tropical coasts Vol. 15 No. 1 ISSN 0117-9756 July 2008

Conserving the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas

• One Vision, One Plan, Common Resources, Joint Management

• Establishing Marine Protected Area Networks

• Enforcement of Coastal and Marine Environmental Laws Editorial Partnerships at Work S. Adrian Ross Editor

The Seas of East Asia consist of more than seven million square been crafted under the GEF-supported South China Sea and Yellow kilometers of sea area, bordered by 234,000 kilometers of coastline. Sea LME projects, as well as the emerging six-country Coral Triangle The 8.6 million square kilometers of watershed area draining into Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security, a partnership of these regional seas are governed by 13 coastal nations and 2 non- six countries (i.e., Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, coastal nations; nations which are home to more than 1.8 billion the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste). people. This issue of Tropical Coasts focuses on an LME within the Seas of East These basic parameters concerning the Seas of East Asia provide Asia, the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas, which is in the process of developing a meager glimpse of the complexities associated with managing and implementing a tri-national partnership arrangement. The Sulu a vast geographic sea area that is rich in shared historical, cultural, and Sulawesi Seas, also known as the Sulu-Celebes Sea, have been economic and ecological features, but, at the same time, spans identifi ed as a distinct LME, ecoregion, and seascape by the United countries with disparate sociopolitical and economic conditions and States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (US NOAA), scientifi c and technical capacities. It is from this perspective that the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and Conservation International Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS- (CI), respectively. SEA), which was adopted in December 2003 with the signing of the Putrajaya Declaration, is regarded as a signifi cant milestone in the The sea area is fl anked by three populous, developing nations — the journey to improving the governance of the East Asian Seas. For the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. The subregion is inhabited by 35 fi rst time in the history of the region, concerned countries agreed to million people and spans an area of nearly one million km2. The seas a common management framework and platform for cooperation to are located within the East Indies Triangle or Coral Triangle, described collectively address natural and man-made transboundary threats as the global center of marine biodiversity. It is home to the Verde to the sustainable development of their shared seas and common Island Passage, which in turn is regarded as the center of the center of resources. marine shorefi sh biodiversity. The “center of the center” distinction is based on a study conducted by Carpenter and Springer in 2005. The The SDS-SEA provides countries and their partners with practical study overlaid distribution maps of 2,983 individual species comprising guidance to coastal and ocean management, founded on the of algae, corals, crustaceans, mollusks, fi shes, marine reptiles and 30 to 40 years of experience at the national, subnational and marine mammals. The outcome was confi rmation that the highest subregional levels, as well as lessons and good practices from the species richness per unit area of 1,736 species within a 10 km x 10 km global community. But the essence of the SDS-SEA is not simply grid area was in the Verde Island Passage. the objectives and actions that are delineated in the document, but also recognition that the goal of sustainable development of marine Stakeholders of the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas have been able to share and coastal resources entails a new paradigm in governance, that information and jointly identify priority areas for conservation to being a mechanism that promotes and facilitates government and achieve a common vision. They have crafted a plan known as the nongovernment entities working in partnership in order to achieve Ecoregion Conservation Plan (ECP) for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine their collective — as well as their respective individual — social, Ecosystem (SSME) and forged a tri-national management mechanism. economic and ecological targets. The three countries, in partnership with local governments, communities, scientifi c and technical institutions, international NGOs, This innovative approach to coastal and ocean governance was donors and the business sector, are now in the process of developing formally endorsed by 11 Country Partners and 12 non-Country the required capacities to implement the ECP, including strengthening Partners with the signing of the Haikou Partnership Agreement for environmental law enforcement and exploring sustainable fi nancing the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for mechanisms geared to making the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas one of the the Seas of East Asia*, in December 2006. Since the signing of the most advanced marine ecoregion management initiatives among the Haikou Partnership Agreement, the concept of coastal and ocean East Asian seas. governance through partnership arrangements has been gaining momentum in the region. For example, in January 2007, Cambodia, This issue of Tropical Coasts is a joint eff ort of PEMSEA and Thailand and Vietnam signed a Framework Programme for Joint Conservation International-Philippines, a non-Country Partner of Oil Spill Preparedness, Response and Cooperation in the Gulf of PEMSEA, as well as contributions from the Tri-National Secretariat for Thailand, setting up subregional governance system for preventing the ECP, (i.e., Malaysia Department of Fisheries – Sabah). It features and responding to oil spills from sea-based sources. Similarly, articles on the SSME covering the development of the ECP, the management mechanisms are also now being considered by supporting management framework and governance arrangements, countries for the implementation of Strategic Action Plans that have fi nancing and partnerships mechanisms, and enforcement initiatives. A prognosis on future initiatives planned for this large marine ecosystem is also featured. * Signatories to the Agreement include the Governments of Cambodia, PR China, DPR Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Philippines, RO Korea, Singapore, Timor- The ECP and SSME implementing mechanism provide insight into a Leste and Vietnam. From the initial 12 stakeholder organizations, there are now number of innovative approaches to strengthening coastal and ocean 16 non-Country Partners. These include Conservation International–Philippines governance, with the application of sound science and multisectoral (CI), Coastal Management Center (CMC), Intergovernmental Oceanographic partnerships. Furthermore, as a subregion of the Seas of East Asia, the Commission Subcommission for the Western Pacifi c (IOC/WESTPAC), International potential contribution of the SSME to the objectives and targets of the Ocean Institute (IOI), International Environmental Management of Enclosed SDS-SEA merit continuing support, knowledge sharing and interaction Coastal Seas Center (EMECS), Korea Environment Institute (KEI), Korea Maritime among PEMSEA and SSME partners and collaborators. Ultimately, Institute (KMI), Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI), Northwest Pacifi c Action Plan (NOWPAP), Ocean Policy and Research Foundation it is envisaged that, by transferring experience, skills, resources and (OPRF), Oil Spill Response and East Asia Response Limited (OSRL/EARL), Plymouth good practices across countries, subregions and projects, the common Marine Laboratory (PML), Swedish Environmental Secretariat for Asia (SENSA), target of eff ective and sustainable management of marine and coastal UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), UNEP Global Programme of Action resources, directly benefi ting the people of region, will surely be within (UNEP/GPA) and UNDP/GEF Yellow Sea LME Project (YSLME). reach. Contents Evolving Processes in Developing Site Conservation Targets 22

Zooming Into the Future of the 51 Sulu-Sulawesi 58 Seas 10 Tri-National Governance Enforcement of Coastal of the Sulu-Sulawesi and Marine Environmental Marine Ecoregion Laws in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas

04 One Vision, One 28 The Framework 38 Establishing Plan, Common Resources, for a Network of MPAs MPA Networks in Marine Joint Management in the SSME: Status of Biodiversity Conservation tropical

Implementation Corridors Vol. 15 No. 1 July 2008

12 Partnerships at Work 34 Special Feature: 46 Turtles ‘Rap’ in the in the Seas of Sulu and Memorandum of Understanding Sulu-Sulawesi Sulawesi between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines on the Adoption of the Conservation Plan for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion Cover Photo by: Jüergen Freund

Contributors Raphael P.M. Lotilla Jonel Dulay Manuel Narvadez, Jr. Executive Editor Porfi rio M. Aliño Nicholas Pilcher Ray Nonnato Leyesa Ruth Grace R. Ambal Miledel Christine C. Design/Illustration/DTP S. Adrian Ross William Azucena Quibilan Jose Ricky Biyo Rina Maria P. Rosales Editor Teresita Camacho Chung Chen Fung Angelique Songco coasts Andre Jon Uychiaoco Olivia Sylvia Inciong Art Faburada Romeo B. Trono www.pemsea.org Sheila Vergara Deborah Villa Vivien Facunla Sebastian Troeng Issue Editor Writing Assistance Hubert Froyalde Sheila G. Vergara Joel S. Gutierrez Rochelle Villanueva Anna Rita Cano Vanessa Bautista Nancy Ibuna Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Assistant Editor Research Evangeline Florence Ecosystem Tri-National B. Miclat Secretariat in Malaysia

The Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia The contents of this publication do not necessarily refl ect (PEMSEA), Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development the views or policies of the Global Environment Facility Programme (UNDP), United Nations Offi ce for Project Services (UNOPS), (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme publish Tropical Coasts Magazine biannually. This publication is geared towards (UNDP), the United Nations Offi ce for Project Services (UNOPS), Partnerships in stimulating an exchange of information and sharing of experiences and ideas Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), Conservation with respect to environmental protection and the management of coastal and International and other participating organizations, or the editors, nor are marine areas. Readers are strongly encouraged to send their contributions to: they an offi cial record. The designation employed and the presentation do not imply the expression of opinion whatsoever on the part of GEF, UNDP, UNOPS, PEMSEA, Executive Editor and CI concerning the legal status of any country, territory or city or its authority, or P.O. Box 2502, concerning the delimitation of Quezon City 1165, its territory or boundaries. Metro Manila, Philippines ISSN 0117-9756 4 July 2008

By Evangeline F.B. Miclat and Romeo B. Trono Conservation International-Philippines

One Vision, One Plan, Common Resources, Joint Management

In 2001, Indonesia, Malaysia, and (Miclat, et al., 2006; and Stakeholders The Vision for the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas the Philippines formed a common of the SSME, et al., 2004). A marine ecoregion that remains to be globally unique 50-year vision for biodiversity and and a centre of diversity with vibrant ecological integrity, sustainable productivity in the large From the vision, an ecosystem-wide including all species assemblages, communities, habitats marine ecosystem (LME) (Miclat and Conservation Plan for Sulu-Sulawesi and ecological processes. Trono, 2002; and Stakeholders of the Marine Ecoregion (SSME)2 was SSME, et al., 2004) called the Sulu- developed through a participatory A highly productive ecoregion that sustainably and 1 Sulawesi Seas (SSS). process. The consultation process equitably provides for the socioeconomic and cultural entailed 12 workshops across the needs of the human communities dependent on it. More than 70 marine scientists, three countries and engaged the socioeconomic experts, resource participation of 153 stakeholder An ecoregion where biodiversity and productivity are managers and policymakers from organizations from the local and sustained through the generations by participatory and the three countries participated national levels. The SSME Plan collaborative management across all political and cultural in the formulation of the vision consists of country action plans boundaries. for this marine ecosystem, which and an ecoregion-level action plan, is characterized by overlapping all hinged on a set of 10 objectives boundaries, shared resources and and aligned to the national marine life, and transboundary issues. priorities of the countries and their commitments to common relevant The vision consists of 58 priority international instruments and conservation areas identified through conventions (Stakeholders of the overlaying locations of importance SSME, et al., 2004). for mangroves and estuaries, marine plants, coral reefs, demersal fishes The Ecoregion Conservation Plan and invertebrates, pelagic fi shes, (ECP) plan aims to: and charismatic species such as sea turtles and marine mammals, among 1. Establish management others. These 58 priority conservation strategies and coordinated areas represent the known range institutions for effective of biodiversity and ecological and ecoregional conservation; evolutionary processes that maintain biodiversity in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas 2. Establish a functional integrated network of priority conservation areas to ensure 1 Sulu-Celebes large marine ecosystem in the Global Environment Facility-International ecological integrity; Waters (GEF-IW) portfolio; Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion in the ratifi ed tri-national 3. Develop sustainable livelihood Memorandum of Understanding. systems that support marine 2 ECP or Ecoregion Conservation Plan for and coastal conservation across SSME is the offi cial term used by the the ecoregion; Image Source: WWF-Philippines. governments. Tropical Coasts 5

Figure 1. Country-level governance and representation in the Tri-National Committee for Sulu- Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion.

