities in the Babuyan Marine Corridor and the threats to marine biodiversity in general, based on Corridors: 2002 Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities (DENR/ CI-Philippines/ UPCIDS). In 2006, these sites have been identified as key biodiversity areas or KBAs (CI Foundation Philippines/ DENR-PAWB/ Haribon Foundation). Marine conservation priorities: 3 of 36 1. Destructive fishing BATANES: Very high 2. Poaching 3. Mining exploration 4. Overexploitation BABUYANES: Extremely high 5. Coral collection 6. Sedimentation 7. Local pollution 8. Harvesting of sharks & dolphins TAPAL‐STA ANA‐ VALLEY PT: Extremely high 5 2.1.2.22. Oceano ography of th he Luzon Sttrait Dr. Jacinto shared the stu udies und dertaken byy the Phyysical Oceanography core grou up of UP PMSI led by Dr. Laura David D and d Dr. C Cesar Villlanoy (Ap ppendix 7).. He cited d the oce eanographic processes in the Luzzon Strait an nd the BMC, i.e., (a) the meeting g of waters from the e South China Sea (SCS) and Paccific Ocean, (b) propag gating their eve ents (tides and cha aracteristics, internal waves w Figu ure 3 The intrusiion of the Kuroshhio current into the South dettected at up to 200 m de epth), Chhina Sea throughh the Luzon Straitt is one of severaal physical occeanographic proocesses that has direct impact on the (c) intrusions of o the Kurosh hio to bioodiversity of the BMC. B Source: slide from the pressentation the e SCS thro ough the Luzon L cf.. Meunier et al. (U UPMSI) Strrait (Fig. 3), (d) sea su urface tem mperature (S SST) signaturres of the e El Niño Sou uthern Oscillation (ENSO O) and their te emporal variiability, and upwelling u eve ents. He pa articularly hig ghlighted tha at the modelss show estim mated SST in ncreases are e highest in the t BMC. Studies S have e also shown n that (a) adults of spiny y lobsters were more abundant after the t NE mons soon, (b) the distribution of juveniles and eggbea aring females mostly con ncentrated du uring May in the N Pacifiic, and (c) th he lobster fish hery in Vietna am may likelly be depend dent on Philip ppines’ supp ply. Dr. Jacin nto noted the e potential im mpact on coastal/offsho c ore biologica al resourcess in the BM MC, most esp pecially since e the ecoregion may be the t most vuln nerable to cliimate change e. 2.1.2.33. CSU-Ap parri biodive ersity studiess along the B Babuyan corridor Campus Execu utive Officerr Dr. Simeon n Rabanal, Jr. provided d the contex xt of why CS SU-Aparri hass been involvved in severral biodiversitty studies in the BMC, i.e e., in line with CSU-Aparrri’s functionss and its form mer status ass center of e excellence (C COE) and cen nter of development (CO OD) of the e Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and cu urrent dessignation as Regional Center He for Fisheries Education. sho owed a list of rese earch sub bjects that CSU-Aparri has tacckled, their study s sites (Fig. 4), and how re esults have been disseminated so s far. He also me entioned W WWF, UP PMSI, BFAR and privvate agencie es as the eir lead and/o or collaborato ors in Figu ure 4 Sites alongg the BMC wheree Cagayan State the e initiatives (A Appendix 8)). Unniversity-Aparri conducted c ecologgical and biodiverrsity studies since 19955. Source: slide ffrom the presentaation 6 2.1.2.4. Research and management initiatives in the Babuyan Marine Corridor: DENR Regional Office II Ms. Jam Flores, ICRMP Staff of DENR Region II (PAWCZMS) presented their initiatives in the BMC, focusing on CRM activities (Appendix 9). She cited efforts on participatory coastal resource assessments (PCRAs) in 8 municipalities of Cagayan, of which 4 municipalities were able to utilize the results for their respective Municipal Coastal Environment Profiles (MCEPs). DENR was also involved in (a) Municipal Coastal Resources Management Plans (MCRMPs) for 2009-2013 were drafted in 3 municipalities, (b) 7 municipalities committed to establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) and 4 municipalities actualizing the commitment, and (c) the municipality of Gonzaga designated its Coastal Law Enforcement Team. They hope that throughout the implementation of ICRMP, the CRM process in the other municipalities gets completed and the advocacy on establishing and strengthening MPAs continues. She also indicated that, based on their assessments in 4 municipalities between 2000 and 2002 (Fig. 5), coral reef cover ranged from good to excellent. DENR also participated in (a) surveys conducted by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on humpback whales off Calayan, Camiguin, Fuga Islands (2005), (b) activities related to Figure 5 Coral reef habitat assessments by DENR-RO II. Source: slide from the presentation stakeholder research and planning for the sustainable development in the coastal zone in the Babuyan Islands sponsored by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (2007-2008), and (c) activities related to science and community-based conservation of humpback whales and other cetaceans in the Babuyan Islands under the auspices of the Center for Rural Empowerment and Environment (CREE) and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation-Hong Kong (OPCF). Ms. Flores also enumerated the four-fold objectives of Projects (b) and (c). The objectives of the Project (b) were: • to monitor the status and minimum abundance of humpback whales in the Babuyan Islands; • to determine the extent of man-made disturbance to the whales and destruction of their breeding habitat in the islands; • to assess the cetacean-fishery interactions in the islands; and • to provide scientific data for and facilitate the design of an adaptive biodiversity conservation action plan for the Babuyan Islands and their breeding habitat and conserve the rich biodiversity of the islands (marine and terrestrial) in general. 7 The e objectives of Project (cc) were: • mplementation n and refinin ng of the to provvide support for the first steps of im conservvation action n plan for the e Babuyan Islands particcularly of sus stainable coastall zone manag gement; • to conttinue monitoring the status and distrribution of hu umpback wh hales and other cetaceans in the Babuyan n Islands; • d facilitate th he establishm ment of guide elines for to provvide scientificc data for and responsible whale watching w and d ecotourism m around the islands; and • to mon nitor and mittigate threatts to cetacea ans and its habitats aro ound the Babuya an Islands. 2.1.2.55. Babuya an Channel initiatives: to owards consservation and d manage ement of fish heries resou urces in the North Dr. Evelyn Ame e of BFAR-R RFO II discus ssed fisheriess information n and manag gement in the e region (Appendix 10), beginning with w fishing grounds g in th he Babuyan Corridor and d the northern Pacific se eaboard, inla and resource es, and fishe eries of the Cagayan Rivver. She alsso enumeratted the 10 operational fa acilities of BF FAR-RFO II where 5 are e managed in n Cagayan and a the locattions of majo or and minorr fish ports. For R&D inittiatives, Dr. Ame A reported d aspects of the following g: • surveyss for the Na ational Stock Assessmen nt Program ((NSAP) cond ducted in nearshore and offsshore waters s, along with the fisheries yields off various fishing gears (com mmercial and d municipal),, catch com mposition of recorded landing gs (vertebrattes and inve ertebrates), exploitation rates of top p 10 fish speciess, and the esstimates of maximum m susstainable yie eld (MSY) in the BMC (Fig. 6)); • PCRA efforts in 12 1 municipalities, with initial resultss for coral reef and seagrass conditionss as well as fish f biodiverssity; • endang gered and ecconomicallyy impo ortant speciess, focused on the reprodu uctive biolog gy of the ‘lu udong’ or lobed river mullet m (Cestrraeus is plicatilis is) that endemic in the re egion, assesssment studie es on soft shell shrimps or araman ng (Nematopaand laemon n sp.), assesssment and cultivation studies s on th he red seawee eds Porphyrra and Gracila aria; and, Figure 6 Estimates of o maximum susttainable yield (MS SY) for 2 by BFAR-R RFO II. Source: slide s from thee BMC (1999 to 2004) thee presentation 8 • bathymetric surveys and environmental studies along the Cagayan River, Buguey Lagoon, and Sta.Ana, as well as Kuroshio current-related initiatives. BFAR-RFO II has also undertaken response measures for marine mammal stranding and rescue operations and for the presence of foreign poachers. The unit was also involved in the establishment of fish sanctuaries in 6 municipalities. For extension, BFAR-RFO II was able to provide livelihood and training activities and technology demonstrations. Dr. Ame concluded her talk with a list of major environmental, technical, and institutional issues in the region. 2.1.2.6. Open Forum Issues raised during the discussion that followed all the presentations included the following: (1) Question (Ms. Agnes Gervacio, MAO, Sta. Teresita): conducted in Sta. Teresita not reported by DENR? Why was the PCRA Response (Dr. Mercado): The report made by Ms. Flores referred only to DENR-initiated PCRAs, which were then still under the CEP, but which are now part of tasks of the Coastal Marine Management Division (CMMD). It is also part of BFAR’s tasks to conduct PCRAs in the target municipalities of ICRMP. (2) Question: Are PCRA reports made available to the public? Response: Results are forwarded to the LGU after critique. Comment (Dr. Jacinto): The dissemination of results from PCRAs may be one of the specific activities of the RIC. There is, however, a challenge to present the results in layman’s terms to make it useful and relevant to the community. The RIC may take on the role of consolidating information and making it available through the internet, print these, and/or use media (e.g., radio programs) to share it to the public. (3) Comment (Dr. Reynald delos Trinos, Nueva Viscaya State University, NVSU): My observation is that there is no concerted effort among the three implementing agencies, i.e., they do their activities independently. One role of the RIC may be to organize these efforts for the BMC to avoid overlap and duplication. (4) Comment (Dr. Romeo Culasing, CSU-Aparri): What is now known is the state of fisheries but the aspect of management was not explicitly discussed. Based on the presentations, there seems to be a need to draft a management plan for the Babuyan Marine Corridor. Management should be a concerted effort of all stakeholders. It should also be an integrated plan that cuts across sectors, interdisciplinary, i.e., must include not only scientific basis but also socioeconomics. Response: the following suggestions were put forward: 9 closed and open seasons for harvests of critical species and/or critical stages of their life cycle. There is a need for studies to determine the biology and ecology of critical species; • establishment and effective management of MPAs and/or fish sanctuaries. There have been advocacies on the LGUs to establish MPAs but the response is very low. There is a need to support advocacies with scientific basis; • information may be shared to stakeholders (and the rest of the world) by loading these up in a platform such as Google Earth; • alternative livelihood enterprise options for fishers – this may have to be emphasized in ICRMP’s component on enterprise development, which supports backyard- or cottagebased enterprises; and, • patrolling and coastal law enforcement – the experience of the LGU of Rizal, who continually conducts patrolling against illegal fishers using dynamite and cyanide in the Cagayan River, may be echoed throughout the BMC. 24 September 2009, Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao City: Participants to the session on the State-of-Knowledge in the Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC) were staff of DENR (FASPO, RO II, PGENRO-Cagayan), BFAR (RFO II, RFTC-Aparri), CSU – Aparri (designated RIC for the Region), CSU – main, NVSU, CEZA, and a representative of local government units of Sta. Teresita, Cagayan . • 10 2.1.3. Closing program As an advice prior to closing the session, Dr. Jacinto urged the participants to visit the Google Earth platform (www.earth.google.com) and zoom in at the BMC and the region. He said that with the increased frequency of guest visits, resolutions of particular scenes in Google Earth get enhanced and become updated, hence, more vivid. Dr. Jacinto thanked everyone for their time for the Workshop, distributed certificates of participation and certificates of appearance, and then invited everyone to lunch before leaving the Workshop. 2.2. State-of-Knowledge Workshop on the Zambales Coast, 12 October 2009, CLSU Training Center, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija For Region III, convening the Workshop was initially coordinated with focal point person Dr. Annie Melinda Paz-Alberto (Appendix 11), following which, the formal communication was sent to CLSU (Appendix 12). Invitations to academic institutions, partner agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders in the region were sent out (Appendix 13) after CLSU President Dr. Ruben Sevilleja agreed to the schedule and program flow (Appendix 12). The invitees were enjoined to contribute their research and monitoring results and/or management initiatives in the Zambales Coast during the last 5 years. The state-of-knowledge program was then finalized based on confirmations received. 2.2.1. Opening ceremonies The participants who made it to the workshop represented 14 institutions (Appendix 14), namely, CLSU, Ramon Magsaysay Technological University (RMTU), Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), Nueva Viscaya University of Science and Technology (NEUST), DENR-FASPO, DENR-RO III, DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) (Masinloc), BFAR-RFO III, BFAR-Research and Outreach Station (ROS) (Masinloc), the Provincial Government of Zambales, LGUs (Botolan, Subic, Castillejos), and the Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT). In his Opening Remarks, CLSU President Dr. Sevilleja acknowledged the presence of everyone and especially cited the Zambales-based guests who traveled early and through long distances. He disclosed that the designation of CLSU as RIC for the Region is a welcomed opportunity for CLSU to act on its mandate to conduct research, training, and extension work on coastal conservation, to collaborate with RMTU, and to engage in activities with DENR, BFAR, and MERF-UPMSI. 11 Reg gional Technical Directtor (RTD) for Research (DENR-RO III) Ms. Juliet Texon articulated, in her h messsage to the e group, he er experience es on coastal enviironmental planning p with then DENR R Secretary Dr. D Angel Alcala, and her shared ch hallenge with colle eagues, i.e.,, of making concrete moves m towards reallly improving g the practice of coasstal resources man nagement in the region. For an overview w and indica ation of exp pectations, Dr. D Jacinto stated th he context of o the RICs within w ICRM MP, the engagement e t of CLSU ass the RIC in the t region, and CLS SU’s partnersship with RM MTU in its RD&E R functio on. Dr. Jacinto J state ed that the Sttate-of-Know wledge sessio on was convened to help the RIC co onsolidate th he know wledge products in the Zambales Z C Coast (ZC) and iden ntify gaps and determin ne potential research and exte ension prog grams to support the effective man nagement off the ZC. Th he expected d outputs we ere the state of knowledge of o the ZC and maps of rese earch and ma anagement interventions in the area. Dr. Perry Aliño (MERF-UPM ( MSI) shared the t concept of the RING in hiis talk Fello owship of th he RING, and high hlighted the SE Asian re egion as the e hottest of all marine biodive ersity hotspo ots, the Coral C Triang gle Initia ative (CTI) and the value of coral reefs in the coun ntry in terms of eco onomic ben nefits, severral scientific investigations on marine biod diversity in the coun ntry, and th he need to fast-track efforts e towards achiieving the go oal of fully protecting p att least 10% of the country’s co oral reefs. As A part of th he establishin ng the RICs, Dr. Aliño A put forrward four major m research area as, all of which rank high h in the priority of th he natio onal researcch agenda, th hat the RICss may focus on o for the t Zambale es Coast. He H also show wed the thre ee obje ectives for the RICs, each with speciffied indicatorrs, FTA AP system and stand dards, and responsibility centters. One off these objecctives was establishing the RING, which was w envision ned to (a) provide vallue adde ed RDE con ntributions to owards strengthening and a susttaining ICRM MP in the re egion, (b) facilitate ICRM MP outccomes in ma arine biodive ersity conserrvation throu ugh adap ptive manag gement strategies, and (c) synergiize capa acities and find opporttunities to build b technic cal supp port and outreach of R& &D, throu ugh com mplementation and coope erative effortts. Finally, Dr. D Aliño o explained the t significan nce of the RIING in line 12 October 2009, Oppening program m of the Statee-of-Knowledge Workshop, RET T, CLSU, Scien nce City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija: (top photoo) President of C CLSU Dr. Ruben Sevilleja deliveering the Opening Remarks, and a RTD Juliett Texon (bottom m photo) of DEN NR-RO III articuulating her experiences in her messsage. 12 with the larg ge-marine ecosystems s/ marine corridor a approach, and a the com mplementatio on of protecttion and ICM M for the ma arine corridorr approach. He also cite ed exampless of larval dispersal modeling m studies and fissh/coral rec cruitment, surrvival and grrowth monito oring studies s conducted in three MP PAs. The fiinal slide sho owed suggesstions on nexxt steps. 2.2. 2.2 Prese entations: State-of-kno S owledge in the Zamba ales Coast (Z ZC) The ere were 9 presentations p s in this sess sion (Appendix 15) and the following g are the sum mmaries of th he talks, including short discussions d a clarificattions in betw and ween. 2.2.2.11. Hazard assessmen nt of the Buccao and Balin-Baquero river r bo, Zambale es system,, Mt. Pinatub Dr. Fernando Siringan, S marrine and coastal geologisst and Professsor (UPMSI), gave a bacckground on n the work that t he and his colleagues Dr. Kellvin Rodolfo and Dr. Ma ahar Lagmayy did since th he early 1990 0s (Appendix 16). He ccited the vulnerability of the municip pality of Bo otolan from m the threa at of pyroclasticflow w deposits th hat feed the Balin Baq quero – Buccao lahar sysstem, desscribed the caldera-brea akout patth of the dep posits throug gh the Ma araunot Notcch, the contrrol of typ phoons passsing through h the are ea, the scenarios that may cau use the posssibility of future f cra ater lake bre eakouts, and d the and patthways off lahar floo odwaters as these reach the dow wnstream arrea (Fig. 7, top). Dr. Siringan brriefed the bo ody of the e status of the channelss and dikkes for laharr and floodw waters and d then cited their recom mmendattions for the shortt-term (repairing the dikes, d monittoring of river and dikke during the e rest of the rainy season espe ecially durring high pre ecipitation evvents, and d regular monitoring m of the Ma araunot Notcch) and the longFiguree 7 Marine and coastal geologisst Dr. F. Siringan showed term m (dike brea aching during g the pathways of lahar froom Mt. Pinatubo tthrough the municipality of dryy season, inducing the a eventually innto the South China C Sea Botoolan, Zambales and (left)) as well as indiccations of erosioon in the Zambales Coast low wering of th he river bed d by from m coastline profilees taken in differrent years (right).. Source: dre edging at th he river mo outh). Pdf versions of slidee presentations ccf. Siringan et al.. (UPMSI/ He added that developm ment UPN NIGS) 13 plans for Botolan should take into account the delivery by the 2002 lahar of a large amount of loose materials not too far upstream, which can be easily remobilized, thus leading to further elevation of the Bucao River bed and increasing the likelihood of dike breaching. 2.2.2.2. Coastal erosion and flooding in Zambales Dr. Siringan also presented a perspective on coastal erosion and flooding in Zambales (Appendix 17), beginning with the likelihood of the Zambales coastline undergoing large accretion due to the voluminous sandy material left by the 1991 eruption of Mr. Pinatubo. He then described the coastline changes based on images of 1944 to 1995 and from recent anecdotal accounts, and highlighted the changes in the mouth of the Bucao River vis-à-vis the Sto. Tomas and Pamatawan Rivers. In connection with sea level rise, Dr. Siringan noted that the Zambales coastline has eroded ~150 m along the north flank of Maloma River (Fig. 7, bottom). Although it was expected that with rising sea level, coasts would accrete for as long as the amount of sediment input more than offsets the effect of the rise, coastal segments in Zambales that are not fed directly by rivers appear to be undergoing erosion, despite overall elevated sediment input. To end, Dr. Siringan suggested that there are other events in Zambales that are worth looking at, e.g., HABs and the role of warming seas and eutrophication, coastal erosion and coral reefs, and the resilience of coral reefs to warming seas. Open Forum (1) Question (Dr. Elizabeth Farin, VP-RET, RMTU): What is the status of the Sto. Tomas River, which may potentially affect the municipalities of San Marcelino, San Narciso, and Castillejos? Response (Dr. Siringan): There is no work on that yet; the area has been worked on by Dr. Kelvin Rodolfo and he had recommended dike repair. We, however, cannot engineer everything, since the amount of pyroclastic material is still going down and there still are useless concrete structures in the mountains. (2) Question (Prof. Jurelac Marquez, RMTU): The provincial government and the LGU have plans to construct a megadike, continuing on from the severed dike. Will this be helpful? If not, what do you recommend? Response (Dr. Siringan): The dike will work for only a few years and then it will give way. There is a need to ask the people of their options, i.e., to continue to witness people drowning, being buried alive in sand, or being inconvenienced with moving out of the area. (3) Comment (Dr. Apolinario Yambot, CLSU): Would it be possible to relocate the people to the raised riverbed and then to construct a bridge? Response (Dr. Siringan): It will be dusty in that location but yes, it is possible to relocate to that area. The caveat is that the area is too hot and the ground is 14 not yet ha ard, hence, unstable. u Th he idea is go ood, but therre are other elevated areas arou und. (4 4) Questionss (Mr. Dionissio Galeng, MAO, Boto olan): There re are at lea ast three sources of o water that come down n to Botolan.. These are e potentially about to wash out Brgy. Carae el. About 50 houses havve already been carried away by the South China SEA (SCS) and not by waters from Mt. P Pinatubo. There T are people fro om 9 barang gays now te emporarily re elocated to d different cen nters and they are to t be relocatted again be ecause of the hazards. What will ha appen to people in these temporary reloca ation centerss? Also, the e area seem ms barren and witho out trees – will w no plants s/trees ever thrive there? ? Because I noticed that the ro ocks there are a similar to o with those in Palawan and Palawa an would have treess. 2.2.2.33. Fisherie es research, monitoring,, and manag gement initia atives in Zambales (2005-20 009) Asssistant Regio onal Directorr Lilian Garcia (BFAR-RF FO III) provid ded an updatte of their mo onitoring initia atives in land ding centers for the NSAP P (Fig. 8) an nd the various studies und dertaken by ROS, name ely, (a) grow w-out culture and season nality of the seaweed s Kap ppaphycus alvarezii, a (b)) stock and fishery investigation of commercial shallowwater sea cucu umber species, (c) adap ptation trial on the pen grow-out off the sea cuccumber Holo othuria scabrra and rearin ng of the sea a urchin Trip pneustes gra atilla, and (d) tank culture and broo odstock dev velopment of o the abalo one Haliotis s asinina (Ap ppendix 18)). ARD Ga arcia also prresented the eir monitorin ng and man nagement inittiatives in Za ambales – CRM, C fish h sanctuarie es/ fish habitat enh hancement, and artificial reefs in Sta. Cruz, Olongapo, and Subic; red tide e monitoring in 4 site es in Masin nloc; FARMC Cs in alre eady 12 municipalities; and asp pects on monitoring, co ontrol and d surveillancce (MCS), leasing and d licenssing serrvices (pa articularly for commercial fish hing vesselss), and fish hpond lea ase agreements (FLAs). Figu ure 8 Landing ceenters in Zambales monitored by BFARRF FO III for the fisheries NSAP. Source: slide from the t prresentation Op pen Forum Question (Dr. ( Hildie Maria M Nacorda, MERF-UP PMSI): Wou uld there be a way for us to acce ess the resultts and/or dattabases? Response e (ARD Garccia): Yes, anytime a whe en people n need these they can consult an nd we will givve it. These are for the people; we arre very much h open. 15 2.2.2.44. Fisherie es-related ac ccomplishments of ICRM MP in Zamb bales Mr.. Reynaldo Reoligio, Prrovincial Fish heries Office er of Zamba ales, presen nted their acccomplishmen nts up till Jun ne 2009 (Appendix 19), including a m matrix of the eir annual work plan for CY 2009. The Provin ncial Office initiated the e reorganiza ation and stre engthening of o FARMCs in the 10 LGUs particip pating in the e Project thro ough the Fed deration of MFARMCs M and by condu ucting training g on fishery law enforcem ment and dep putization of fish ward dens (in collaboration with w BFAR). The Offfice also parrticipated in actual PCR RAs in 30 ba arangays of 3 municipa alities (Fig. 9). 9 With reg gards to theirr work plan, Mr. Reoligio o focused on six program ms/ projects/ activities for the year – (a a) production n and sup (b) pport s services, esttablishment of new area as for agrribusiness development d t, (c) esttablishment of techno-d demo pro ojects, (d) re eduction of prices p of wage g goods thrrough pro oductivity en nhancement, (e) posst harvest support s servvices, and d (f) regulato ory services.. Mr. Reoligio also mentioned m o output indicators, targets, loca ations and d the implementtation sch hedule of the various pro ojects/ activities. (1) Figu ure 9 Participatioon of the Provinciial Government of o Zaambales in PCRA As for ICRMP. Soource: slide from the preesentation Question (Dr. Annie Melinda M Paz z-Alberto, CL LSU): Sa mg ga nagawa na pong programa ng ICRMP sa Zambales, ano po an ng masasab bi ninyo, ito po p ba ay nagpa-imp prove sa esta ado ng Zamb bales Coast? ? Response e (Mr. Reolig gio): Malaki ang naitulon ng. Ngunit kkung ang mg ga tao ay hindi makikisama ayy wala rin pong magiging epekkto. Ang maliit m na partisipasyyon ng mga tao ay nakak kapagpagan nda na agad ng resulta. In n totality, not everytthing has imp proved, but illegal i fishing g has been m minimized, i.e e., in Sta. Cruz and Candelaria. 