Country-level governance:

• Indonesia: Technical Working Group and National Committee for SSME [Ministry of Marine Aff airs and Fisheries (MMAF) - Lead and Head of Delegation, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, World Wide Fund for Nature]

• Malaysia: Technical Working Group for SSME [Department of Fisheries (DOF)-Sabah, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) - Lead and Head of Delegation, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Sabah Parks, Sabah Wildlife Department, Fisheries Department-Malaysia, University of Malaysia Sabah, Sabah Forestry Department, World Wide Fund for Nature]

• Philippines: Philippine Presidential Commission for the Integrated Conservation and Development of Sulu-Celebes Seas or PCSCDSCS [Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Lead and Head of Delegation, Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD), Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Aff airs, World Wide Fund for Nature, Conservation International, Department of Foreign Aff airs]

Tri-National Committee (5-6 delegates/country) Current Chair: Malaysia, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI)

Species Subcommittee Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)/ Sustainable Fisheries Networks Subcommittee Subcommittee Lead: Indonesia, Ministry of Marine Aff airs and Fisheries (MMAF) Lead: Philippines, Department of Environment and Lead: Malaysia, DOF-Ministry of Agriculture Natural Resources (DENR) and Food Industries (MAFI)

4. Shape economic development stakeholders to eff ectively manage exercise while the development of compatible with biodiversity the conservation of the SSME; the conservation plan was a political conservation; process. The latter then required the 9. Implement coordinated protection establishment of inter-governmental 5. Enhance understanding of of threatened marine species to mechanisms that would set the tone biodiversity resources and factors ensure maintenance of viable for the establishment of a formal tri- aff ecting them to form a basis for populations and protection of national management body. management decisions; critical habitats; and The case of Sulu-Sulawesi Seas showed 6. Develop communication, 10. Improve coastal, oceanic and three stages in the formation of a education and outreach other types of fi sheries resource tri-national governance. The fi rst programmes and strategies conditions and management by one covered the period January-June to motivate people to take developing a framework strategy, 2003 when interim mechanisms were conservation action; institutions and appropriate put in place within each country and interventions. across countries to ensure coordinated 7. Develop sustainable fi nancing development of the ECP. Lead mechanisms to support the cost Intergovernmental agencies from the Indonesian National of conservation and resource Coordination Mechanisms Committee for SSME, the Malaysian management; Technical Working Group for SSME In Sulu-Sulawesi Seas, the Development Programme, and the 8. Build and enhance the capacity of formulation of a vision was a technical Philippine Presidential Commission 6 July 2008

for the Integrated Conservation and Box 1. Subcommittee on the Endangered, Charismatic and Migratory Development of Sulu-Celebes Seas Species (Marine Turtle).* served as members for a Tri-National Technical Working Group (TWG) for Goal: To provide technical advice and recommendations to improve the policies on the SSME. These mechanisms were the protection and management of endangered, charismatic and migratory species responsible for the completion of the and their habitats in order to maintain the full range of biodiversity and provide for the ECP development in June 2003. long-term socioeconomic and cultural needs of human communities in the SSME.

Objective 1: Develop technical advice and recommendations on marine turtle The second stage started with the management and protection in nesting, feeding and developmental habitats. termination of the Tri-National TWG and the formation of another interim Objective 2: Develop technical advice and recommendations on marine turtle intergovernmental mechanism, management and protection through overfi shing or as by-catch in specifi c fi sheries or fi shing gear types. called the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) for SSME. The Prep-Com, Objective 3: Develop technical advice and recommendations on specifi c features/ which included the original members criteria in MPA design and MPA-network design in relation to the protection and of the Tri-National TWG as well as other management of marine turtles in SSME waters. government and NGO representatives Objective 4: Disseminate information generated from country reports and other from the respective countries’, was relevant sources and promote the implementation of the best practices for, and seen as an appropriate mechanism for successes/learnings in, marine turtle population and habitat conservation and facilitating the adoption of the ECP management in the SSME. among the SSME countries. During its * The Subcommittee shall work on Marine Turtles, Napoleon Wrasse, Cetaceans and term (June 2003 to February 2006), Elasmobranchs. For the period 2007-2009, it will be concentrating on marine turtles. the Prep-Com was able to facilitate the adoption of the ECP, the ratifi cation of the tri-national MOU on the adoption Over the course of the following two Subcommittee: fi sheries, of the ECP, and the formation of a tri- years and fi ve months, the Tri-National aquaculture, living aquatic national governance mechanism. Committee for the SSME met on three resources use, trade and occasions. Major outcomes of these livelihood systems; On 13 February 2004, Ministers three meetings have been: representing each of the countries b. MPAs and Networks signed a tri-national Memorandum of 1. The fi nalization of the Terms of Subcommittee: identifi cation, Understanding adopting the ECP and Reference of the Tri-National establishment and providing for the formation of a tri- Committee; management of MPAs, national governance arrangement for including caves and wetlands; the implementation of the ECP. (Editor’s 2. The establishment of three and note: The MOU is featured in page 34.). technical/scientifi c subcommittees The Preparatory Committee continued to respond to major issues in the c. Endangered, Charismatic to facilitate the ratifi cation of the SSME, namely: and Migratory Species tri-national MOU in each of the SSME Subcommittee: protection and countries. The Government of Malaysia a. Sustainable Fisheries management of endangered, ratifi ed the MOU in January 2005, the Philippine Government in June 2005, and the Indonesian Government in Box 2. Subcommittee on Marine Protected Areas and Networks. February 2006. The MOU will remain in Goal: Conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity in the Sulu-Sulawesi eff ect until 23 February 2016. The last Marine Ecoregion through the establishment and eff ective management of MPAs and meeting of the PrepCom drafted the Networks. terms of reference of the Tri-National Committee for SSME on 29 February Objective 1: Support the eff ective management of existing and new MPAs and 2006. The Tri-National Committee for networks and to maintain the full range of sustainable marine resources and provide the long-term socioeconomic and cultural needs of human communities in the SSME. the SSME was formally established on 1 March 2006. This was the fi nal stage in Objective 2: Support the establishment of new MPAs and Networks in the context of the formation of the SSME governance ecosystem-based management. arrangement. Tropical Coasts 7

charismatic and migratory Box 3. Subcommittee on Sustainable Fisheries. species; and Objective 1: Promote regeneration, rehabilitation and restoration of degraded coastal 3. The organization of a work wetlands including abandoned shrimp farms, degraded coastal wetlands, degraded program for the subcommittees forest reserves and other coastal areas. (Boxes 1-3). Objective 2: Determine the status and issues of IUU fi shing along the borders of SSME Challenges and and implement joint and parallel monitoring, controlling and surveillance to eff ectively opportunities in address cross-border IUU fi shing. transboundary governance building Objective 3: Develop and implement a common communication strategy to increase public awareness on the issues and threats to sustainable fi sheries and its implementation, aquaculture, and living aquatic resources exploitation and trade. In view of the many divisive issues that normally characterize transboundary Objective 4: Develop joint pilot projects in establishing experimental farms for the semi-enclosed seas where national culture of high-value seaweed species other than Kappaphycus and Eucheuma species, boundaries overlap and resources and the establishment of integrated multi-species (e.g., mollusks, sea cucumbers, siganids, are shared, governance building in and other invertebrates) seaweed farms.; jointly develop and share improved quality seed Sulu-Sulawesi Seas is challenging. stocks for seaweed farms; implement and adopt Best Management Practice (BMP) among The formation of the Tri-national aquaculture smallholders; and rehabilitate abandoned shrimp farms for other sustainable Committee for SSME in the midst of aquaculture uses. complex political, social, cultural and economic issues mirrors the emphasis Objective 5: Conduct joint and parallel population studies on shared fi sh stocks specifi cally on tunas and other highly migratory species as well as small pelagics; share that the Governments of Malaysia, information on existing legislation and policies on the management of tuna and small Indonesia, and the Philippines place pelagics; implement joint and parallel research on the artifi cial propagation of high value on oneness: one Vision, one Plan, species for aquaculture as an alternative to wild catch; share information and data on common set of resources, common shared fi sh stocks and aquaculture research; implement collaborative oceanographic fate, and joint management (Miclat, surveys in the SSME. 2004). Objective 6: Collect and collate baseline information on groupers, humphead wrasse, Certain political activities internal other Live Reef Fish Trade (LRFT) species as well as marine ornamentals; study cross- to the countries may slow down border trade of groupers, humphead wrasse and other LRFT species as well as marine governance building. For example, ornamentals; exchange information of each country’s policies and legislation on LRFT; the 2004 election in Indonesia work towards the voluntary adoption by traders of a proposed Code of Practice and for sustainable LRFT; conduct an in-depth study on the chain of custody in LRFT to generate a warranted special attention of the basis for more eff ective policies. government and the citizenry since it was the fi rst direct presidential Objective 7: Assess the status of turtle predation in seaweed farms in the three countries. election in the country. In the same year, the Malaysian Government had Objective 8: Assess and formulate policy on the incidence of turtles as by-catch in a reorganization, which included capture fi sheries (longline, trawl nets, gill nets, lift nets). dividing the responsibilities of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Objetive 9: Collaborate to develop a harmonized fi sheries management regime for tunas Environment (MOSTE) between two and small pelagics (sardines, mackerel, round scads, anchovies etc). agencies, namely the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Objective 10: Conduct an assessment for the needs of HRD to address gaps in capabilities for eff ective sustainable fi sheries management; develop and implement capacity-building and the Ministry of Natural Resources programs based on the needs identifi ed in the assessment mentioned above; organize and Environment. MOSTE had been a reciprocal programs among the three countries for capacity building where the host major stakeholder in the development country will train stakeholders from the other two countries in their respective fi elds of of the SSME on behalf of the expertise and strengths as it relates to sustainable fi sheries, aquaculture, living aquatic Government of Malaysia. resources exploitation, trade and livelihood systems.