2) Question (Dr. Paz-A Alberto): Would W you have h data and results s on the (2 assessme ents of coral reefs and mangroves, an nd can we access your data d from the differe ent sites? Response e (Mr. Reolig gio): All the e data are forwarded f to o BFAR, the ey would usually furrnish us with the results. 16 2.2.2.55. Coastall oceanography of Zamb bales Dr. Jacinto presented the work w of the Physical P Oce eanography ccore group of o UPMSI led by Dr. Ce esar Villanoyy. The influ uence of the e circulation n of the SC CS highly influenced the observed circulation of o coastal waters w off th he Zambale es Coast (Ap ppendix 20). Part of the e work of Fang (2007) wa as shown, i.e e., that curre ents west of Luzon and off Zambale es were gen nerally north hward throug ghout the ye ear, thus nam med the ‘We est Luzon Current’. Suc ch feature of the West L Luzon Curre ent would havve implicatio ons in materiial transport (pollutants, larvae), whicch may be entrained e by eddies (Fig.. 10) as show wn by some circulation models. m The e West Luzon n Current also brings with it warm waters w from the t south, so o that sea ssurface temp peratures (SS STs) off Za ambales and d the resst of western Luzon are warmer than eastern Lu uzon. Lasstly, the exce ept for em mbayment ne ear Masinlocc, the Zam mbales coa ast is gene erally stra aight. The embayment may serrve as entrainment areass and ressidence time e of waters (and hen nce, particle es) are expe ected to be longer th han the adja acent stra aight coast.. Such lo onger ressidence time may be linkked to Figure 10 Persistennt northward flow w and eddies in thhe West Luzon L Current tha at dominates in w waters off Luzon and a the the e problem on o harmful algal Zambales Z Coast. Source: slide froom the presentattion cf. blo ooms (HABs)) in the area. Villanoy V et al. (UP PMSI) 2.2.2.66. RD&E and a manage ement initiatiives of DENR (RO III an nd PENRO O) on the coa astal and ma arine environment of Za ambales PE ENRO Nelso on Gorospe of Zambale es shared the t initiatives of DENR R-PENRO (Za ambales) and d of RO III (on ( behalf off RTD Texon n of ERDS). He reporte ed on the PE ENRO’s regular activities for the coas stal and marrine environm ment of Zam mbales as well as manag gement proje ects from 20 005 to 2009 (Appendix 21), highlighting the Ma asinloc Oyon n Bay Proteccted Seascap pes, the Bio odiversity Co onservation Program, P and d Trees for Life. The PENRO P is also a into the e manageme ent and protection of ma angroves (Fig. 11, top) and a provides s assistance e in the esta ablishment of o marine san nctuaries an nd in assesssments of coastal c areass. They alsso participatte in the mo onitoring of coastal c areass around the e Masinloc Coal-Fired C Thermal Plan nt. Since 200 07, the PEN NRO has bee en actively involved with h ICRMP and has partic cipated in the e Project’s various workshops, w consultative e meetings,, orientation ns, IEC cam mpaigns, PC CRAs, and activities a on implementin ng ICRM plans. They were w also parrticipants to advocacy a acctivities and te echnical train nings. 17 Fro om RO III’s ERDS, PE ENRO Go orospe show wed the lisst of ressearch and d manage ement inittiatives undertaken by the Divvision from 1993 to 1998, 1 und der the Coastal Environment Pro ogram (CE EP) (Fig. 11, botttom; Appen ndix 22). The Pro ogram was transferred d to PA AWCZMS aftter 1998 an nd in the e following 5 years, R&D acttivities had been low w in prio ority. Activitties on the th heme ressumed in 20 004 and a liist of inittiatives up to o 2008 was also sho own. Figure 11 One of several managgement initiatives of DE ENR through the PENRO of Zam mbales (top) and the initial RD&E effforts of the Regioonal Offices throughh the CEP (bottom). Source: slides from the presenttations 2.2.2.77. ICRMP activities wiith participatting coastal municipalitie es in Zambales Mss. Liberty Hillario, ENROZ-Provincial Focal Person for ICRM MP, corroborrated the rep port of Mr. Reoligio on o the various activitie es that the eir Office staff s and rep presentativess of local go overnment units u have participated p iin since 200 07. She sho owed docum mentation pho otos of the various v functtions they ha ave all been involved in – workshopss, meetings, orientations, seminars, trainings, and d site visits facilitated f by DENR and BFAR B throug gh the Projec ct. 2.2.2.88. SIKAT CRM C Work in i Zambaless Fie eld manager Ms. Cristina a Reyes repo orted on the various CRM M initiatives of o SIKAT in Zambales (Appendix 23), focus sing on the e Fisheries Development and Ma anagement Program P (FD DMP; Fig. 12). 1 Its com mponents in ncluded worrk on (a) com mmunity org ganizing an nd popular education, (b) fisherie es aquatic resource ma anagement, which w involvved establish hing locally managed m marine areas (LMMA) tha at cover 5 coral reefs and d projects on mangroves and their rehabilitation, (c) ( policy ressearch/ advocacy and en nforcement to o strengthen n FARMCs and the Banta ay Dagat and d keep fisherrfolks informed on issues s, (d) sustain nable livelihood and micro o-finance sup pport to peo oples’ organ nizations (PO Os) and entterprises, an nd communiity-based soccial servicess. Ms. Re eyes also shared CRM M learnings, based on SIKAT’s exp perience with at least 8 municipalitties in Zamb bales, and n noted details s on law enfforcement, community c empowerme ent, formatio on of comm munity organ nizations, 18 ven nue for lea arnings, de efined role es of stakeh holders, and d the nee ed for contiinued monittoring and d research. Her conclu uding slid des empha asized fishe erfolk ten nurial securitty as a presssing con ncern. Fig gure 12 Ms. C. Reyes R shared SIK KAT’s Fisheries Development D andd Management Prrogram (FDMP) in Zambales. Z Sourcce: slide from the presentation 2.2.2.99. Masinlo oc ICRM Pro ogram: an Approach to S Sustainable Ecosysttem Develop pment On behalf of Hon. H Mayor Jessu J Edora of Masinlocc, Zambales, Mr. Oscar Empeño, Jr. (CRM staff, LGU of Massinloc) was to t have articulated the co oastal resources and fish heries mana agement of Masinloc, Zambales (Appendix ( 24). Mr. Empeño, how wever, was only o able to show a few slides becau use of an un nexpected po ower cutoff.. The resst of the presentation p consisted of results from recentt survey asssessments of o seagrass, coral reefs, and mangro oves, as we ell as 16 coa astal and ma arine environ nment progra ams – past and presentt – in which the LGU has been/ con ntinues to be e directly invvolved with, or which they have inittiated. Masiinloc has also established four MPAss in San Salv vador, Taclo obo Farm, Pa anglit, and Bani B (Fig. 13)). Figure 13 Location of the four f MPAs established by the LGU of Masinlocc. Source: slide from f the presentaation 19 2.2 2.3. Closin ng program m Dr. Jacinto tha anked everyo one for coming over to share s their kknowledge and a time, enccouraged all to support the establishment and strrengthening phases of th he RIC in Region III thro ough activitie es in ICRMP P, and to co ontinue the cooperation n beyond Pro oject life, as a envisione ed. The participants obtained their certific cates of parrticipation/ atttendance fro om the Secrretariat and then proceeded to the mess m hall for early dinnerr. 122 October 2009, CLSU, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva N Ecija: Paarticipants to the session on the S State-of-Knowledgge in the Z Zambales Coastt (ZC) were staff of o DENR (FASPO O, RO III-ERDS, PENRO-Zambales, CENRO-Massinloc), BFAR (RF FO III, ROS), CLSU (deesignated RIC forr the Region), RM MTU (designated host of the RIC facility, f hence, coollaborator of the RIC), NEUST, ASCOT T, PG-ENRO (Zam mbales), SIKAT, and representatives of local goveernment units of ZZambales (Botolaan, Masinloc, Castilleejos). 2.3. Su ummary: research r and mana agement interventtions in th he BM MC and th he ZC Inp puts during the state--of-knowledge workshop ps were in ntegrated and then sum mmarized ass tables. Forr the BMC (T Table 1): (1) biodiversitty research h conducted by CSU-A Aparri were baseline inv ventories and/or monitoring worrk on phyto oplankton, marine m macrrophytes (se eaweeds, seagrassess, mangrove es and ma angrove-asso ociates), co ommercially-important macro-inve ertebrates, fish and sha arks, and th he soft shelll shrimp (‘aramang’) fishery. WW WF-Philippin nes led the su urvey on cetaceans in 20 005; pendently ca arried out as ssessments of coral reefs/ reef (2) DENR-RO II has indep fishes in se elected LGUs while BFAR-RFO II con ntinued mon nitoring com mmercial 20 Table 1 Integration of RDE and management initiatives in the Babuyan Marine Corridor (BMC) during the a/ b/ c/ d/ last 5 years. Legend: by CSU; by WWF-Philippines; by DENR-RO II; from NSAP, by BFAR-RFO II RDE/ Management initiatives, last 5 years Coastal municipalities Cagayan (BMC) Biodiversity a/ studies Coastal resource c/ assessments z z Fish stock d/ assessments z Sta Praxedes Claveria 1. Oceanography of the Luzon Strait (UPMSI); z z Sanchez Mira 2. Biology of ludong (BFAR-RFO II); Pamplona Abulug 3. Aramang fishery assessment (BFAR-RFO II); and, Ballesteros z z Buguey z z Sta Teresita z Gonzaga z Sta Ana z Calayan z Aparri Lal-lo Coastal municipalities Cagayan (BMC) 4. Assessment/ cultivation of red seaweeds Porphyra and Gracilaria (BFAR-RFO II) z z b/ z z RDE/ Management initiatives, last 5 years PCRAs MPAs, fish sanctuaries MPA advocacy z c/ d/ z c/ d/ z Claveria z d/ z d/ z Sanchez Mira z c/ z c/ z Pamplona z d/ Abulug z c/ d/ Ballesteros z d/ Aparri z c/ d/ z d/ Sta Praxedes Others Lal-lo c/ MCEPs/ c/ CRMPs z z c/ d/ z d/ z d/ z c/ d/ z c/ d/ z z Sta Ana z c/ d/ z z Calayan z c/ d/ z Sta Teresita Gonzaga c/ z z Buguey CLE z and municipal fish stocks through the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP); and, (3) other BMC-related studies include oceanography of the Luzon Strait (UPMSI), investigations on the biology of lobed river mullets or ‘ludong’, assessments of soft shell shrimp or aramang fishery, and assessment and cultivation of red seaweeds Porphyra and Gracilaria (BFAR-RFO II). Table 1 shows that the coastal municipalities participated in PCRAs conducted in Cagayan through the combined efforts of BFAR and DENR in the region. Results of these have been summarized and shared during the workshop by BFAR-RFO II as status of coastal resources (coral benthos, seagrasses, fish diversity) for four 21 Table 2 Integration of RDE and management initiatives in the Zambales Coast (ZC) during the last 5 years. a/ by DENR-RO III (2007); b/ from NSAP, by BFAR-RFO III; c/ by DENR-RO III (2006); d/ Legend: established since 1993; by CSU; e/ monitored by BFAR-RFO III; f/ part of the FARM component of the FDMP by SIKAT; g/ by DENR-RO III (2004); g/ mostly led by BFAR-RFO III and assisted by DENR-RO III (2008); led by SIKAT in the 4 municipalities with LMMAs Coastal municipalities Zambales (ZC) RDE/ Management initiatives, last 5 years Coastal resource assessments Fisheries b/ assessments Sta Cruz z z z c/ e/ Candelaria z z z c/ Masinloc z z z c/ d/ Palauig z Iba z Botolan Protected areas, fish sanctuaries z c/ d/ z c/ z c/ z a/ 1. Hazard assessment of the Bucao and Balin-Baquero river system, Mt. Pinatubo (UPNIGS/UPMSI); 2. Coastal erosion and flooding in Zambales (UPNIGS/UPMSI); Cabangan San Felipe z a/ 3. Coastal oceanography of Zambales (UPMSI) San Narciso a/ San Antonio Subic a/ z a/ z z e/ z z Olongapo City z Coastal municipalities Zambales (ZC) Others e/ RDE/ Management initiatives, last 5 years Artificial e/ reefs f/ Coastal f/ database PCRAs g/ MFARMCs Fish wardens z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z Iba z z z Botolan z z z z Cabangan z z z z San Felipe z z z z San Narciso z San Antonio Subic z z z Olongapo City z Sta Cruz z LMMAs Candelaria Masinloc Palauig z z z z z z z z z z municipalities (Sta. Praxedes, Claveria, Gonzaga, Sta. Ana). MPAs and fish sanctuaries appear to be in place, some areas wherein functional management bodies can be assessed to ensure continued protection. The advocacy on MPAs also continues in the municipalities. Based on results of the PCRAs, a third of the municipalities have drafted their CRM and/or MCE plans. Only the municipality of Gonzaga has established its CLE, thus, the functionality of ICM would need to be executed through integrated consolidation. In the Zambales Coast, initiatives of various CRM projects of NGOs, and activities of DENR-RO III, BFAR-RFO III, and the PG-ENROZ directly collaborated with the LGUs (Table 2). 22 (1) There are 9 protected areas that have been established in 6 municipalities since 2006. Of these, the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Seascapes have been monitored since 1993. Fish sanctuaries in 2 more municipalities were set up in 2007; (2) Various LGUs have also shared their resources with NGOs and with government line agencies in efforts to: (a) to conserve threatened and endangered turtles and establishing critical habitats restocking of giant clams, sea ranching of rearing of sea urchins, abalone culture/ seaweed farming; species, e.g., tagging marine as nesting sites, reseeding/ holothurians (sea cucumbers), broodstock development, and (b) protect/rehabilitate/reforest mangroves/watersheds/coral reef areas; and, (c) conduct PCRAs. Initiative (b) for mangroves is a common practice in the Zambales Coast, since planting of seedlings began in 1993 in the northern coast. Efforts (a) to (c) have been embodied in the MCRMP of Masinloc, for example, and included the monitoring of red tide episodes by the BFAR-ROS (Masinloc). SIKAT spearheaded the establishment of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) in Sta Cruz, Candelaria, Palauig, and Subic, conditions of which, we presumed, have been monitored through annual PCRAs. (3) Coastal databases have been installed since 2004 and updated almost annually in all municipalities; (4) BFAR-RFO III assessed changes in fish stocks, both at commercial and municipal levels, in 4 NSAP sites. MFARMCs, which ensure that fishery resources are conserved and managed, have been established in all coastal municipalities. In addition, established fish sanctuaries and artificial reefs in Sta Cruz, Subic, and Olongapo were monitored. Recently, through ICRMP, fish wardens were deputized in 10 municipalities of the province. 3. Initial planning workshops: towards being functional RICs A day dedicated to operational planning followed each State-of-Knowledge session to initiate discussions of the operational framework plan for each of the RICs. The workshop process adopted was participatory. During the session, emphasis was given on one of the long-term goals for the RIC, i.e., to be functional based on RD&E programs. Both organizational and operational structures were discussed to facilitate the implementation of the RD&E programs. It was mentioned that MERF-UPMSI was to assist the RICs in capacity building, i.e., mentoring particularly in the RD&E programs, since the RICs are expected to formulate the latter along the following themes – adaptive management of MPAs and MPA Networks, ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management (EAFM), 23 improvement of the status of threatened species, and climate change adaptation. These programs are to be carried out in support to the conservation and management of the Babuyan Corridor and the Zambales Coast. 3.1. Operational planning with CSU-Aparri, 25 September 2009 In this session facilitated by Ms. Emerlinda Dizon, the core group of CSU-Aparri would have (a) reviewed the status of endangered species, MPAs, fisheries and fisheries management in the BMC, (b) reviewed existing plans for the BMC, (c) reviewed various biodiversity researches in the BMC that have been initiated by CSU, DENR, BFAR, and NGOs, (d) assessed its capability, as the RIC, to implement RD&E focused on the biodiversity of the BMC; (e) formulated a work plan, and (f) developed its implementing structure. 3.1.1. Proposed RD&E agenda The core group expressed that, following the information presented during the stateof-knowledge session, the following RD&E areas needed to be addressed for the BMC: (1) Monitoring and sustaining the management of MPAs; (2) Fisheries monitoring; (3) Monitoring of threatened species; and, (4) Adaptive management for climate change. Regarding extension, the team agreed to put together a detailed program that encapsulates the four RD&E themes and to implement it in the most strategic coastal municipality in Zambales, i.e., where crosscutting issues exists. The program shall be developed from the current knowledge of the BMC and designed to address the need to take the first steps towards improving the management of the marine corridor. The extension activities shall include information campaigns to increase awareness at the grassroots level, and entail close coordination with LGUs, hence entice support to management initiatives and/ or options, and community organizing and social preparations. The core group initially proposed the following activities: (1) Information dissemination on the status of coastal resources of the BMC, to be led by partners Mr. Antonio Cabalbag (CSU) and Mr. Quirino Pascua (BFAR-RFTC-Aparri); (2) Information dissemination on threatened species of the BMC, to be led by partners Mr. Pascua (BFAR-RFTC-Aparri) and Ms. Jam Flores (DENR-RO II); 24 (3) Response and rescue of stranded cetaceans, to be led by partners Ms. Alice Belen (BFAR-MAO) and Prof. Meliton Soriano (CSU-Aparri); and, (4) IEC/ capability building/ pilot testing/ and needs assessment program on climate change and adaptation, with proponents still to be determined. The participants came up with the following research agenda/ researchable areas for each of the four RD&E themes: 3.1.1.1. Adaptive management of MPAs and MPA networks Although there are existing MPAs in the BMC, there is a need to determine the impact of this intervention to the quality of marine ecosystems inside and outside the MPAs. The feasibility of fostering MPA networks in the BMC, i.e., establishing appropriate areas next to existing MPAs, also needs to be taken up. The following studies were proposed: (1) Monitoring of existing MPAs in the BMC, with proponents Dr. Romeo Culasing (CSU-Aparri) and Mr. Bernie Camit (Provincial Government of Cagayan-Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, PG Cagayan-OPAg); and, (2) Site assessment and identification of suitable MPAs in the BMC, with Dr. Esterlita Calanoga (CSU-Aparri) and Mr. Melvin Mangawil (PG Cagayan-OPAg); 3.1.1.2. Ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management (EAFM) Because of dwindling fisheries resources in the BMC, the management of both commercial and municipal fishing practice is imperative. To provide scientific basis for fisheries management, the RIC shall initiate an assessment of existing ecological systems and the links to fisheries. The following studies were proposed: (1) Coastal resources/ ecosystems assessment, including fisheries, with proponents Dr. Romeo Culasing (CSU-Aparri) and Mr. Benchito Villarao of BFAR-RFO II; (2) Stock enhancement of depleted resources – sea urchins, holothurians, giant clams, freshwater clams (‘cabebe’), and lobed river mullets (‘ludong’), with proponents Dr. Eunice Layugan (CSU-Aparri) and Ms. Emma Ballad of BFAR RFTC-Aparri; (3) Mangroves as habitats for juvenile fish, shrimps, and crabs, with proponents to be determined; (4) The impact of the Danish seine (‘buli-buli’) on capture fisheries in the BMC, with proponents to be determined; (5) Mackerel or ‘tangui’ fisheries in the BMC, with proponents to be determined; (6) ‘Aramang’ fisheries in the BMC, with proponents to be determined; and, (7) The practice of goby fry gathering in the BMC, with proponents to be determined. 25 3.1.1.3. Improvement of the status of threatened species The BMC is home to a number of large marine species listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. To follow on from previous surveys, the need for subsequent surveys and monitoring of habitats and large ocean areas is imperative so that the basis for protecting the large marine (threatened) species is established. The study Monitoring of identified threatened species was proposed, with proponents Prof. Wilma Urmeneta (CSU) and Ms. Jam Flores of DENR-RO II. 3.1.1.4. Climate change adaptation Physical oceanographic data on the Luzon Strait provided indications of the vulnerability of the BMC to climate change, particularly with increased sea surface temperatures (SST). The following studies were proposed: (1) Assessment of the vulnerability of the BMC (SST, sea level rise, coastal erosion, increased precipitation and storminess), with proponents Prof. Meliton Soriano (CSU-Aparri) and Ms. Maureen Aragon of BFAR-RFO II; (2) Impact of extreme events (e.g., flooding) to fisheries in the BMC (suggested by Dr. Nacorda); and, (3) The role of the Cagayan River in the productivity of the BMC: nutrient input patterns (suggested by Dr. Jacinto). 3.1.2. Initial assessment of competence levels The core group was then asked to assess their current competence level in each of the RD&E themes, so that training and coaching needs may be identified. The following scoring system was utilized: 1 – from none to limited skill/ capacity, 2 – capable but needs refresher training, and 3 – expert. Results of this assessment are presented in Table 3. Staff deemed they needed to be trained on (a) CRM, (b) biodiversity assessment methods, (c) taxonomy of vertebrates and invertebrates, (d) remote sensing and GIS, and (e) computer-based data analyses. The core group also expressed that they are open to improving their present level of research/ technical competence and extension capabilities vis-à-vis implementing the Center’s RD&E agenda for the BMC. Staff deemed they needed to be trained on (a) CRM, (b) biodiversity assessment methods, (c) taxonomy of vertebrates and invertebrates, (d) remote sensing and GIS, and (e) computer-based data analyses. The core group also expressed that they are open to improving their present level of research/ technical competence and extension capabilities vis-à-vis implementing the Center’s RD&E agenda for the BMC. 26 Table 3 Competence levels of staff in CSU-Aparri for RD&E that may be improved by 3 ICRMP . Legend for competence level: 1 – from none to limited, 2 – capable but needs refresher training, 3 – expert, TBD – to be determined Themes/ Proposed Studies/ General skills/ knowledge required (1) Adaptive management of MPAs and MPA networks a) Monitoring of existing MPAs in the BMC (research: CSU-Aparri/ PG Cagayan-OPAg) • Field assessment techniques – habitats (coral reef, seagrass, mangroves), reef fish (fish visual census), fisheries 1, 2 • Field identification of corals, reef fish, seagrasses, mangroves 1, 2 • SCUBA diving 1 • b) (2) Competence level Data management (databases, statistics, software use – ReefBase, FISHBase, FSat, etc) Site assessment and identification of suitable MPAs in the BMC (research: CSU-Aparri/ PG Cagayan-OPAg) 1, 2 • Field assessment techniques (as above) • Field identification of corals, reef fish, seagrasses, mangroves • SCUBA diving • Remote sensing and Geographic Information System s(GIS) • Data management (as above) 1, 2 1, 2 1 1 1, 2 Ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management a) Coastal resources/ ecosystems assessment, including fisheries (research: CSU-Aparri/ BFAR-RFO II) b) c) d) e) • Field assessment techniques (as above) • Fish catch monitoring and assessment 1 • SCUBA diving 1 1, 2 • Data management (as above) Stock enhancement of depleted resources – sea urchins, holothurians, giant clams, freshwater clams (‘cabebe’), and lobed river mullets (‘ludong’) (research: CSU-Aparri/ BFAR-RFTC-Aparri) 1, 2 • Field identification of invertebrates – urchins, giant clams, freshwater clams TBD • SCUBA diving • Reproductive biology of fish and invertebrates TBD • Laboratory techniques (culture/ maintenance of larvae and juveniles, sexual maturity stages) TBD • Data management (as above) Mangroves as habitats for juvenile fish, shrimps, and crabs (research: proponents to be determined) 1, 2 • Taxonomy of fish juveniles and decapod crustaceans TBD • Field techniques TBD 1 • Population studies The impact of the Danish seine (‘buli-buli’) on capture fisheries in the BMC (research: proponents to be determined) TBD • TBD Fisheries assessment techniques (fish catch/ biomass measurements) • Fish taxonomy Mackerel or ‘tangui’ fisheries in the BMC (research: proponents to be determined) TBD • Population studies TBD • Monitoring techniques TBD (continued) 3 Competence levels of partners in RD&E may be culled from previous TNAs or determined at a later stage. 