Similarly, in 2004, presidential, Objective 11: Find ways and means to raise internal and external funds to implement legislative and local elections were the programs and projects identifi ed under the Subcommittee on Sustainable Fisheries held in the Philippines. including from international conservation organizations. 8 July 2008

A reorganization in the Cabinet Box 4. Partnerships across political boundaries for global biodiversity. resulted in the designation of a new Secretary to the Department of In 2005, the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape (SSS) Project was launched by Conservation Environment and Natural Resources International (CI) to protect critical species and habitats in the marine biodiversity (DENR), the lead agency in the country conservation corridors of Verde Passage, Cagayan Ridge, Balabac Strait and the Tri-National for the SSME. Sea Turtle Corridor, through partnership with major stakeholders in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. These changes resulted in a cumulative effect, slowing down of Using marine protected area (MPA) as the basic conservation and resource management the ratification of the MOU in each tool, work in the SSS Project involves strengthening existing MPAs, establishment of new country and the subsequent delay sites, and designing scientifi cally-based networks of MPAs. The SSS Project also involves in the formation of the Tri-National implementation of conservation interventions, including law enforcement enhancement, capacity building of stakeholders, sustainable fi nancing, policy review and formulation, Committee. Nonetheless, the ability and necessary information, education and communications (IEC) activities in the marine of the countries to move forward biodiversity conservation corridors. Parallel to these are seascape-wide development of with the SSME process, in spite of strategies for law enforcement, capacity enhancement, IEC, private sector engagement and interruptions, is evidence of the spirit policy formulations related to fi sheries, oil and gas, and ecotourism. of cooperation which has been built around the Sulu-Sulawesi tri-national These interventions are geared towards a desired long-term outcome of conserving the initiative. full range of biodiversity in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape. They are coupled with research through a consortium of partners to provide a scientifi c basis for conservation and The role of the nongovernmental management and the implementation of sustainable strategies in critical marine corridors. organizations in SSME governance The CI-SSS Project contributes to the implementation of the Ecoregion Conservation Plan building is noteworthy. The World (ECP) for Sulu-Sulawesi Seas. The project is hinged on the tri-national vision of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through partnerships across political Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), through boundaries. The project enables direct participation in forming and strengthening the its SSME Programme, played a governance for the seascape through CI’s membership in the Tri-National Committee of the critical role in the formation of the ECP and in its three subcommittees. Tri-National Committee in 2006. The WWF SSME Directorate/Coordination Source: CI-Philippines, 2007. Unit, served as the secretariat of the Preparatory Committee for SSME. Conservation International (CI), on While the Tri-National Committee of six countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the other hand, has played a major welcomes NGO representation and Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the supporting role to strengthen the participation, it must be emphasized Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste), Tri-National Committee since its that governments expect NGOs to sees the case of SSME as a model formation. CI also significantly observe and remain respectful of in seascape development. A fully and actively contributed to the protocols for intergovernmental functional Tri-National Committee implementation of the ECP through meetings and cooperation can effectively implement the ECP the implementation of its Sulu- mechanisms that the SSME upholds. and can be an important vehicle in Sulawesi Seascape Project, in The Tri-National Committee is a enhancing the implementation of partnership with the SSME countries new mechanism for regional seas regional and international instruments (See Box 4). The purposeful role governance and thus has new and conventions for conservation and of NGOs is demonstrated by the requirements for capacity building sustainable development in the seas membership of CI and WWF in the and networking. It is important to of East Asia through the Sustainable Tri-National Committee and its reiterate the need for the committee Development Strategy for the Seas of subcommittees. to link to the structure of a higher, East Asia or SDS-SEA (PEMSEA, 2003), politically stable body (Lejano, 2006). Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and Chapter 17 of Agenda 21, 3 Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia- Regional programmes and bodies such UNCED (1992). Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area or 3 4 5 BIMP-EAGA as the BIMP-EAGA , PEMSEA , ASEAN , have noted with interest the progress New Opportunities 4 Partnerships in Environmental made by the Sulu-Sulawesi tri- Management for the Seas of East Asia national initiative. The Coral Triangle Wherein existing bilateral and 5 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Initiative (CTI), which is a partnership multilateral platforms in the region Tropical Coasts 9

may not have had sufficient time to in 2004); and the Natural Resource Planning for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine focus on biodiversity and fisheries Development Cluster of BIMP-EAGA Ecoregion. Worldwide Fund for Nature- Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines. 289 concerns specific to Sulu-Sulawesi (which endorsed in its December p. (in CD). Seas, the Tri-National Committee 2007 meeting the proposal to develop opens up new opportunities to discuss a Sulu-Sulawesi small pelagics Miclat, E.F.B., Ingles, J.A., and Dumaup, J.N.B. 2006. “Planning Across Boundaries for and address such matters, including management project for submission the Conservation of the Sulu-Sulawesi for example: to GEF). Marine Ecoregion.” Ocean and Coastal Management, 49(2006):597-609.

a. The protection of the sea turtles PEMSEA (Partnerships in Environmental beyond what the Philippine- References Management for the Seas of East Asia). Malaysia Joint Management 2003. Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia: Regional Committee for the Turtle Islands ASEAN WGCME. 2004. Minutes of the ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Implementation of the World Summit on Heritage Protected Area can Environment. Sustainable Development Requirements address; for the Coasts and Oceans. GEF/UNDP/ ASEAN WGNCB. 2004. Minutes of the ASEAN IMO PEMSEA, Quezon City, Philippines. Working Group on Nature Conservation b. A sea turtle corridor that and Biodiversity. Pilcher, N.J. 2008. “A Network of Protected encompasses northeastern Areas to Safeguard Marine Turtles in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape.” Marine Sabah, Malaysia, the Turtle Islands ASOEN. 2004. Minutes of the ASEAN Senior Offi cials for the Environment Meeting. Research Foundation (Sabah, Malaysia). (jointly owned by Malaysia Unpublished. and Philippines), and Eastern Conservation International-Philippines (CI- Stakeholders of the SSME, Technical Working Kalimantan, Indonesia, where Philippines). 2006 June. “Securing Globally Important Marine Ecosystems: The Sulu- Groups of Indonesia, Malaysia and the major nesting populations of Sulawesi Seascape.” Report to the Walton Philippines, WWF-SSME Conservation green and hawksbill turtles in Family Foundation. Program. 2004. Conservation Plan for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. Southeast Asia are located; CI-Philippines. 2007. The Sulu-Sulawesi Dumaup, J.N.B., R.M. Cola, R.B. Trono, Seascape Congress Report. The Sulu- J.A. Ingles, E.F.B. Miclat and N.P. Ibuna c. Possibilities for transborder Sulawesi Seascape Congress, 20-22 June (eds.). World Wide Fund for Nature-Sulu- 2007, Quezon City, Philippines. Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion Program enforcement to address illegal (WWF-SSME), Quezon City, Philippines. wildlife trade and illegal, Lejano. 2006. “The Design of Environmental 168 pp. unreported and unregulated (IUU) Regimes.” International Environmental Agreements 6:187-207. Tri-National Committee on the Sulu- fishing; and Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. 2006. First Management Plan Framework for the Verde Meeting of the Tri-National Committee d. Pursuit of joint projects, such Island Passage Marine Corridor. 2007. on the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. Minutes of the Meeting. Balikpapan, East as the development of the GEF- Memorandum of Understanding between Kalimantan, Indonesia, 1 March 2006. International Waters (IW) project the Government of the Republic of on the Sulu-Celebes Sea Large Indonesia and the Government of Tri-National Committee on the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. 2007. Second Meeting Marine Ecosystem and Adjacent Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on the of the Tri-National Committee on the Area Sustainable Fisheries Adoption of the Conservation Plan for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. Minutes Management Project under the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion signed of the Meeting. Magellan Sutera, Kota 13 February 2004 at CBD CoP7 side event. Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 19-21 April CTI Programme for Small Pelagic 2007. Fisheries. Miclat, E.F.B. 2002. “Selecting Priority Areas for Conservation in the Sulu-Sulawesi Tri-National Committee on the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. 2008. Third Meeting The Tri-National Committee also Marine Ecoregion.” IUCN/WCPA/EA-4 Proceedings: Benefi ts Beyond Boundaries of the Tri-National Committee on the has the potential to serve as a in East Asia. pp. 297-303 + 2 fi gures and 2 Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. Minutes vehicle to elevate SSME issues and appendices. of the Meeting. Makati City, Philippines, 13-14 June 2008. accomplishments to broader platforms Miclat, E.F.B. 2004. “Multi-lateral Cooperation and to generate support for ECP for the Conservation and Sustainable UNCED. 1992. Agenda 21, Chapter 17: implementation in the ASEAN Working Development of the Sulu-Sulawesi Protection of the Oceans, All Kinds of Seas, Including Enclosed and Semi- Group on Nature Conservation and Marine Ecoregion.” Paper presented at the 4th Asian Regional Session of the Global enclosed Seas, and Coastal Areas Biodiversity, the ASEAN Working Biodiversity Forum (GBF): Southeast Asia, and the Protection, Rational Use and Group on Coastal and Marine IUCN, Pasig City, Philippines, 20-23 June Development of Their Living Resources. 2004. In: United Nations Conference on Environment, and the ASEAN Senior Environment and Development (UNCED), Officials for the Environment (which Miclat, E.F.B. and R.B. Trono, eds. 2002. A Agenda 21 as adopted by the Plenary in recognized the Tri-National initiative Vision for Life: Biodiversity Conservation Rio de Janeiro, 14 June 1992. 10 July 2008

By Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion Tri-National Secretariat in Malaysia (Department of Fisheries-Sabah)

Tri-National Governance of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion

The 13th of February 2004 marks Committee on the SSME, composed the parties on the development and a significant event for Indonesia, of representatives of the designated the implementation of conservation Malaysia and the Philippines. The national authorities of all three initiatives outside the scope of the date marks the signing of the countries, which facilitates ECP. Memorandum of Understanding conservation efforts. The Committee (MOU) between the three countries serves as a forum to coordinate The First Meeting of the Tri-National on the adoption of the Ecoregion and harmonize the implementation Committee elected a Chair with Conservation Plan (ECP) for the Sulu- of the ECP and likewise reviews, tenure of one year, after which Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME). updates and revises the ECP when subsequent Chairs are automatically necessary. The Committee also designated on a rotational basis The signing of the MOU led to initiates, maintains and provides the in alphabetical order: Indonesia, the creation of the Tri-National mechanisms for consultation between Malaysia, Philippines, with a tenure of two years. The Chair oversees all aspects of the work programs of the Committee and the Subcommittees.

The Tri-National Committee is composed of a maximum of five members from each country. However, the host country is allowed one additional delegate. The heads of the delegations of the respective countries are senior officials.

The Secretariat of the Tri-National Committee is also rotated with the Chairmanship. The incumbent Chair and the incoming Chair ensure the smooth transition of the Secretariat’s work.

The first meeting of the Tri-National Committee was convened in Balikpapan, Indonesia, in 2006. Jüergen Freund Jüergen During the Meeting, the Committee Tropical Coasts 11

formed three (3) subcommittees and the Task Group on the Directory of Experts. The three subcommittees were: the Subcommittee on Threatened, Charismatic and Migratory Species; the Subcommittee on Sustainable Fisheries; and the Subcommittee on Marine Protected Areas and Networks.