27 Themes/ Proposed Studies/ General skills/ knowledge required f) g) h) (3) ‘Aramang’ fisheries in the BMC (research: proponents to be determined) • Population studies TBD • Monitoring techniques TBD • Focus group discussions (FGDs) The practice of goby fry gathering in the BMC (research: proponents to be determined) TBD • Taxonomy of fish juveniles TBD • Population studies TBD • Focus group discussions (FGDs) Information dissemination on the status of coastal resources of the BMC (extension: CSU/ BFAR-RFTC-Aparri) TBD • Popularizing of scientific/ technical information 1 • Software for presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) 1 Improvement of the status of threatened species a) Monitoring of identified threatened species (research: CSU-Aparri/ DENR-RO II) b) c) (4) Competence level • Taxonomic identification of sharks, rays, marine turtles (including identifying nesting sites), cetaceans (dolphins, whales) • Field methods 1 • GIS 1 • Data management (as above) Information dissemination on threatened species of the BMC (extension: BFAR- RFTC-Aparri/ DENR-RO II) Response and rescue of stranded cetaceans (extension: BFARMAO/CSU-Aparri) 1, 2 1 TBD • Organization and conduct of trainings/ workshops • Production of IEC materials 3 • Software for presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) 2 2, 3 Climate change adaptation a) Assessment of the vulnerability of the BMC (SST, sea level rise, coastal erosion, increased precipitation and storminess) (CSU-Aparri/ BFAR-RFO II) b) c) d) • Remote sensing, GIS, use of software • Field techniques (determination of coastal erosion, sea level rise) 1 • Techniques for assessing climate (precipitation, storminess) 1 • Software use Impact of extreme events (e.g., flooding) to fisheries in the BMC (CSUAparri/ others) 1 1 • Fisheries assessment techniques (fish taxonomy/ measurements) TBD • Climate assessment techniques TBD • GIS The role of the Cagayan River in the productivity of the BMC: nutrient input patterns (CSU-Aparri/ others) • Field methods (sampling techniques) • GIS • Laboratory techniques (water/ nutrient analyses) IEC/ capability building/ pilot testing/ and needs assessment program on climate change and adaptation (extension: CSU/ others) 1 TBD 1 TBD • Organization and conduct of trainings/ workshops 2 • Production of IEC materials 3 • Software for presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) 2 28 3.1 1.3. Propo osed structture of RIC-III As a system for f administration, mana agement, an nd implemen ntation of pllans and pro ograms, CSU U-Aparri prop posed a stru ucture (Fig. 14) that is n not independ dent from the e existing ca ampus administrative sttructure in CSU-Aparri. C CEO Dr. Rabanal rem marked that the basic posts for the t Center that were ccited in the e Project Administration Memorandu um (PAM) – officer man nager, assisttant ICRM specialist, s acccountant, asssistant marrine biologist, laboratoryy technician, utility pers son, and drivver – implied d creating a separate s bod dy within CS SU-Aparri tha at is likely to dissolve, hen nce, unsusta ainable post--Project life. He stressed that with ttheir propose ed setup, incumbent cam mpus person nnel shall be e tapped do implement plans and programs p and d, therefore, shall be prio ority for train ning/ capacityy-building. O On 22 Februa ary 2010, Pro of. Meliton Soriano S sub bmitted the following de escription o of the posts in their pro oposed structture (Appendix 25): (1) RIC II Foccal Person/ Coordinatorr/ Director – overall in-charge of the e Center; shall direcctly supervise e the manage ement of the e Center; (2) Assistant Focal Perso on/ Coordinator/ Director – shall assist in the supervision and mana agement of th he Center; (3) Research Coordinator – in-charg ge of resea arch underta aken by the e Center; Fig gure 14 The CEO O of CSU-Aparri leads the RIC in Region II while thhe focal person/ Center director and a his deeputy directly intteract with researrch, extension, and administrativee personnel, as w well as with prosppective m members of the RING. R 29 project leader; shall work closely with the Extension Coordinator; (a) Research Assistants – shall assist in undertaking/conduct of research of the Center; (b) Research Aides – shall assist in the gathering of data and help in the maintenance and upkeep of laboratory and field equipment; (4) Extension Coordinator – in-charge of all the extension activities of the Center with the LGUs, RING members, other stakeholders; shall work closely with the Research Coordinator; (a) Extension Workers/ Assistants – shall conduct and assist the Extension Coordinator in extension activities of the Center; (b) Technicians – shall assist the Extension Assistants in all the extension activities of the Center and help in the maintenance and upkeep of equipment; (5) Administrative Officer – responsible for all administrative matters of the Center; (a) Accountant – shall oversee the financial management of the Center; and, (b) Bookkeeper – shall manage all financial documents of the Center. 3.1.4. Expectations Together with the descriptions above, a list of expectations was put forward by CSUAparri as the RIC. Hence, during the subsequent establishment phase of the RIC, CSU-Aparri was expecting DENR to: (1) Facilitate the timely release of funds to the Center (if funds would be directly downloaded from DENR); (2) Facilitate the timely provision of equipment and supplies for use in RD&E activities of the Center; (3) Collaborate in RD&E, particularly for the Regional Office; (4) Be visible in all activities of the Center, especially for the Regional Office; and, (5) Assist in the management of the Center. CSU-Aparri was expecting MERF-UPMSI to: (1) Provide assistance during the establishment phase of the Center; (2) Provide assistance in the various RD&E initiatives of the Center. 30 (3) Provide technical assistance in the training of Center staff; and, (4) Provide assistance in the management of the Center during the duration of the Project. 3.2. First meeting on the mode of cooperation between CLSU and RMTU, 4 September 2009, RMTU-Iba, Zambales; group visit to RMTU-Candelaria The first meeting, albeit informal, between CLSU and RMTU took place in RMTU (Conference Room of the Office of the President), Iba, Zambales, on 4 September 2009. This meeting was attended by faculty, staff, and key officials of RMTU-Iba, RMTU-Candelaria, key officials of CLSU, DENR (FASPO and RO III), and MERFUPMSI (Appendix 26), and followed the brief visit to RMTU, as the host university to the RIC facility of Region III, by the ADB review mission and staff of DENR. The subsequent paragraphs are the draft minutes: (1) Dr. Jacinto, then presiding, provided context and updates on the Project – the status of the recommendation with the PSC; the components of ICRMP; training through MERF-UPMSI and/or through the Project; issues of harmonizing training efforts within the Project; the Centers as focal points in enabling the effective management of coastal areas through RD&E, monitoring, and feedback; and the Centers as hubs of information on CRM and interventions in the region. Dr. Jacinto added that there were four themes for RD&E interventions and that assets from the Project were to be used to address the objectives of the Center and for the needed interventions. (2) Dr. Jacinto started the discussions by putting forward a hypothetical structure of the Center, e.g., designating a Center head and assigning an RMTU-based director for the facility in Candelaria, and fate of equipment. He cited the experiences of MERF-UPMSI, through its current management structure, on procurement processes and acquisitions. To this, RMTU President Dr. Feliciano Rosete4 commented that procurement of major equipment through CLSU usually took a long time, i.e., based on experience of their other projects. He suggested that other acquisitio ns/ supplies to be based in the Center facility be purchased directly through RMTU. (3) Ms. Juanita Nacino (DENR-FASPO) raised concerns on the relationship of Universities with DENR Regional Offices. She asked if there would be staff from CLSU who will be assigned to the Center (recalling from the meeting of 6 July that there may not be any full-time staff available to man the Center) and on the Center’s mechanism of reporting. Ms. Nacino also informed the meeting 4 Before the ADB review mission and staff of DENR, Dr. Rosete mentioned that RMTU was to purchase a fishing boat that will be based in its Candelaria campus, and that he was keen on improving the facilities in the campus before the end of the term of Executive Dean Jimmy Avecilla. 31 4 Sep ptember 2009, RMTU, R Iba, Zamb bales: The ADB review mission, together with stafff of DENR, visiteed RMTU and meet with its key officials, officials of CLSU, and Prooject staff from MERF-UPMSI. Thhe mission team, composed of (lefft to right) Ms. Lorrna Enjaynes (Associate Operations Analyst), Team Leader Kee Heee Ryu, and med to RMTU Ms.. Maria Lourdes Drilon D (Natural Resources Econom mist), was welcom by its i President, Dr. Feliciano Rosetee (rightmost). that a MO OA between the t Center and a the DENR-RO III nee eded to be drafted d to facilitate th he download ding of Projec ct funds. (4) Regarding g the query on the MO OA, Dr. Jaccinto comme ented that this was paperworkk necessary and that ex xisting mode els of such detailed agrreements may be ussed as patte ern. This MO OA shall be the t instrume ent by which a PCSS number sh hall be obtained and by which ADB downloads P Project funds s directly to the Cen nters. Ms. Nacino said th hat the templlate used by MERF-UPM MSI for its lump sum contract with h ADB may be b used by CLSU. C (5) Regarding g expectation ns of CLSU from DENR R and vice-vversa, e.g., reporting, r Ms. Nacin no stated tha at reports and work planss that CLSU U prepares shall pass through MERF-UPMS M SI, who endo orses these to DENR Ce entral Office/FASPO, and then FASPO F prep pares the with hdrawal application to AD DB, which do ownloads funds to CLSU. C Dr. Ja acinto commented that it remains to b be discussed d whether MERF-UP PMSI still com mes into the picture or wh hether it is th he Center tha at directly transacts with the Reg gional Office es. Dr. Perryy Aliño said that CLSU may m only provide MERF-UPMS M SI copies of o reports submitted s to o DENR, especially e administra ative (financial) ones thatt do not requ uire technica al inputs from m MERFUPMSI. He H suggested d that guidelines on the reporting r pro ocess may ha ave to be mentioned d explicitly in n the MOA. Ms. Nacino o suggested that, to cut short s the process, the t DENR Central C Office e and MERF F-UPMSI be copied such h reports, and then an adhoc te eam composed of stafff from the C Central and Regional Offices, to ogether with MERF-UPMSI, may be formed f to validate and ac ccept the reports. (6) CLSU Pre esident Dr. Ruben Sevilleja inquire ed of what tthe relations ship was between the t Center and a MERF-U UPMSI, and cited that th hey were cle ear as to their relationship with RMTU and d with DENR R. He menttioned that for f some collaborative projects that CLSU was w leading,, all funds w were directed d to them and then they t farmed these t out dirrectly to colla aborating SU UCs. Ms. Nacino said 32 that the procedures were not yet in place and that FASPO may be open to suggestions on better ways or systems to follow for e.g., administration of funds and the reporting process. Dr. Aliño agreed to her suggestion, as it was a good opportunity provided by DENR, particularly in finding which of the available mechanisms best works for the Project, and in testing new procedures if the available mechanisms do not work. (7) Ms. Nacino stated that equipment acquired by DENR for the Center shall be transferred to the Center (to cancel the memorandum receipt or MR with DENR) and shall be property of the Center while the Project is in progress. Dr. Sevilleja said that although CLSU may acknowledge ownership of equipment based on such transfer, RMTU, logically, may have to be accountable for some equipment that will be physically moved to RMTU. He noted that some equipment were to be placed in CLSU (as the Center), e.g., computers, office equipment, cameras, etc. It was suggested that these specifics (including maintenance) were to be itemized in the bilateral agreement between the two HEIs and need not be agreed upon at the time of the meeting. (8) Dr. Sevilleja said that post-Project life, a bilateral agreement may be drafted between CLSU and RMTU regarding access to Project assets in the Center facility (RMTU-Candelaria). He said that within Project implementation, the assets were to be property of the Center and to be used by both HEIs; those assets to be based in RMTU were to merit the accountability of RMTU. Dr. Rosete suggested that these items be stipulated in the MOA. (9) As to whether both HEIs were conscious about sustaining the cooperation postICRMP, Dr. Sevilleja said that indeed, CLSU was well aware of sustainability issues, as this had been emphasized by Dr. Jacinto during previous visits. Depending on the results of their partnership with RMTU in ICRMP, CLSU may or may not opt out after Project life. Dr. Rosete said that both Universities may decide to continue the program, consistent with their mandates, and potentially utilize each MOOEs to maintain and/ or expand the program in Zambales. Dr. Aliño emphasized that the program being discussed was the RD&E program linked to ICRMP, and what inputs to this RD&E program would help IEC and RD&E information for stakeholders and implementers of CRM, such as the LGUs. He stressed that people in the Region must identify the Center and its facilities with research and development programs, in which 30 studies to be funded by ICRMP could start off the RICs, and then eventually build the demand for buy-ins in sustaining the financing for the facility. He referred to Information systems, knowledge products, and services (monitoring, decisionsupport) as examples of such buy-ins, from which requests for/ offering of partnerships have emerged in the past; the subsequent external support for the Center may be gathered based on how research projects would be operationalized while the Project is on-going. Dr. Rosete agreed to this and asserted that the Universities have got to begin fostering support and partnership from the LGUs towards achieving the objectives of the Project, and eventually continuing to encourage these beyond Project life. 33 (10) Dr. Aliño disclosed that the role MERF-UPMSI with the Centers was to help craft the RD&E programs and look at ways at how MERF-UPMSI may complement in e.g., training of staff and/or collaboration with the Centers. Dr. Jacinto added that a follow through activity was the planning workshop in order for the RICs to identify their VMGs and set concrete goals. Dr. Rosete suggested for a technical working group (TWG) to be formed immediately. He also volunteered RMTU as host of the first meeting of the TWG, during which details on the crucial step of setting up the Center’s R&D programs, as well as operational arrangements (MOA), may be discussed and documents prepared. (11) Dr. Jacinto reiterated that in terms of the time line, MERF-UPMSI was hoping to get the official ‘go’ with the PSC’s approval of the recommendation by the following week, since the subsequent activities have already been lined up for the RICs of Luzon. Ms. Nacino updated the group that such move was only formality on the part of the PSC, since the Resolution has already been signed by DENR, BFAR, and DILG; pending were signatures of the representative from NEDA and of the Secretary. (12) Dr. Jacinto mentioned that ASCOT has expressed interest in learning from the efforts of the Project in the South China Sea and applying these in the North Pacific seaboard. He also raised that interventions, i.e., trainings/ courses, across all RICs may have to be rationalized and that the relationship of the RICs with existing structures within the Project, e.g., the RSCs and the PSC, needed to be threshed out. Dr. Aliño commented that such gaps existed within the Project because the consulting firm that was to orchestrate all implementing agencies has not been engaged by the Project as of yet, thus, the different components/ sub-components kicked off at different periods. Ms. Nacino commented that as of the meeting, the firm has already been identified and that logistics for the firm’s engagement (i.e., draft contract) have already begun. (13) Dr. Aliño remarked that the situation has at least made MERF-UPMSI proactive, in that it was able to identify a specific mechanism (i.e., two HEIs cooperating) that is envisioned to work for Zambales, which may serve as a model for future interventions. (14) Dr. Sevilleja requested for Project documents so they may gain perspective on what needed to be achieved – R&D program proposals, work plans, budgets (Dr. Nacorda passed on Project documents into a flash disk provided by Dr. Terry Abella). Dr. Jacinto mentioned that the organizational structure, details of implementation arrangements/ MOA, and the visioning exercise were to be tackled in the planning workshop that was being organized by MERF-UPMSI. (15) Ms. Nacino brought up the concern on CLSU and RMTU providing the Center with their existing staff in lieu of hiring personnel, which was deemed to potentially contribute to the sustainability of the Center in the Region. She said that based on their discussion with ADB, providing the Center with existing staff shall form part of the HEIs’ counterpart. Also, contrary to previous notion, the budget for Center staff stipulated in the PAM appeared to represent the 34 Project’s allocation for personnel’s expenditure when engaged with RIC work, e.g., honoraria (incentive) and travel. (16) Dr. Aliño suggested that the group clarifies with FASPO what these meant – i.e., whether RICs would be obliged to pick up from these rates post-Project to keep the Center and the facility going. He reiterated that, foremost, operations have to be in place to justify the positions. (17) Ms. Nacino said that there was also an allocation for the maintenance of facilities and operations. She informed the group that the task of purchasing the motor boat for the Center has been passed on by the Central Office to the respective Regional Offices. Dr. Jacinto inquired as to whether the Center would be allowed to acquire a vehicle, in lieu of a motor boat, which RMTU was to procure on its own anyway. Ms. Nacino replied that an approval from ADB or the Office of the President (Malacañang) might be necessary. Dr. Elizabeth Farin inquired if the fishing boat that RMTU was planning to procure would have similar specifications with the motor boat that the Project is acquiring. Dr. Aliño replied that those would definitely have different specifications, and explained that if the RMTU boat was to provide the same function as the motor boat, then another unit to serve the same purpose would be redundant. Dr. Jacinto suggested that other mechanisms of acquiring vehicles, e.g., through Trust Funds, may have to be explored, since the mechanism of acquiring a vehicle seemed cumbersome. (18) Dr. Jacinto stated that there was some budget for refurbishment of existing building/ facility/ space. This refurbishment was assumed to happen in a building designated in RMTU-Candelaria, so that the RIC facility becomes distinct from the general labs in the campus. (19) As regards Ms. Nacino’s query on CLSU’s expectation from the Project, Dr. Sevilleja stressed that the reason why they were strongly suggesting for the land vehicle was, foremost, for their mobility and accessibility of Zambales in implementing what ICRMP was to demand from them. CLSU was prepared to commit an existing office in their campus (Muñoz) as their official space for the RIC, the Director, and for support staff. He said that two institutions would be seen collaborating for ICRMP in the Region (a special case indeed) and that the move to urge DENR and even ADB to approve the vehicle request would be valuable. He asked for MERF-UPMSI to help them appeal to DENR on such petition for the Center (not CLSU, Dr. Sevilleja pointed out). (20) Dr. Aliño, on emphasizing the research program, conveyed to the group that UPMSI started out with very little equipment but used these to enable its research, since the research program, as a prerequisite to implementing research, was more crucial than having equipment. For its willingness to work on established facilities in other areas and with another institution, Dr. Aliño commended the level of maturity that CLSU has achieved. Dr. Jacinto reiterated that as the Center, CLSU may use its designation and established leadership to leverage funds in future, and recalled the Korean 35 ADB person’s statement, i.e., that ABD was looking at these interventions to last more than a couple of years, which could progress to future projects that CLSU, individually or collectively and with other institutions, might pursue. Dr. Sevilleja stated that CLSU was aware of the state of affairs early on yet gave their commitment; he added that they looked at this as a window of opportunity. Dr. Aliño told the group that CLSU has been part of the AFMA network with UPMSI, which accessed funds for research through a research program at the national or regional level. Initially, and for its level of capability as a research institution, CLSU as the RIC would be able to leverage funds for its research agenda in Zambales. Dr. Sevilleja reiterated that for them, the vehicle would make it easier to implement the program in Zambales. Dr. Aliño seconded this, and then urged the group to refocus the discussion on achieving the Center’s objectives instead of dwelling on what assets to be acquired, as has been the case for some institutions that he has seen. Dr. Aliño mentioned that there were outfitted institutions in the country that have ceased to be functional after Project life because the facilities either remained unused/ underutilized or became dilapidated. He also shared to the group that other individuals have explicitly shown their hesitation over the recommendation for the Region III because the arrangements were perceived to be difficult and not as straightforward. He, however, strongly believed that the arrangement between CLSU and RMTU would achieve more and would foster a better relationship, rather than having it done another way for the Region, i.e., simply downloading the money to the RIC and then that would be it. (21) Regarding next steps, Dr. Jacinto asked about the availability of staff of both CLSU and RMTU on 8 to 9 October 2009. MERF-UPMSI was to forward documents to them (possibly also a draft template of the MOA) between then and those dates. A planning workshop was to be organized for the Region and this was to be hosted by RMTU (taking on the suggestion of Dr. Rosete). The workshop was planned for a small group, i.e., it would entail attendance of 2 to 3 participants (tentatively) from each HEI. (22) Dr. Jacinto gave the outlook for the next hours, i.e., lunch together, and then travel to the campus in Candelaria to check out the proposed Center facility. The team from CLSU, along with MERF-UPMSI and Dr. Farin, visited RMTUCandelaria. They were shown around by Executive Dean Jimmy Avecilla. 36 4 September 2009, Iba, Zambales: Attendees to the first meeting onn the mode of coooperation betweeen CLSU PMSI), annd RMTU for the RIC of Region IIII – (seated, left to right) – Dr. Gil Jacinto (Team Leeader, MERF-UP M Juanita Nacino (DENR-FASPO Ms. O), Dr. Annie Mellinda Paz-Albertoo (RIC Focal Persson, CLSU), Ms. Melen D Dizon (MERF-UPM MSI), and CLSU President Dr. Ruuben Sevilleja; (sttanding, left to rigght) – Mr. Keith Carloy C (R RMTU-Candelariaa), Ms Maricel Eddurain (RMTU-Caandelaria), staff from f RMTU-Canddelaria (name unndisclosed), Dr. Perry P Aliño (MER RF-UPMSI), Mr. Michael M Lopez (D DENR-RO III), Dr. Terry Abella (RIC Focal Person, CLSU), Dr. Elizabeth Farinn (VP for Researcch, Extension and Training, RMTU), Prof. Jimmy Avecilla A Executive Dean, RMTU-Candelaria), and Prof. Randy Balaoing (RM MTU-Candelaria)) (E 3.3. Op perational planning g with CL LSU and RMTU, R 13 October 2009 2 Thiis session with w the RIC-III key playe ers, compose ed of the corre group from m CSLU, foccal persons of o RMTU, and Project officials o from m DENR-FAS SPO (Appen ndix 27), was facilitated by Ms. Eme erlinda Dizon n. She gave e the flow of the worksho op to the gro oup and then n explained in her presen ntation (Appendix 28) th hat (a) the RICs were envvisioned to be b institutionss that would be capa able of susta aining CR RM tasks in the t Regions, i.e., lea arning from past efforrts – FSP, FRMP, ENRP; E (b) fo or the RIC Cs to be funcctional units, they nee eded to unde erstand and then takke up their niches, exp press the eir VMGs, an nd work tow wards the eir advancem ment (Fig. 15); and d (c) the Ce enter’s continuity were to hinge also on ha aving ‘wa arm bodies’ or o a critical mass Figu ure 15 On develloping the RICs aas functional unitss in the reegions. Source: slide s from the preesentation of ICRM I expertts. 37 3.3.1. Addenda to the State-of-Knowledge presentations Before the workshop proper, the group agreed to give way to the presentations of CRMrelated work of RMTU as well as initiatives of UPMSI in the Zambales Coast, since these have not been accommodated by the program of the previous day. 3.3.1.1. Floral diversity assessment of mangrove ecosystem in Masinloc, Zambales Prof. Rowena Remojo-Sazon presented their surveys and analyses of the mangrove vegetation in in coastal barangays of Masinloc (Appendix 29). She described the structure of mangroves based on 6 parameters and then enumerated various uses of mangroves to the people of Masinloc, including the people’s pattern of utilization. The causes to failed reforestation projects were also given followed by the authors’ recommendations. The abstract of Prof. Remojo-Sazon’s talk is as follows: Floral Diversity Assessment of Mangrove Ecosystems in Masinloc, Zambales Sazon, Rowena Remojo and Gascon, Antonio F. Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, Iba, Zambales The study was conducted to assess the floral diversity of mangrove forests in the four coastal barangays of Masinloc, Zambales including Brgy. Baloganon, Brgy. Inhobol, Brgy. San Lorenzo, and Brgy. San Salvador. The factors that contributed to the present state of mangrove ecosystems were likewise evaluated. Three 10 x 10 m quadrats were located in each study site. The species composition and the floral diversity of each mangrove ecosystem were analyzed and compared using the following indices: Shannon-Weiner Index of Diversity (SHDI), Shannon-Weiner Index of Evenness (SHEI) and Simpson’s Index of Dominance. Ten major mangrove species belonging to five families of Rhizophoraceae, Sonneratiacea, Avicenniaceae, Palmae and Combretaceae, four minor components and six mangrove associates were identified. Sonneratia alba, Avicennia marina, Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata were the species common in all sites. Sonneratia alba was the most dominant species in Brgy. Baloganon and San Salvador having an importance value (IV) of 192.86 and 165.02, respectively. Among the sites studied, Brgy. Inhobol was the most diverse in terms of mangrove floral composition attaining an SHDI of 0.97. The remaining mangrove stands in Masinloc were still in a healthy state but comprised mainly of young mangrove vegetation. Most species were within the diameter range of 4.1 – 20.0 cm. Sonneratia alba was the only species representing all diameter classes attaining a dbh of more than 40 cm. Various stakeholders valued mangroves in terms of resource and regulatory functions. Several factors, however, threatened the condition of mangrove forests in Masinloc, such as the use of sayudsod, crab harvesting by soil digging, water pollution, coastal development, squatting, continued fishpond development, and the lack of formal regulations. Brgy. Inhobol should be given utmost priority in conservation since it possessed the highest mangrove floral diversity. Other areas should likewise be protected through formal regulations and introduction of wise pattern of mangrove resource utilization. Open Forum/ Discussion (1) Question (Dr. Annie Melinda Paz-Alberto, CLSU): Have you considered molecular techniques for the species identification of mangroves? Reply (Prof. Remojo-Sazon): Not yet, but that is a very good suggestion. 