It was agreed that each country shall lead one subcommittee for a two-year period. The Republic of Indonesia holds the position as the focal point of the Subcommittee on Threatened, Charismatic and Migratory Species, while the Malaysian and Philippine governments lead the Subcommittee on Sustainable Fisheries and the Subcommittee on Marine Protected Areas and Networks, respectively. All subcommittees are represented by Jüergen Freund members from all three countries. unregulated and unreported (IUU) Bismarck-Solomon Seas Ecoregion Every year, the Tri-National fishing activities. (BSSE), Melanesian Spearhead Group Committee convenes and discusses (MSG), Arafura-Timor Seas Experts the achievements, progress and The Subcommittee spearheading Forum (ATSEF), and the Coral Triangle lessons learned from the work marine protected areas (MPA) Initiative (CTI). Parallel to this, a programs of each Subcommittee and conservation recommended resolution calling for a clarification Task Group. All activities reflect and coordination of activities and studies between the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine address the ECP as well as the Terms with the other subcommittees, e.g., Ecoregion (SSME) Tri-National of Reference (TOR) and work plans of collaborative fisheries management Committee and the CTI secretariat for each Subcommittee. for shared stocks as well as species programmatic consolidation was protection and control of flagship signed. It was noted that the First At the recent Tri-National Committee species. This may involve in-depth Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM 1) Meeting in Manila, Philippines, on studies of fisheries as well as for the CTI, held in Bali, Indonesia, 14 June 2008, work progress and sustainable aquaculture resulting in last December 2007, declared gaps were discussed and identified. the development of guidelines for that programs and projects to be Among the issues raised was the more efficient and effective resource implemented under the six-country need for strengthening marine and management in the region. initiative should be based and built coastal resources management on existing and relevant forums, programs, including improvements in The same meeting also unanimously agreements and programs. This conservation management through agreed on the establishment was articulated in the following capacity building of stakeholders, and and maintenance of lines of Guiding Principles: that CTI should the development communication as well as the use existing and future forums to of regulations to effectively promotion of collaboration with other promote implementation; that CTI implement, raise awareness and relevant regional initiatives such as should be aligned with international strengthen enforcement. Such the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and regional commitments; and initiatives are designed to beef Malaysia, the Philippines-East that CTI should emphasize priority up efforts in addressing illegal, ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), geographies. 12 July 2008

By Sheila Vergara, Rina Maria P. Rosales, Miledel Quibilan, Nancy Ibuna, Hubert Froyalde, Rochelle Villanueva, and William Azucena

Partnerships at Work in the Seas of Sulu and Sulawesi

Many partnerships have been born. Others have worked. Some are still trying.

Biodiversity conservation of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas (SSS) requires the coordination of complex interrelationships among diverse stakeholders across sectoral and geo-political boundaries. Like the vast waters of the SSS that mediate complex interactions among diverse marine organisms, partnerships in this large marine ecosystem, which spans nearly a million square kilometers of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, have resulted in many lessons.

Building an alliance of In the process of developing threats, species conservation partners partnerships, a series of concerns and locate marine multisectoral planning workshops protected areas based on An alliance of partners to were conducted to identify marine collected scientific information. implement the Sulu-Sulawesi conservation concerns in the These meetings also served as Seascape (SSS) Initiative’s detailed Verde Island Passage, Cagayan mid-project assessments and implementation plan has been Ridge, Balabac Strait, and the allowed for necessary changes in engaged* and mobilized by Sea Turtle Conservation Corridor implementation strategies. Conservation International (CI). The that originates south of Balabac alliance included government and and span the east of Sabah and The Seascape Congress organized nongovernmental organizations East Kalimantan, Indonesia. in June 2007 was an opportunity (NGOs), academic institutions, In addition, a seascape-wide for stakeholders and project and experts at the local, national consultation and communication implementers to share results and regional levels. Engaged as strategy development workshop and lessons learned and plan co-implementers through grant was organized, which resulted the future of the Sulu-Sulawesi agreements or operating with their in the identification of various Seascape. The Congress was own resources, partners implemented needs-based interventions,the participated in by 119 partners projects consistent with the SSS preparation of perception maps and stakeholders representing conservation campaign. (Figures 1-5 present various national and local governments, perception maps for the Verde academic, nongovernmental, Island Passage), and the allocation community and private of roles, responsibilities, funding organizations, and marine * The term “engaged” used in this article and expertise among partners conservation alliances. The refers to formal engagements such to match each identified need. Congress contributed to the Verde as a grant agreement, Memorandum Convergence meetings provided of Understanding, Memorandum of Passage Framework Plan, as well Agreement, service contract, consultancy venues for project partners and as plans for the Cagayan Ridge, contract, and thesis grant, consistent with stakeholders to present, exchange Balabac Strait and the Sea Turtle CI’s process of engaging partners. and validate information on conservation corridor. Tropical Coasts 13

Figure 1. Fisheries Perception Map of the Verde Island Passage Marine Biodiversity Conservation Corridor.

In summary, through partner prospective partners to undertake sectoral forum, which collectively engagements, 37 grants and contribute to the plan, a reviewed and provided input to to 32 institutions totaling knowledgeable and committed staff the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park US$1,443,808.46 were shared and in-house facility to manage Bill. The bill aims to ensure the with partners through the SSS both programmatic and financial protection and conservation of the initiative. The external grants deliverables of each partner- park’s reefs through sustainable and portfolio was managed by CI- grantee. participatory management. Philippines’ Fundraising and Grant Management Unit with technical Partnerships in Indicators of the strength of a oversight from the SSS programme Governance partnership approach in the Sulu- staff and the Finance Unit. The Sulawesi also include the technical various modes and levels of The Tubbataha Protected Area and logistical support provided engagement required an in depth Management Board (TPAMB) to the Bantay Dagat (Seawatch) knowledge of the capabilities of is an interagency and multi- for surveillance, monitoring 14 July 2008

Figure 2. Marine Habitat Perception Map for the Verde Island Passage MBCC.

and enforcement of laws and the support of CI-Philippines, Partnerships with the regulations. The Municipality of facilitated the development of Private Sector Tingloy in Batangas was able to the GEF-UNDP Sulu-Celebes Sea improve apprehension rates of Large Marine Ecosystem and First Gas, First Philippine fishers using compressors and spear Adjacent Area Sustainable Fisheries Conservation, Inc. and CI have guns as well as divers who refuse to Management Project, proposed forged a partnership that is pay for diving passes. Other illegal under the GEF Coral Triangle implementing initiatives on Verde activities such as “muro-ami” fishing Initiative Program. The project, Island, Tingloy and Apo Reef. In were also deterred. which has potential funding for addition, workshops entitled, three years, was endorsed by the “Engaging the Private Sector in At the regional level, the Tri- Governments of Indonesia and the Marine Conservation: Developing National Committee for the Sulu- Philippines and has been cleared by Partnerships” have been organized to Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion, with the GEF Secretariat. raise the awareness of conservation Tropical Coasts 15

Table 1. List of training courses and number of attendees practitioners on trends and interests No. of in corporate social responsibility Title of Course (CSR) portfolios. These workshops attendees opened opportunities for scientists Tri-National Training Workshop on Marine Sea Turtle 33 and businesses to discuss strategies Biology and Conservation in support of marine conservation. With the private and business Marine Mammal and Turtle Stranding Rescue Training 33 sectors, collaborative strategies were identified to optimize investments Assessment of the Seaweed Resources and Farming in conservation programmes for the as Livelihood in the Balabac Marine Biodiversity 25 marine environment (CI-Philippines, Conservation Corridor and the Potential for Seaweed 2007). Farming Development of Adjacent Areas

Capacity-building IUCN Red List Training 32 Partnerships Integrated Coastal Management Training Course in the 29 To achieve a common Verde Passage understanding on the needs of marine conservation throughout Environmental Governance Training 416 the seascape, a seascape-wide Law Enforcement Trainings for local stakeholders in the capacity-building campaign 46 Balabac Strait Corridor (1) for local partners and future implementers of the SSS Law Enforcement Trainings for local stakeholders in the 82 conservation campaign was Balabac Strait Corridor (2) initiated. Paralegal and Deputy Fish Warden Training for Based on an assessment of training Police Environment Desk Offi cer (PEDO) of Batangas 49 needs, 20 training courses were Province and Oriental Mindoro designed and attended by 1,049 staff, partners and stakeholders Sustainable Fisheries Management in the Context of 24 (Table 1). Topics included the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries strengthening capabilities on ICM, coastal governance Socioeconomic Monitoring – Southeast Asia Training 30 and enforcement, responsible Course (SocMon 1) information collection and Socioeconomic Monitoring: Data Analysis Training management, and species-specific 19 (SocMon 2) management. Microsoft Access (database) Training 21 The Philippine Council for Basic Fishery Law Enforcement Training for Batangas Aquatic and Marine Research 26 Baywatch Network and Development conducted an integrated coastal management (ICM) Training for participants from Advance Fishery Law Enforcement Training 36 three provincial and nine municipal/ city governments of Batangas, Paralegal Training for Bantay Dagat Members of 48 Oriental Mindoro and Palawan. Calapan, Oriental Mindoro It also conducted a training on Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Standing Rescue Sustainable Fisheries Management 26 in the Context of the Code of Training for Verde Island Passage MBCC Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (SFM-CCRF) for fisheries managers Local Facilitators’ Training-Workshop for Cagayancillo 14 from provincial and municipal/ city governments of Batangas and Total (as of July 2008) 1,049 Oriental Mindoro. The latter training 16 July 2008

used participatory approaches and Governance training workshops impact evaluation was undertaken case methodology in discussing for municipalities in Batangas by Haribon Foundation to determine scenarios and issues on the state of Province for over 400 trainees. the effectiveness of the ICM and the fisheries resources, sustainable Tanggol Kalikasan also provided governance trainings. Similar fisheries management, national municipal staff, village chairpersons, trainings in law enforcement were and local adaptation of CCRF in navy, coast guard, and police in also conducted for Batangas and the Philippines, and integration of Balabac with an orientation on Mindoro. sustainable fisheries management Philippine environmental laws and into ICM. proper procedures for boarding The Marine Research Foundation, boats and arresting violators. A Malaysia, facilitated a tri-national Tanggol Kalikasan (Defense of second enforcement training for sea turtle training for participants Nature), in partnership with fisher volunteers deputized to from the Philippines, Indonesia the Batangas State University arrest violators of environmental and Malaysia on marine turtle conducted several Environmental laws was conducted in Balabac. An biology, ecology, value, research

Figure 3. Issues and Threats Perception Map for the Verde Island Passage MBCC. Tropical Coasts 17

Partnership Map of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Initiative.

Coastline Tri-National

Image Source: Conservation International-Philippines methods, legislation, conservation handling techniques during Palawan in cooperation with the and management, and practical stranding. A similar training was City Government of Puerto Princesa, interventions. Priorities for likewise conducted for Verde Island Palawan Council for Sustainable management action and a general partners. The University of the Development, the Palawan State framework for a network of Philippines-Marine Science Institute University with support from the US protected areas for sea turtles (UP-MSI) conducted a training- National Oceanic and Atmospheric within the SSS were identified. The workshop on farming and seaweed Administration. A follow-up training Tubbataha Management Office biodiversity (taxonomy) in Balabac on data analysis was also conducted. organized a marine mammal and for local stakeholders. turtle stranding rescue training Learning the Lessons workshop which focused on the A training on socioeconomic conservation of marine mammals monitoring for coastal management The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape and turtles, data collection and was conducted for participants from Programme (SSS) has expanded the 18 July 2008

Working Together for the Verde Island Passage with business enterprises continued to become a passion.

Consider this: a nongovernmental organization with a track record of 20 Making a Mark years promoting global biodiversity and a private company operating three power plants. What could be the tie that binds them? Marine An ecosystem-based protection programme of the Verde Passage conservation. covering the four provinces of Batangas, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, and Marinduque is the biggest project of FPCI. The NGO was Conservation International (CI), which has identifi ed land and sea areas in the Philippines as biodiversity hotspots. The The exhaustive work of the programme encompassed activities private company was the First Gen Corporation (First Gen) of the Lopez ranging from raising awareness of the people in the areas, introducing of Companies, which had acquired the only legislative franchise in environmental management to local government units, completing the Philippines to own, construct, install and operate a natural gas scientifi c studies crucial to identifying priority areas for marine transmission and distribution pipeline in the island of Luzon. Both preservation like oceanographic and larval dispersal studies and surveys CI and First Gen envision to make conservation a part of the lives of on marine habitat and threatened species. Through these eff orts, CI communities and as a way to protect the environment. estimates that the marine protected area coverage in the Verde Passage could be realistically increased in the short-term by 15 percent or a One of the biodiversity hotspots in the Philippines is the Verde Island coverage of up to 693 ha. Passage, which traverses between the provinces of Batangas, Mindoro Occidental and Mindoro Oriental. This hotspot is considered to be the The signing of Executive Order No. 578 was one signifi cant center of marine biodiversity in the world. It is rich in marine life, yet it is accomplishment of FPCI together with CI-Philippines, First Gen, the also a busy thoroughfare of commercial and industrial vessels, fi shing local communities and the government. The Executive Order (EO) was boats and tourist ships, which pose a threat to a very high density of a national policy on biological diversity for national implementation. diverse species. Signed on 8 November 2006 by President Gloria M. Arroyo, the EO specifi cally targeted the conservation of the SSS with a focus on the The conservation of Verde Passage is one of CI-Philippines’ biggest Verde Island Passage. The EO paved the way for the creation of an ad projects. As part of its corporate social responsibility, First Gen, which hoc task force to prepare the Verde Island Passage Framework Plan, operates two natural gas power plants in Batangas, wanted to be which aims to improve biodiversity management of more than 1.14 proactive in marine conservation but lacked the scientifi c capacity and million ha of the coastal and marine areas of Verde Passage. experience. Eff orts paid off . A Memorandum of Agreement set up a marine Forging the Partnership protected area network among eight municipalities and one city in Batangas province. The network will facilitate the sharing of experiences, In February 1999, First Gen and CI-Philippines established the First knowledge and skills; facilitate confl ict resolution and complement law Philippine Conservation, Inc. (FPCI) with a mission to undertake enforcement; and coordinate operations against illegal and destructive environmental conservation in the country. First Gen provides the main fi shing methods. source of funds for FPCI, which can also receive monetary or similar donations from other companies/organizations. CI-Philippines provides The gains of the partnership have been extended to other areas. FPCI technical support and guidance to FPCI, specifi cally on biodiversity supports the “hotspots” approach of CI-Philippines in conserving the conservation of the Verde Passage. remaining old-growth forests and the highest number of threatened species in the Sierra Madre mountain range and in Palawan. FPCI also Through FPCI, funds were made available for the conservation of the engaged in a project with the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund Verde Passage. Some PhP50 million (US$1 million) were allocated for (CEPF) to help save hectares of threatened habitats and species in the project for a span of fi ve years to implement a Coastal Resources Mindanao. Management (CRM) Programme, the main strategy of conservation for Verde Passage. CI-Philippines ensured the project’s supervision and Creating Ripples technical guidance. FPCI made a long-term commitment and agreed to extend its work beyond the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project. First Gen began developing a regular programme for its employees to take paid leaves of absences for doing coastal resource management Beyond the Formalities at Board Meetings (CRM) work for Verde Passage. Beyond being a donor, First Gen pro- actively encouraged its employees to take part in conservation eff orts. Before Mr. Federico Lopez took the helm of FPCI, he was chief operating The programme was welcomed by the employees, who have regarded offi cer of First Gen. He was also a student of scuba diving, a hobby themselves as stakeholders in conserving Verde Passage. that gave him a closer look at the gems of the sea. With the regular dives, he developed a keen interest in marine life and soon became The FPCI experience clearly exhibits that public-private partnerships a diving buddy of Mr. Romeo Trono, the country representative of CI- can succeed. It is moving to engage other business entities and NGOs Philippines. to be united in conserving the seas, oceans, forests, and species. It is engaging governments to put in and implement conservation policies, Lopez’s business vision began to take the color of the blue seas while and setting up business models with corporations willing to be key Trono’s advocacy of conserving the deeps of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape players in protecting the environment. Tropical Coasts 19

Figure 4. Marine Threatened Species Perception Map for the Verde Island Passage MBCC.

partner-base of the area. But what an integral step in partner promoted to support formal lessons have been learned in this engagement. Establishing clear arrangements. process? After the first three years objectives or conservation of implementing the SSS, some of targets is essential. Stakeholder 2. Integration meetings these lessons include: mapping assesses the different serve as effective feedback players in a given area as well mechanisms that promote 1. Stakeholder assessment is as available manpower or interaction among partners critical in identifying the expertise. For the SSS, formal and provide direction to mode of partner engagement partnership engagements are project implementation. particular to a specific made through Memorandum Convergence meetings held situation. Working under of Understanding/ in each corridor enabled the premise that not all Agreement (MOU/MOA) or exchanges among stakeholders partnerships are the same, grant agreements. Informal and project implementers, stakeholder assessment is partnerships are likewise served as mid-term project 20 July 2008

evaluations and allowed for other stakeholders to look at 3. Local government units (LGUs) necessary adjustments in the bigger picture and see how are critical public sector implementation strategies. their respective outputs feed partners for on-the-ground into the overall goal of the SSS, conservation and natural The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape thus strengthening the holistic resources management Congress held towards the approach in implementing efforts. Conservation projects end of the project’s Phase 1 conservation actions in the implemented by different provided a venue to share seascape. Complemented sectors have identified the project results, lessons learned with site visits and regular LGUs as the most critical and plans for the next phase of communication with partners, public sector partner for conservation interventions. The these formal meetings became on-site interventions. The convergence meetings and SSS an integral part of project SSS experience showed that Congress allowed partners and monitoring and evaluation. LGUs were granted significant

Figure 5. Marine Resource Use Perception Map for the Verde Island Passage MBCC. Tropical Coasts 21

authority over a broad range of issues through the Local Government Code of 1991 and other policy instruments. The last five years saw an increased commitment and investment in natural resource management by LGUs. These partnerships, though short-term and co-terminus with the SSS, were able to build long-term results, i.e., strengthened local capacity and an enabling environment. Like other government agencies, limited Training on Integrated Coastal Management for Local Government Units (of Verde Passage and resources and different Palawan), held in Batangas City on 16-27 October 2006. views regarding the balance between conservation priorities and Their participation is crucial impact. Matched funds and development remain one of in changing industry practices fund leveraging are essential the major challenges facing towards more marine in grant-making and prove conservation work in the environment-friendly practices that partners have a sense of country and in the region. as well as supporting marine ownership on the achievements conservation action at all levels. of the project and help ensure 4. Partnering with private that results are being utilized corporations that have 5. Matched funds and fund to pursue conservation goals corporate social responsibility leveraging from partners for the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape portfolios is a major future serve as catalyst in Project beyond the project’s resource for expanding establishing ownership and duration. stakeholder support base and outcomes achieved by the fund source for both species SSS. Of the US$1,526,068.02 and habitat conservation total grants awarded in initiatives. Local, provincial Indonesia, Malaysia and the References and national governments are Philippines, grantees were able limited by annual allocations to provide match funding of Conservation International-Philippines. which are inadequate to US$408,776.40 in implementing 2007. Proceedings of the Workshop on support planned activities, the different activities under the “Engaging the Private Sector in Marine leaving meager funds for SSS external grants portfolio. Conservation: Defi ning Priorities for the actual conservation needs. Leveraged funds amounted Philippines,” held on 26-28 November NGOs may have resources at to US$124,000 at the end of 2007 in Tagaytay City, Philippines. certain periods but do not project implementation. The Conservation International-Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines. have the mandate to lead local amount shows that partners and national conservation value the conservation of the Rosales, R.M.P. 2007. “Engaging the Oil Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape and objectives. Private corporations and Gas Industry Towards Marine as drivers of local, national have taken the initiative to Biodiversity Conservation in the Sulu- or regional economies are provide counterpart funding, Sulawesi Seascape Area.” Conservation resources for sustainable coastal and leverage additional International–Philippines, Quezon City, and marine conservation. resources to achieve maximum Philippines. 22 July 2008

By Miledel Christine C. Quibilan, Ruth Grace R. Ambal and Sheila G. Vergara Conservation International-Philippines

Evolving Processes in Developing Site Conservation Targets

How can networks of globally important biodiversity sites be safeguarded?

Site conservation is one of the MPAs are defined by the is followed: most effective means to reduce International Union for the global diversity loss. Identifying and Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 1. Compilation of a list of species prioritizing sites where biodiversity as “any area of the intertidal or that could potentially trigger must be conserved immediately, is subtidal terrain together with its Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) a basic and necessary step to focus overlying water and associated within the region. This list resources to revert the declining flora, fauna, historical and cultural includes: (a) species that are trends. features, which has been reserved currently recognized on the by law or other effective means to IUCN Red List of Threatened Marine protected areas (MPAs) protect part or all of the enclosed Species as globally threatened; figure prominently in marine environment.” (b) species that possess highly conservation work. MPAs are often restricted ranges; (c) species proxies that ultimately aim to In order to identify relevant sites for that congregate in high safeguard species by protecting conservation, a process similar to densities; and (d) species that their habitats. the steps outlined below1 (CI, 2008) qualify using IUCN criteria as globally threatened but have not yet been assessed for listing; 1 Defi nitions of key terms used in the steps: 2. Compilation of existing data on Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) – “sites of global signifi cance for biodiversity conservation. They are identifi ed using globally standard criteria and thresholds, based on the needs population sizes of species that of biodiversity requiring safeguards at the site scale. These criteria are based on the could potentially trigger KBAs, framework of vulnerability and irreplaceability widely used in systematic conservation and mapping of the localities at planning” (Langhammer, et al., 2007). which they occur; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – is the most widely accepted standard for information on extinction risk and conservation status of species (More information at www.iucnredlist. 3. In consultation with the Global org). Marine Species Assessment, initiation of the IUCN Red Global Marine Species Assessment – is a project that aims to conduct the fi rst global review of the risk of extinction for every marine vertebrate species, plants and selected List process for species that invertebrates—approximately 20,000 marine species—using the IUCN Red List Categories qualify using Red List criteria as and Criteria. globally threatened but have not yet been assessed for listing; Vagrant – “a taxon that is currently found only very occasionally within the boundaries of a region, a region that would therefore only have a very small share of the global population” (Gärdenfors, et al., 2001). 4. Identification of vagrant Tropical Coasts 23 Jüergen Freund Jüergen