38 (2) Comment (Dr. Terry Abella, CLSU): Perhaps one major cause of the decline of mangroves in Masinloc is encroachment by humans and that aquaculture may also be rapidly expanding in the area. One way to address this would be from data obtained from informant interviews. (3) Question (Dr. Lucena Mercado, DENR-FASPO): Is your output similar to what has been presented by DENR? May I also suggest that IEC on mangroves and its reforestation be intensified in the area? Reply (Prof. Remojo-Sazon): No, these results are relatively recent and different from what DENR presented yesterday. (4) Comment (Ms. Juanita Nacino, DENR-FASPO): I suggest that this material be presented to DENR, especially in relation to favoring mariculture over keeping mangrove stands. I recall that even cutting mangroves within private property required a permit. (5) Question (Dr. Paz-Alberto): Did you happen to visit the area again? Can we presume that there have been changes because of 2007 and 2008 CRM interventions reported yesterday? The last question was left unanswered because while recognizing that the whole day may be spent with exchanging views on the matter, Dr. Jacinto redirected the focus of the group to the rest of the workshop. 3.3.1.2. Socio-economic impact of the establishment of fish sanctuary in Candelaria, Zambales Prof. Jurelac Marquez shared results of their key informant interview surveys in Candelaria on respondent awareness/ importance of the sanctuary and of their scanning exercise on the perceived social and economic benefits with establishing the sanctuary (Appendix 30). The various fish sanctuaries were described and then the peoples’ awareness and perspectives on the sanctuary were given. Prof. Marquez presented the various fisherfolk organizations in Candelaria, the membership of the respondents, the organizing initiative of SIKAT, and the activities related to the management and protection of the sanctuary. The management capability of the organizations in terms of protection and conservation measures, tally of violators, capability to resolve problems, and coping mechanisms were also presented. On economic benefits, Prof. Marquez reported profiles of fisherfolk incomes as well as volumes and species composition of fish catch. The abstract of her presentation is as follows: Socio-economic impact of the establishment of fish sanctuary in Candelaria, Zambales Marquez, Jurelac D., Sazon, Rowena R. and Ramirez, Luzaminda F. Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, Iba, Zambales The study was conducted to describe the socio-economic status of the fisherfolks of Candelaria, Zambales, before and after fish sanctuary establishment. Descriptive method of research was used to determine the socio- economic profile of the residents 39 of Sinabacan and Malabon. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling method. Secondary data were obtained from SIKAT, local government units (LGUs), and the Department of Agriculture-Municipal Agriculture Office (DA–MAO) of Candelaria, Zambales. Survey data were treated using statistical tools like frequency, mean and percentages. The study revealed that the respondents were well informed on the nature and objective of fish sanctuary due to the information campaign conducted by the LGU and NGO before the sanctuary was established. The Candelaria fishermen socially benefited from the establishment of the fish sanctuary. It was found out that the respondents’ membership in organizations enabled them to participate in seminars and trainings that honed their leadership and management skills and made them effective leaders in conserving and protecting the marine resources. Their strong commitment and vigilance resulted to a decreased incidence of illegal fishing in the municipal waters of Candelaria. In terms of economic benefits, the fish sanctuary has not yet improved the economic conditions of the fishermen in the area. However, after 3 years of operation, the ecological condition of the sanctuary and its marine resources has significantly improved and it has become a showcase for locally managed marine areas. Open Forum/ Discussion (1) Suggestion (Dr. Olive Parico, CLSU): Maybe conduct another series of interviews to validate the social perception, since the respondents are inclined to say ‘no improvement with sanctuary’. There must be some sort of check in the field. Comment (Dr. Pol Yambot, CLSU): It would be in this respect where results of stock assessment studies are used. I heard you have catch per effort data – there are mathematical equations to help assess catch volumes. We do not have data yet from Zambales; these would be good to obtain from the fisherfolks. (2) Question (Dr. Parico): Is there no alternative livelihood offered by the LGU? Reply (Prof. Marquez): There are offers but only to a chosen few, which is why the current support of fishers to alternative livelihood efforts is weak. (3) Suggestion (Dr. Mercado): Perhaps your sequel study can look into possible multi-financing mechanisms. Also, I suggest that you include biodiversity-related questions in the survey form. 3.3.1.3. Biodiversity studies along the Zambales Coast Dr. Aliño shared highlights of their component in the Project component “Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand”, particularly regarding work on benchmarking and monitoring of the MPA network in Masinloc (Appendix 31). The network is composed of 3 fish sanctuaries located in Bani, San Salvador, and Panglit, and 1 ‘taclobo’ or giant clam farm. Methods for the biological and ecological surveys for benthos and fish inside and outside each MPA site were presented. The Project subsequently came up with status reports that were fed back to the participating local groups and LGUs. Other initiatives that 40 involved the local l comm munities in Masinloc M we ere during the Projectt’s initial collaboration with w them and d during info ormation disssemination o on conservattion. Dr. Aliñ ño also showed results of coral tra ansplantation n efforts (thrru the Pew Project5, 200 02-2005) in Zambales (Dalulac, An nda, Masinlo oc), Eastern n Samar, an nd Cebu. Mo ore recently, the EBM Pro oject6 highlig ghted the prim mary factors to make fish hers stop the eir fishing acctivity in Massinloc and d Subic, i.e e., availabilitty of and alte ernative l livelihood resou dep pleted urces, resspectively (F Fig. 16). There T was also menttion of conditions to be b met for sh hifting liveliho oods, imp proving live elihood cho oices, and d benefits from inter--LGU collaboration. Finally, the mo odel kit FIS SH-BE (Fish heries Info or-mation for f Sustain nable Harvests Bio-E Economic Model) was presented as a package of Figu ure 16 Responsees of fishers in M Masinloc and Subic on stoopping their fishinng and shifting livvelihoods. Sourcce: slide too ols to asssist in CRM froom the presentation (cf. EBM) deccisions. Op pen Forum/ Discussion D (1) Question (D Dr. Ronald Alberto, A CLS SU): Have there t been a attempts to show s the ecological relationships r s you showed d with curren nt molecular ttechniques? Reply (Dr. Aliño): We have h on-goin ng collaborattion with the PIRE Projec ct to look at phylogeo ography and d evolution of o selected species. sp Prio or to this, there were dispersal simulation s exxercises and links with MPAs M to show w interrelate edness of various species. Information has s been used d to help in some man nagement strategies for f regulating g fishing effort. (2) Question (D Dr. Cecil Ga alvez, CLSU)): Do we havve data to su upport the pe erception that fisherss have put a lot l of pressurre on marine e resources? ? Reply (Dr. Aliño): We can c look at fish f landing data with BA AS, but then n we also recognize that t their data abases have e problems. 5 6 Pe ew Fellows Progrram in Marine Co onservation of Drr. Edgardo Gome ez EB BM Project Findin ng a Way out of Subsistence S Fish heries of the Philiippines (FindFish hSup), funded by y the David and Lucille Packard d Foundation 41 3.3.2. Finding the RIC’s niche: from perception of issues, recommending interventions/ strategies/ research, to prioritizing research needs of the Zambales Coast Ms. Dizon guided the group to a series of questions (Appendix 32), responses to which had to be written in color-coded paper or metacards. She asked the participants to recall the state-of-knowledge session and then provide their ideas on the following: (a) the issues and challenges that beset the Zambales Coast, (b) the interventions needed to enhance ZC’s coastal resources (management ideas), (c) programs, projects, and strategies, and (d) research. Finally, she invited all participants to code the research ideas with either orange (to denote its impact) or green (to denote achievability). These issues and challenges list included: • Cutting of mangrove trees/ no protection of mangroves; • Biodiversity loss; • Depletion of marine resources; • Pollution/sedimentation/siltation brought about by mining; • Destructive fishing practices like cyanide and blast fishing; • Lack of information on the present status of fisheries; • Low level of community appreciation of coastal resources/ lack of coordination in protecting the marine resources; • Implementation of laws/governance; • Livelihood problems of the fisher folk; and, • Lack of implementation dissemination on how to manage the coastal areas. The group’s ideas on the needed management interventions were: • Integrated/comprehensive management plan and coastal planning; • Assess fisheries stocks first, then recommend measures; • Profile of physical, chemical and biological resources; • Positive identification of all species; • GIS mapping of mangrove areas in Zambales; • Conservation of fisheries and aquatic resources; • Biodiversity conservation, assessment, and monitoring; 42 • Enactment of the seascape and terrestrial (transition) areas; • Political will; • Translate database, i.e., popularize; database management; • Provision of alternative livelihood to fisher folks/ sustained alternative livelihood for fisher folk/alternative livelihood opportunities; and, • Mangrove plantation. reforestation/ establish mangrove germplasm/ mangrove Their ideas on the necessary programs/projects/strategies for the Zambales Coast were: • Proper waste disposal; • Artificial reefs; • Convergence of all conservation efforts/harmonize aquaculture with the conservation works presently done in Zambales; • Coordination of various agencies in the implementation of laws to protect the marine resources; • Indigenize/popularize all available IEC materials; • Sustainable mechanisms following previous Project efforts; • Political will; and, • Identify ICRM champions/intensify community level education and advocacy/champions/IEC/promotion and dissemination of technological strategies for resources conservation/increase peoples’ participation in resource management. Finally, the group put forward the following ideas for research: • Access to new technology; • Asexual propagation of mangrove trees; • Assessment of sustainable off-shore aquaculture; • Biodiversity assessment; • Comprehensive planning with a research planning unit; • Development of GIS for MIS on CRM; • Effect of climate change on coastal resources; 43 • Food from mangrove trees; • Physico-chemical assessment of marine waters; • Socio-economic impact of CRM; • Stock assessment and management of fisheries; • Substrate characterization and species suitability for mangrove reforestation; and, • Transplantation of corals. From these, 8 research ideas received frequencies greater than 0 on perceived impact and achievability (Table 4). These ideas were ranked based on totals of these measures and frequencies were spread by HEI. Both HEIs agreed on quantifying biodiversity as the top item in the research agenda for the Zambales Coast, followed by assessments of climate change effects and of fisheries stocks and their management. The need for a GIS on CRM efforts and the access to new technology ranked next. These first 4 ideas were perceived to be achievable, considering staff competencies. Specific studies, i.e., coral transplantation, asexual propagation of and food from mangrove trees, substrate characterization and species suitability for mangrove reforestation, and physico-chemical assessments of marine waters, were perceived to contribute little to the current needs of the ZC. Table 4 Research ideas perceived to be on top of the research needs of the Zambales Coast (impact) and their achievability based on current staff competencies. Research Ideas Impact Achievability CLSU RMTU Total CLSU RMTU Total (1) Biodiversity assessment 5 4 9 6 4 10 (2) Effect of climate change on coastal resources 6 2 8 4 2 6 (3) Stock assessment and management of fisheries 5 2 7 2 2 4 (4) Development of GIS for MIS on CRM 2 3 5 3 2 5 (5) Access to new technology 3 2 5 4 0 4 (6) Socio-economic impact of CRM 1 0 1 2 2 4 (7) Comprehensive planning with a research planning unit 0 1 1 1 0 1 (8) Assessment of sustainable offshore aquaculture 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 13 36 23 12 35 Total frequency 44 Figure 17 Staff from F f both CLSU and a RMTU take on o management positions in the proposed sttructure of RIC III. 3.3. 