threatened species that should 8. As resources allow, Sulu-Sulawesi Marine be excluded from the KBA identification and taking Ecoregion Priority- process; appropriate actions to safeguard setting KBAs and populations of trigger 5. Application of thresholds to species within KBAs; and The identification of priority populations of each trigger conservation areas (PCAs) in the species to identify KBA sites; 9. Documentation of data used Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion and all steps undertaken followed a process similar to that 6. As resources allow, undertaking during the KBA identification previously described, but identified directed surveys of candidate and delineation processes. a set of groups of species (taxa) or KBAs where trigger species Information is then published. habitats, which are representative are suspected to occur or of the range of biological diversity population size is unknown; The following sections describe the in the Ecoregion: i.e., mangroves processes involved in the identifi cation and estuaries; marine plants; 7. Delineation of KBA boundaries by and prioritization of site conservation coral reefs; demersal fishes and overlaying locations of non-vagrant targets at the ecoregion/seascape invertebrates; pelagic fishes; and threatened species and populations scale and how it was refi ned at the charismatic species such as marine of other species that could national level (i.e., Philippines) using mammals. The process used trigger KBAs with available maps the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) locations of groups of species or describing management units; approach. habitats, which experts deemed 24 July 2008

important, considering the lack of detailed information at the species level such as population sizes. Expert rankings of the importance of particular sites were used in place of threshold populations.

In March 2001, maps of these important areas for each taxa were overlaid to identify areas of frequent overlap or areas of special importance to a particular taxa (Stakeholders of the SSME, et al., 2004). Corridors linking the different biogeographic regions were identified as priorities for conservation. These were established as priority conservation areas (PCAs) for the marine ecoregion and included in the Ecoregion Conservation Plan (ECP), which was adopted by the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

While the PCAs are not expected to be fully- protected, these are to be managed and zoned with fully-protected areas. They address fisheries and threatened species concerns (e.g., marine turtles; dugongs; whalesharks, etc.) since these taxa were among those considered in the Image Source: CI-Philippines. selection of PCAs. More detailed planning and Figure 1. Integrated biodiversity conservation priority areas in the Philippines. zoning work, however, is needed within each PCA. world. Its biological diversity the National Biodiversity Strategy is under threat from habitat and Action Plan (NBSAP) in an Philippine Priorities destruction and overexploitation. attempt to address the country’s In 1997, the Department of biodiversity crisis. The Philippines is one of the 17 Environment and Natural Resources megadiversity countries in the (DENR) developed and adopted In 2000, a refinement of the Tropical Coasts 25

national biodiversity plan was done through the Philippine Biodiversity Table 1. Criteria and thresholds that were provisionally considered Conservation Priority-Setting appropriate for the identifi cation of marine KBAs (Edgar, et al., 2008a). Program (PBCPP). Drawing inputs Criterion Sub-criterion Provisional thresholds from more than 300 natural and for triggering KBA social scientists from about 100 status local and international institutions, Vulnerability Regular presence of government and nongovernmental a single individual for organizations, academia, peoples’ Regular occurrence of Critically Endangered organizations, donors and the private a globally threatened (CR) and Endangered species (according to (EN) species; regular sector, the results of the PBCPP the IUCN Red List) at presence of 30 represent the national consensus the site individuals or 10 pairs for on the priorities and strategies for Vulnerable species (VU) conserving Philippine biodiversity. a. restricted-range Species with a global Irreplaceability species range less than 100,000 A total of 206 biodiversity km2; Site holds X% of conservation priority areas were b. Species with 5% of the global a species’ global population at site identified, out of which, 170 are population at any stage large but clumped terrestrial and 36 are marine of the species’ lifecycle distributions ( ). 5% of the global Figure 1 c. Globally significant 1% of global population population at site congregations seasonally present at site Five strategic actions needed to address the biodiversity crisis d. Globally significant Site is responsible for were identified to ensure that source populations maintaining 1% of global conservation activities are to be population directed to the 206 PBCPP priority areas (Ong, et al., 2002):

1. Harmonize research with (KBA) approach (Eken, et al., 419 endemic species of freshwater conservation needs; 2004) was employed to further fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds refine the terrestrial and marine and mammals and 62 species of 2. Enhance and strengthen the biodiversity priority areas in the congregatory birds. Only one third protected areas system; Philippines. KBAs are “sites of (35%) of these KBAs are under global significance for biodiversity legal protection status. Areas that 3. Institutionalize innovative conservation” which are identified are equally important but have no and appropriate biodiversity using widely accepted criteria and data to satisfy KBA criteria were conservation approaches — the thresholds (See Table 1) based designated as candidate KBA which Biodiversity corridors; on the conservation planning can be considered priority areas for principles of vulnerability and research. There are 51 candidate 4. Institutionalize monitoring and irreplaceability. terrestial KBAs identified for the evaluation (M&E) systems of Philippines. projects and of biodiversity; and The identification and delineation of terrestrial KBAs in the Philippines The KBA criteria which were applied 5. Develop a national constituency utilized the 117 Important Bird to terrestrial species needed for biodiversity conservation in Areas (IBAs) previously identified modifications to be applicable for the Philippines. by Haribon Foundation and marine species (Table 1) (CI, 2008; Birdlife International and the 206 Edgar, et al., 2008a). Prior to its Refining Priority Sites conservation priority areas of the application in the Philippines, initial for Conservation in the PBCPP (CI-DENR-Haribon, 2006). testing of the modified KBA criteria Philippines Using the KBA Using the 2004 IUCN Red List as was done in the Galapagos (Edgar, Approach the primary reference for the list et al., 2008b). of globally threatened species, a Building on the results of the total of 128 KBAs were identified In 2008, the application of the KBAs PBCPP, the Key Biodiversity Areas for 209 globally threatened and to marine areas in the Philippines 26 July 2008

was tested through a series of expert workshops. The first of these workshops was the Marine Key Biodiversity Areas Definition Workshop where the 2007 IUCN Red List was used as a primary reference. Workshop participants were experts in various areas of marine life, classified as follows: highly mobile (elasmobranchs, fish, marine turtles, cetaceans); site-attached (reef fish, marine invertebrates, giant clams, groupers); and the habitat-forming group (corals, seagrass, mangroves, seaweeds).

The workshop validated the list and distribution of species that trigger the vulnerability and irreplaceability criteria (Table 1), and determined the applicability of the marine KBA process to the Philippines. Marine KBAs in the country were also identified. Map overlays showing the distribution of KBA trigger species were produced and later integrated to show the first-cut version of the Image Source: CI-Philippines. marine KBAs for the Figure 2. Initial marine key biodiversity areas identifi ed for the Philippines based on the two expert Philippines (Figure 2). A workshops conducted by Conservation International in 2008. total of 70 marine KBAs were identified. Conclusion integration of the terrestrial and A second workshop was conducted marine KBAs for the Philippines to develop a set of criteria to refine The overlap of identified marine will provide an enhanced the boundaries of the marine KBAs KBAs with existing MPAs in the decision-making framework for identified during the first workshop. Philippines is currently being stakeholders and decision-makers It also established priorities for analyzed. It is expected that the at local, national, and regional these KBAs. Tropical Coasts 27

governance levels on which Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Targets for Comprehensive Protected conservation and development Ecosystems 18(6): 969-983. Area Systems. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. programmes/plans could be Edgar, G.J., S. Banks, R. Bensted-Smith, M. Miclat, E.F.B. and R.B. Trono (eds.). 2002. A based. Calvopiña, A. Chiriboga, L.E. Garske, S. Vision for Life: Biodiversity conservation Henderson, K.A. Miller and S. Salazar. planning for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine 2008b. “Conservation of threatened Ecoregion. WWF-Philippines, Quezon species in the Galapagos Marine City, Philippines. 289 p (In CD). References Reserve through identification and protection of marine Key Biodiversity Ong, P.S., L.E. Afuang and R.G. Rosell-Ambal Conservation International. 2008. Areas.” Aquatic Conservation: Marine (eds.). 2002. Philippine Biodiversity Guidebook for the identification, and Freshwater Ecosystems. Conservation Priorities: A second delineation and prioritization of iteration of the National Biodiversity marine Key Biodiversity Areas: Global Eken, G., L. Bennun, T.M. Brooks, W. Strategy and Action Plan. Department site conservation targets for the Darwall, L.D.C. Fishpool, M. Forster, of Environment and Natural Resources- marine environment. Conservation D. Knox, P. Langhammer, P. Matiku, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, International, Arlington, VA. 35pp. E. Radoford, P. Salaman, W. Sechrest., Conservation International-Philippines, M.L. Smith, S. Spector and A. Tordoff. Biodiversity Conservation Program- Conservation International-Philippines, 2004. “Key Biodiversity Areas as site University of the Philippines Center for Department of Environment and conservation targets.” BioScience Integrative Studies, and Foundation for Natural Resources-Protected Areas 54(12): 1110-1118. the Philippine Environment, Quezon and Wildlife Bureau and Haribon City, Philippines. Foundation (CI-DENR-Haribon). 2006. Gärdenfors, U., C. Hilton-Taylor, G.M. Mace, Priority Sites for Conservation in the J.P. Rodriguez. 2001. The Application of Stakeholders of the SSME, Technical Philippines: Key Biodiversity Areas. IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional Levels. Working Groups of Indonesia, Quezon City, Philippines. 24 pp. Conservation Biology 15(5):1206-1212. Malaysia and the Philippines, WWF- SSME Conservation Program. 2004. Edgar, G.J., P.F. Langhammer, G. Allen, T.M. Langhammer, P.F., M.I. Bakarr, L.A. Bennun, Conservation Plan for the Sulu-Sulawesi Brooks, J. Brodie, W. Crosse, N. De Silva, T.M. Brooks, R.P. Clay, W. Darwall, N. De Marine Ecoregion. Dumaup, J.N.B., L.D.C. Fishpool, M.N. Foster, D.H. Knox, Silva, G.J. Edgar, G. Eken, L.D.C. Fishpool, R.M. Cola, R.B. Trono, J.A. Ingles, E.F.B. J.E. Mccosker, R. Mcmanus, A.J.K. Millar G.A.B. da Fonseca, M.N. Foster, D.H. Miclat and N.P. Ibuna (eds.). World Wide and R. Mugo. 2008a. Key Biodiversity Knox, P. Matiku, E.A. Radford, A.S.L. Fund for Nature-Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Areas as globally significant target Rodrigues, P. Salaman, W. Sechrest, and Ecoregion Program (WWF-SSME), sites for the conservation of A.W. Tordoff . 2007. Identifi cation and Quezon City, Philippines. marine biological diversity. Aquatic Gap Analysis of Key Biodiversity Areas: 168 pp. Jüergen Freund 28 July 2008

By Evangeline Florence B. Miclat Conservation International-Philippines

The Framework for a Network of MPAs in the SSME: Status of Implementation

The establishment of an ecological design and management of MPA case of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas because of network of marine protected areas networks, which protect: a) valuable insuffi cient and scattered data. To provide (NMPAs) is widely considered as the most resources; b) the habitats that sustain some basis in designing ecologically eff ective way to protect ocean biodiversity them; and c) the interests of the people sensible NMPAs in this seascape, the basis and its economic values. However, in who depend on them. for design was expert opinion and best the nearly one million square kilometer- knowledge. A workshop of MPA experts seascape of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas, where When planning for NMPAs establishment, and practitioners was convened in 2003, 58 priority areas have been identifi ed for it is necessary and basic to determine its under the auspices of the World Wide conservation and management over a conservation target. Fund for Nature-Sulu-Sulawesi Marine timeframe of 50 years where should the Ecoregion (WWF-SSME) Conservation MPA network start? What is the aim of the Programme. The objective of the NMPAs? workshop was to develop the Framework The direction for strategic marine for a Network of MPAs in Sulu-Sulawesi conservation will be set by applying the The use of modeling to design an Seas (WWF, 2004), based on MPA experts’ best science with regard to selection, ecological NMPA does not work in the discussion and known biophysical Tropical Coasts 29

species of special concern within the from the set of identifi ed criteria. network; They matched the selected set of criteria with the fundamental goals of 3. Maintenance of ecological and conservation, identifi ed the specifi c evolutionary processes that conservation targets of the sample aff ect biodiversity in the network; NMPA, including indicators, based on and the criteria and conservation goals, and listed the socioeconomic and cultural 4. Resiliency by including in the considerations in NMPA establishment. network areas that have high rates to survive and recover from short- and The group outputs were presented in long-term environmental changes. the framework in three matrices:

The framework also considered a set of 1. Network of species of special sample criteria for the NMPAs, which was concern (for marine turtles); derived from internationally accepted criteria for MPA establishment (Roberts, et 2. Network of MPAs for integrated al., 2003). Additional inputs were provided coastal ecosystems (for coral reefs); by MPA experts who contributed to the and SSME NMPAs framework. The resulting criteria were as follows: 3. Network of MPAs for fi sheries (for demersal, pelagic, reef and deep 1. Biogeographic representation sea). 2. Habitat representation and heterogeneity Each matrix provided ideas on the 3. Human threats confi guration of a network depending 4. Natural catastrophes on a chosen conservation objective. 5. Size (expert functions, By combining the above matrices, a viability, management) general framework was developed. information (Stakeholders of the SSME, et 6. Connectivity The framework provides the guiding al., 2004). 7. Vulnerable habitats principles and biophysical and 8. Vulnerable life stages socioeconomic decision rules when The SSME Conservation Programme 9. Species of populations of establishing NMPAs in the SSME. focused on: (1) protection of species special concern of special concern; (2) management 10. Exploitable species Work in Progress of integrated coastal ecosystems, 11. Ecosystem linkages to ecological i.e., mangrove forests-seagrass beds- services for humans It is a work in progress and will have to coral reefs-linked ecosystems with 12. Ecosystem services be tested and improved accordingly. terrestrial components; and (3) fi sheries 13. Adjacency of terrestrial managed Notwithstanding its draft form, it management. areas is useful for a seascape like Sulu- 14. Disturbance Sulawesi where scientifi c information is The Framework for NMPA in insuffi cient, in guiding the establishment Sulu-Sulawesi Understandably, a network of sites of ecological networks of MPAs for intended to protect species would be biodiversity conservation and resource The development of the framework for a diff erent from a set of sites that would management. (Table 1 presents network of MPAs in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas target fi sheries management. Networks the biophysical and socioeconomic took into account the following (Noss, for species protection would vary in considerations for the Network of MPAs 1992): confi guration depending on species for Species of Special Concern). being targeted, e.g., NMPA for green sea 1. Representation of biodiversity in the turtles or NMPA for Napoleon wrasse. The framework also provides immediate areas that make up the network; Due to these variations, experts worked (two years), intermediate (one to fi ve in groups, with each group selecting the years) and long-term (seven to ten years) 2. Maintenance of viable populations of criteria for sample NMPAs, as applicable, action priorities for implementation. 30 July 2008

Table 1. Network of MPAs for Species of Special Concern (Marine Turtles). Colored text indicates suggested modifi cations to this output (Adapted from WWF, 2004, by Pilcher, 2008). Network of MPA Criteria Goals Conservation Targets 1. Habitat • Representation • Rookeries (nesting, inter-nesting, and mating representation and habitats) heterogeneity • Feeding, developmental habitats • Migratory routes for the fi ve species of turtles in the SSME

2. Human threats • Population viability • Eggs, hatchlings, developmental stage (juvenile) and • Ecological and evolutionary processes adult turtles • Key nesting habitats

3. Natural catastrophes • Population viability • Natural sex ratio (e.g., El Niño, beach • Ecological and evolutionary processes • Nesting densities erosion) • Resilience • Hatchling emergence • Nesting success

4. Size (export • Representation • Nesting sites in excess of 100 nests/year functions, viability, • Population viability • Adult foraging sites management) • Ecological and evolutionary processes • Juvenile foraging/development sites includes population • Resilience • Migratory corridors for one or more species size, size of MPAs • Nesting population for turtles

5. Connectivity • Population viability Same as Criteria 1 targets to ensure the full life cycle • Ecological and evolutionary processes of turtles belonging to the same population • Resilience • Full life histories of turtles belonging to each genetic stock

6. Vulnerable habitats All three key habitats (nesting beaches, migratory pathways and foraging grounds) are critical for turtle conservation – the absence of any of these would result in population declines, given the lack of mobility among populations. These habitats are addressed above under Habitat Representation.

7. Vulnerable life stages • Population viability • Critical nesting beaches focusing on egg incubation and hatchling emergence • Management interventions • Migratory pathways

8. Species services • Ecological and evolutionary processes Same as targets under Criteria 1, 3, 4, and 5

• Turtles continue to play their ecological roles in foraging habitats Tropical Coasts 31

Indicators Social, Cultural, Economic Considerations • Nesting habitat: at least 70% of turtle egg production conserved • Participatory management of tri-national protected area (Turtle • Threats to turtles as well as mortalities in critical habitats, land- Islands, Sipadan Island, Lankayan Island, and Derawan Island based sources of pollution, and other disturbances to seagrass Group) through a Turtle Network Committee, chaired by the existing beds and coral reefs is reduced or eliminated SSS host country • Representative habitats including interesting areas maintained • Integrated conservation and development (ICD) approach • A suite of each of the required habitats is maintained at all times • Political and socioeconomic impacts of conservation (e.g., use of to allow for point-source catastrophes turtle-exclusive devices or TEDs) • Migratory pathways and particularly bottlenecks are priorities for • Respect for traditional use of turtle eggs and meat, e.g., religious at-sea conservation action practices, rituals • Promoted use of turtles for tourism development and other livelihood opportunities • Development of turtle-friendly alternative livelihoods (e.g., seaweed farm screens) • Capacity building for turtle conservation

• At least 70% of turtle egg production conserved • Direct harvest levels of adults and eggs to be considered when • Hatchling mortality reduced to natural levels dealing with local communities • Natural population dynamics understood and maintained • Research and monitoring costs of at-sea work to be budgeted for • Stable or increasing nesting trends • Coastal zoning plans to account for critical habitats (foraging and • Human settlements isolated from critical nesting sites nesting) • Offset schemes to be considered in reducing direct harvests

• Sex ratio maintained (Research agenda: subject to study/ • Participation of various sectors, e.g., act as early warning system, as verifi cation) a response team • Proper land use that maintains alternative nesting sites • ICD approach • Increased hatching and hatchling success • Increased awareness on the disadvantages of head starting • Sensible egg relocation programmes to counter erosion are in • Increased costs of egg relocation and monitoring during natural place catastrophes • Stranding network to act as an early warning signal to major environmental hazards

Same as Criteria 1 indicators and • Appropriate legislations for zoning and setback, particularly in foraging grounds • Stable or increasing number of nesters • Effective law enforcement • Stable or increasing proportion of recruits to reproductive adult • Mitigation of impacts of protection of large areas on socioeconomic age classes conditions, e.g., alternative livelihood • Stable or increasing number of turtles in foraging grounds • Integrated coastal management (ICM) approach • Increased spatial coverage over range of foraging individuals • Mechanism for collaboration and cooperation among management units of the network

• Increased understanding of genetic interlinkages • Turtle-friendly livelihood and economic activities, e.g. eco-tourism, • Reduced threats along migratory routes and in critical habitats, fi sheries e.g., reduction of by-catch and mass poaching by distant nation • Partnership with corporate/private sector and the academe fl eets • Appropriate land and water use planning and development • Increased population densities in all life stages and habitats • Inter-regional collaboration and cooperation • Effective law enforcement • Increased dialogue with distant nations whose fi shing fl eets impact SSS marine turtles

• Incubation and emergence success are similar on managed • Research is needed to determine what ‘natural’ is for hatchling beaches to those left in the wild (in situ) gender ratios, success rates and dispersal patterns at all sites • Hatchling dispersal follows natural patterns and mortality rates • While expensive, migratory routes and bottlenecks can only be • Migration bottlenecks receive enhanced protection determined through satellite tracking, yet this offers unprecedented awareness and education opportunities

• Seagrass communities respond positively to constant turtle Same as 1, 3, 4, and 5 grazing • Link to socioeconomic considerations of Network of MPAs for • Coral reef fi sh communities which depend on sponges fi sheries and Network of MPAs for integrated coastal ecosystems maintained • Socioeconomic considerations of turtle impacts to alternative • Diversity of sponges on coral reef assemblages maintained but livelihood programmes not overwhelming coral communities • Community understanding of the indirect values of turtles to marine • Artisanal fi shery sectors continue to benefi t from ecological habitat well-being services of these habitats given roles of turtles in maintaining these 32 July 2008