3.3 Propo osed structture of RIC-IIII The e structure proposed p forr RIC-III consisted of at least 8 posiitions (Fig. 17). 1 The desscription of each post iss as follows s, which wass received b by email from CLSU (Ap ppendix 33): (1) Director - Overall O coord dinator of RIC in Region n III as well as manages s, directs and supervvises all programs and activities of RIC which is located in n Central Luzon State University and the Cen nter Laborato ory Facility in n RMTU, Ca andelaria, Zambales; (2) On-Site Co oordinator - In-charge of the operration of the e Center La aboratory Facility in RMTU, R Candelaria; (3) Head, Exte ension Divission - Manag ges and coo ordinates all extension activities pertaining to t biodiversiity informatio on and awarreness in the communities living near the co oastal resourrces; oordinates all research activities (4) Head, Ressearch Divission - Manages and co pertaining to biodiverrsity assessment studie es, biodiversity monitorring and conservatio on activities of o coastal res sources; nician/ Extension Workerr - Undertake e the biodive ersity informa ation and (5) Field techn awareness activities in the commun nities living near the coasstal resources s; ologist - Undertake the biodiversityy research a assessment studies, (6) Marine Bio biodiversityy monitoring and conserv vation activitie es of coastall resources; 45 (7) Research Assistant - Undertake the biodiversity research activities in coastal resources; (8) Faculty Research Personnel - Faculty members in CLSU and RMTU who undertake research works in coastal resources; and, (9) Administrative staff/ Support staff - Personnel who assist in the clerical/administrative works, maintenance and cleanliness of the RIC in CLSU and Center Laboratory Facility in RMTU, Candelaria. 3.3.4. Expectations During the subsequent establishment phase of the Center, four institutions – DENR, CLSU, RMTU, and MERF-UPMSI – expressed their commitment of support, willingness to contribute and share resources towards a common goal. In achieving the Center’s objectives for biodiversity research monitoring in the Zambales Coast, CLSU is to lead in the RD&E activities of the Center and provide training facilities; RMTU is to cooperate with CLSU in RD&E by providing manpower and facilities; DENR is to provide technical assistance and facilitate the Center’s financial/administrative support; and, MERF-UPMSI is to provide assistance in MPA M&E and feedback, climate change monitoring, and suggestions on the Center facility design and operations. The institutions also expressed their expectations from their partners. Thus: (1) CLSU expects collaboration/ cooperation from RMTU, in terms of partnership in RDE activities (cf. provision of manpower and facilities); (2) CLSU anticipates assistance from DENR in gathering secondary data, apart from ensuring that funds for RDE activities flowed; (3) CLSU expects technical advice/expertise from MERF-UPMSI, as well as assistance in RDE activities; (4) With partnership with CLSU, RMTU is to benefit from CLSU’s technical expertise; hence, enhance and improve their level of competence in RDE; (5) As host to the Center facility, RMTU expects that, post-ICRMP, assets acquired and housed in their facility would be eventually be turned over to them; (6) RMTU anticipates benefits from the expertise of MERF-UPMSI, as it shall spearhead the RDE program that the Center is to undertake, and that it shall also participate in the M&E of the Center; (7) RMTU hopes to gain from the technical expertise and capability building initiatives of DENR, and similarly expects DENR to share secondary data and/or obtain these from other Project partners; 46 (8) As assisting academe to the Center, MERF-UPMSI looks forward to CLSU’s strategic leadership in the region’s ICRM, effective coordination of RDE in the regional network, and well-motivated partnerships in RDE; (9) MERF-UPMSI expects RMTU to manage the facility on-site and be able to carry out integration of RDE also on-site (Zambales); and, (10) MERF-UPMSI expects DENR to support the research programs of the Center, effectively coordinate such support, and assist with data access especially with partners in ICRMP. 4. Proposed mechanisms for RIC functions Since the Centers are to take on tasks directed towards strengthening CRM and marine biodiversity conservation initiatives in their assigned corridor, the Centers shall lead in coastal and marine biodiversity research and monitoring in their respective corridors. The RICs shall develop their R&D capability to address relevant issues in the coastal environment/ marine corridor in question. During planning and/or implementing the interventions, the Centers may involve individuals and institutions in the region that are engaged in CRM efforts. 4.1. Biodiversity monitoring Biodiversity monitoring involves following overall changes in community composition or indicator assemblages across space and through time, as surrogates for ecosystem health7. Monitoring programs shall be designed to include the establishment of baseline data. Indicators (species or assemblages) shall be selected and their attributes followed through time. Along with indicators, interventions (e.g., human disturbance) shall be identified and assessed as well. A comprehensive program could be designed to include examining the effects of human populations on target species, as this is a recommended basic activity alongside monitoring biodiversity. Studies that document the effects of climate change using indicators of ecosystems, the vulnerability of ecosystems, their appropriate responses, and human adaptation to the changing environment must be pursued. 4.2. R&D capacity development The Project has provided an opportunity for the Centers to each come up with a research program that may consist of several projects/studies that can be 7 Kremen C, Merenlender AM, Murphy DD (1994) Ecological monitoring: a vital need for integrated conservation and development programs in the tropics. Conservation Biology 8(2): 388-397 47 implemented during the subsequent 2 years. For Regions II and III, the Centers may begin to cull from the synthesis of the inputs to the state-of-knowledge workshops. Initially, CSU-Aparri has proposed specific studies and their RDE partners under the general themes provided by MERF-UPMSI (see Section 3.1.1, this Report). The Centers are currently drafting their capsule proposals as a program (as of this Report), guided by the R&D priorities for Luzon that have been put together by DENR in a workshop with academic and research institutions last January 2010. On receipt of the proposals, MERF-UPMSI shall convene the core groups this June 2010 to assist them in packaging the concept papers into full-blown proposals and, as necessary, also in integrating the concepts as a program. Once packaging is completed, the Centers shall submit these proposals to the ICRMP Project Management Office (PMO) to complete the evaluation and approval process. The core group and other staff of the Centers are to receive technical assistance and guidance from MERF-UPMSI, particularly in developing their competence and skills for RDE. They may also be engaged by MERF-UPMSI in the various projects being implemented in the marine corridors. As there is an effort to harmonize training among the different components of ICRMP, there is also the possibility of being included in trainings to be conducted by PAWB and BFAR. Competence and skills for RDE shall not be limited to those required in the field; practical training on data analyses tools and technical writing (reports, publications) are included. 4.3. IEC As focal points for undertaking IEC campaigns, the Centers shall launch campaigns in print, radio, and electronic media to generate public awareness on coastal and marine environmental issues specific for the BMC and the ZC. The campaigns ought to also generate support to interventions meant to address the issues. Thus, the Centers shall utilize scientific results of various studies, including those from their marine corridor-targeted research. They shall also feedback to the public the impact of interventions. The Centers’ campaigns shall be directed to academic units (teachers and student representatives from all levels) and officials of LGUs along the BMC and the ZC, as they may echo the learnings to the wider public. The Centers shall also organize a collection of IEC materials relevant to their marine corridor. 4.4. Networking and collaborative undertaking The Centers essentially encourage networking and collaboration when they facilitate the convergence of individuals and institutions that are active on CRM in the region. They shall discuss, plan, implement, and/or complement the CRM and biodiversity conservation interventions needed in the BMC and the ZC. MERF-UPMSI has been promoting the concept of the RING (Regional ICRM Network Group) to forge collaboration among and eventually mobilize stakeholders in the BMC and the ZC, mainly to help accelerate, hence, achieve sooner, the country’s biodiversity conservation targets. The RINGs are, thus, to be potential venues for sharing, 48 planning together, and forging agreements for common visions. Since adaptive management strategy is a mechanism to evolve management plans and perspectives, the RINGs shall help bring players of ICRM in the regions to synergize their efforts not only in aggregation but also in sharing resources, such as technical expertise, manpower, and other necessary implements. The outreach programs of the HEIs, for example, may be tapped to upgrade the technical capability of the community. The RING members may also participate, i.e., design and undertake, IEC campaigns. 5. Funding and financial sustainability Initially and during Project life, i.e., until December 2012, the Centers were made to understand that funding for their functions were to be primarily borne by ICRMP, secondarily through the University as their counterpart (Center space, personnel). The Centers were also informed that they are eligible to take advantage of budget for research studies in the Project. Post-ICRMP, funds to continue the Centers’ RICs’ Operational Framework Plan functions may be sourced out from DOST, CHED, DA, DENR, and various ICRMP budget for RICs international organizations/ foundations Funding Budget under research/ studies (30) (e.g., ADB, UNEP, UNDP, USAID, Internal budget (counterpart) David and Lucille Packard Foundation External sources – DOST, CHED, Inc.) subject to submissions of sound DA, DENR, USAID, etc. proposals with attainable objectives. At Training courses (for a fee?) some point, training courses may be offered to the public for a fee. These ideas have been floated by MERFUPMSI during the update/progress Figure 18 Sources of funds to support the functions of the RICs – initially from ICRMP (first 2 bullets) and some meeting with assisting academic counterpart allocation, and then possibly from external institutions on 23 February 2010 at sources and organized training. Source: slide from the FASPO (Fig. 18). presentation Progress on the Establishment of RICs in Regions II and III, 23 February 2010 6. Schemes for the M&E of the RICs A performance standard and system was proposed to be formulated with the RIC and the Project Steering Committee (PSC) so as to allow gauging the day-to-day performance and the achievement of particular milestone outputs and overall RIC targets. A set of indicators shall be agreed upon with the RIC, and such is seen to also facilitate the development of cooperative arrangements for the RING. In the subsequent strategic planning workshop, the Centers shall list specific outputs that they are targeting to achieve within at least 1 year. For example, the capacity-building targets in relation to the RDE objectives will be identified and then the process will be 49 clarified and agreed upon. For capacity-building, the initial targets would be the establishment of an RIC coordinating system, with a recognized structure, defined roles and responsibilities, and incentives. Targets and milestones have been proposed in the Inception Report; these shall be presented and discussed with the Centers. The RDE program to be funded by the Project shall have its own review process and to be led by DENR-ERDB, as agreed during the Convergence Workshop held in Antipolo, Rizal on 25 March 2010. An organizational development (OD) consultant may be engaged to provide integrative advice on the systems and procedures appropriate for achieving the objectives of the RICs, their functions, and development strategies and tactics. The consultant shall provide advice on the framework and an overall review of the OD concerns and findings on synergies with the ICRMP as a whole. 50