As of October 2008, immediate actions have • World Parks Congress, Durban, and disseminated for the fi rst time at the been implemented as follows: South Africa, September 2003 – oral Convention on Biological Diversity - 7th presentation (Romero, et al., 2003) Conference of Parties in February 2004. Priority action 1: In 2008, Conservation International (CI) Seek high government support from • 1st East Asian Seas Congress, Putrajaya, pioneered the use of the Framework Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines Malaysia, December 2003 – oral through the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape for the adoption of the Conservation presentation and journal publication Project. Plan for SSME (Miclat, et al., 2006) Pilot-testing the Framework High-level adoption of the conservation • 7th Conference of Parties for the plan for SSME was achieved through Convention on Biological Diversity, The Walton-funded SSS Project is being a ministerial signing of a Tri-national Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February implemented in Indonesia, Malaysia and Memorandum of Understanding between 2004 – published copies exhibited and Philippines through 32 partners engaged the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, distributed at the WWF Exhibit Booth during the project’s fi rst phase (2005-2008). and the Philippines. The partnership with the Marine Research • 10th International Coral Reef Foundation (MRF), based in Sabah, made The Sulu-Sulawesi ecoregion-level action Symposium, Okinawa, Japan, July possible the review of existing information plan provides for the use of the framework 2004 – oral presentation (Llewellyn, et about sea turtles in Sulu-Sulawesi, the for NMPA “…as guide in designing MPA al., 2004) compilation of known critical areas for sea networks in the SSME and establishing and turtles, and the drafting of a design for a managing functional integrated network • International MPA Congress, Geelong, transboundary MPA network for sea turtles. of priority conservation areas to ensure Australia, November 2005 – abstract ecological integrity…” (Stakeholders of the submitted; copies shared (Miclat, et al., The reviews provided the fi rst opportunity SSME, et al., 2004). The adoption of the ECP, 2005) to use the SSME Framework for NMPA. As in eff ect, adopted the framework. a result, the draft design for NMPA for sea • Workshop on Learning Partnership for turtles in the framework was refi ned (Table Priority action 2: MPA Networks, Tagaytay, Philippines, 1) through the incorporation of relevant Communicate the framework in various May 2008 – presented by CI-Philippines current management practices, research forums to seek support and resources (Miclat, 2008) and monitoring needs (Pilcher, 2008). for the use of NMPA in conservation and sustainable development Priority action 3: A Useful Resource Publish the framework, disseminate, The framework was presented, discussed, solicit feedback from MPA experts, and The SSME Framework for NMPAs is a communicated, or distributed at the pilot-test to provide basis for refi nement product of a tedious technical process following international events, among participated in by 32 MPA experts and others: The framework was published in 2004 practitioners, with experiences in networks of MPAs (e.g., Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Northwestern Australia). However, the framework – a highly valuable material, is underutilized. Currently, its application is limited to CI’s SSS Project.

While implementation of the framework’s action plans is limited, it is worth highlighting the following:

1. From 2004-2005, the WWF was mostly responsible for implementing the immediate action priorities which the MPA experts set for the framework during its formulation in 2003.

2. The review and refi nement of the Jüergen Freund Tropical Coasts 33

framework has been incorporated in the workplan of the Tri-national subcommittee for MPAs and Networks and approved at the 2nd Meeting of the Tri-National Committee for SSME in April 2007.

3. The pilot-testing of the framework under the CI-SSS Project contributes to the implementation of the immediate action priorities for the framework. The experience of the MRF in designing a network of MPAs for sea turtles, highlights the usefulness of the framework as evidenced by the remarkable overlap between the framework and the actual conservation needs and actions on the ground.

There is an increasing recognition of

the added value of networks of MPAs to Freund Jüergen conservation and sustainable development over a single MPA and a growing interest Fund for Nature (WWF) Sulu-Sulawesi Marine (International MPA Congress), Geelong, to pursue network establishment. The Ecoregion Conservation Program, Quezon City, Australia, November 2005. Abstract. Coral Triangle Initiative which includes Philippines. 48 p. NMPAs, spurs enthusiasm among MPA Noss, .R.F. 1992. “The Wildlands Project: Land Miclat, E.F.B. 2008. CI-Philippines: Introducing Conservation Strategy.” Wild Earth Special Issue scientists and practitioners to pick up the the “Framework for Network of MPAs for – The Wildlands Project 10-25. SSME Framework for NMPAs. CI, for its part, Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion” to the will continue to promote the framework, MPA Learning Partnership. Presented at the Pilcher, N.J., 2008. A Network of Protected Areas to contribute to the review and refi nement Workshop on Learning Partnership for MPA Safeguard Marine Turtles in the Sulu-Sulawesi through its membership in the Tri-National Networks, Tagaytay, Philippines, May 2008. Seascape. Conservation International - Under the auspices of USAID-supported project Philippines. Quezon City, Philippines. 35 pp. Committee for SSME, and communicate entitled “Eff ective Design and Management the encouraging results on the use of the of Tropical Marine Protected Area Networks Roberts, C.M., S. Andelman, G. Branch, R.H. framework to provide the impetus for through Cross-Institutional Learning.” Bustamante, J.C. Castilla, J. Dugan, B.S. Halpern, others to try it. It will contribute to planning K.D. Laff erty, H. Leslie, J. Lubchenco, D. McArdie, and establishment of MPA networks Miclat, E.F.B. and R.B. Trono. 2008. “One Vision, J.P. Possingham, M. Ruckelshaus, and R.R. One Plan, Common Resources, Joint Warner. 2003. “Ecological Criteria for Evaluating through partnerships, not only in Sulu- Management.” Tropical Coasts 15(1). Candidate Sites for Marine Reserves.” Ecol Applic Sulawesi but in other seascapes. “Conserving the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas.” 13(1):199-214. (This issue.) Romero, F.G., J. Ingles, R.B. Trono, J.N. Dumaup, J.A. References Miclat, E.F.B. and R.B. Trono (eds). 2002. A Vision Palma, E. Miclat, P. Basintal and R. Cruz. “Turtle for Life: Biodiversity conservation planning for Islands Heritage Protected Area: Challenges Llewellyn, G., E. Miclat, L. Wilson, K. Kassem, the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. WWF- and Opportunities for Transboundary M. McField, and I. Kamau. 2004. “Building Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines. 289 p. Protection of Marine Turtles in the Sulu- Networks of Marine Protected Areas: Lessons (In CD). Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion.” Presented at from Five Large-scale Marine Conservation the 5th World Parks Congress, Durban, South Eff orts in Tropical Coral Reef Systems.” Miclat, E.F.B., J.A. Ingles, and J.N.B. Dumaup. Africa, 7-18 September 2003. 6 p. Presented at the 10th International Coral 2006. “Planning across Boundaries for the Reef Symposium held in Okinawa, Japan. Conservation of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Stakeholders of the SSME, Technical Working Available at: wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/jcrs/icrs2004/ Ecoregion.” Oceans and Coastal Management Groups of Indonesia, Malaysia and the img/05oral_149-208.pdf. 49:597-609. Philippines, WWF-SSME Conservation Program. 2004. Conservation Plan for the Sulu- Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. Dumaup, J.N.B., Llewellyn, G., R. Kenchington, E. Miclat, R. Trono Miclat, E.F.B., G. Llewellyn, R. Kenchington and A. R.M. Cola, R.B. Trono, J.A. Ingles, E.F.B. Miclat and and A. Cabanban (eds). 2004. Framework for Cabanban. 2005. “Developing a Framework N.P. Ibuna (eds.). World Wide Fund for Nature- a Network of Marine Protected Areas in the for a Network of Marine Protected Areas in Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion Program Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. World Wide the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion.” IMPAC (WWF-SSME), Quezon City, Philippines. 168 pp. 34 July 2008

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on the Adoption of the Conservation Plan for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion

The Government of the Republic of Indonesia, the communities, habitats and ecological processes; Government of Malaysia, and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, hereinafter referred to - the SSME is a highly productive ecoregion that can singularly as “the Party” and collectively as “the Parties”; sustainably and equitably provide for the socioeconomic and cultural needs of the human communities RECOGNISING that: dependent on it;

- the states exercise sovereign rights over their natural - the shared resources of SSME is a common concern and resources and that co-operation is important in the the conservation of sustainable development of said conservation and sustainable development of these resources and the benefi ts are mutually shared among resources in respect of areas beyond national jurisdiction the Parties; and of mutual interest, in line with the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) including the - the ecoregion approach to conservation facilitates the Jakarta Mandate of 1995; realisation of the four fundamental goals of biodiversity conservation, which are representation, sustainability of - the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention ecological processes, viability of species, and resiliency. on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, particularly Part IX thereof relating to enclosed and semi-enclosed ACKNOWLEDGING that: seas encourages co-operation among regional states, and other interested states in marine environment - ecoregion approach off ers opportunities to achieve protection and marine scientifi c research; these goals mainly because of comprehensive joint management at the ecoregional levels and through - the outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable complementary action at the national levels; more Development (WSSD), in particular, the Johannesburg systematic and coherent actions responsive to the Declaration on Sustainable Development and Paragraph requirements of ecological rather than political 29 of the Plan of Implementation states that eff ective boundaries; availability of resources for conservation coordination and co-operation at global and regional from stakeholders at various levels; and, higher degree levels, among others, are needed to ensure sustainable of effi ciency and eff ectiveness due to the matching of development of the oceans; resources for conservation with the type and degree of needs; - the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME) is signifi cant as a globally unique center of biodiversity with vibrant - the Conservation Plan for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine ecological integrity, including all species assemblages, Ecoregion, hereinafter referred to as the Ecoregion Tropical Coasts 35

Conservation Plan (ECP), addresses the ecological Understanding and the laws, national policies, rules and integrity and sustainability of resources; regulations of each country, shall undertake necessary measures to formally adopt the ECP and its incorporation - the ECP was formulated by the respective stakeholders into their respective National Plans. of the SSME from the three participating nations;

NOTING that the eff ective implementation of the ECP of ARTICLE III the SSME, under the concept of large-scale conservation AREAS OF CO-OPERATION and sustainable development, can only be realised through collaborative management among concerned government 1. The Parties shall, subject to their respective national agencies and other stakeholders in the bordering states; policies, laws, rules and regulations from time to time in force governing the subject matter in their respective AFFIRMING their intention to establish mutually benefi cial countries, endeavour to take necessary steps to cooperation on the conservation and sustainable encourage, facilitate and promote co-operation in the management of biodiversity in the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine areas identifi ed in the ECP which are as follows: Ecoregion, thereby enhancing friendly relations among the Parties; a. establishment of management strategies and co-ordinated institutions for eff ective ecoregion HAVE AGREED as follows: conservation;

b. establishment of a functional integrated network ARTICLE I of priority conservation areas to ensure ecological DEFINITION integrity;

For the purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding: c. development of sustainable livelihood systems that support marine and coastal conservation 1. “Ecoregion” means a relatively large unit of land or across the ecoregion; water that contains a distinct assemblage of natural communities sharing a large majority of species, d. shaping of economic development compatible dynamics, and environmental conditions, and with biodiversity conservation; consequently functions eff ectively as a conservation unit. e. enhancement of understanding of biodiversity resources and factors aff ecting them to form basis 2. “Ecoregion Conservation Plan (ECP)” means a plan for management decisions; of action that spells out the short-term (10-15 years) goals and actions to be taken as steps in realising the f. development of communication, education and Biodiversity Vision, which is the long term (50 years) outreach programmes and strategies to motivate goal. The ECP includes the ecoregional action plan and people to take conservation action; the national action plans of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, that are consistent with and are aligned to g. development of sustainable fi nancing mechanism national plans and programmes as well as each country’s to support cost of conservation and resource international agreements and commitments. management;

3. ”Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion” means an ecoregion, h. building and enhancement of capacity of covering an area of approximately a million square stakeholders to eff ectively manage the kilometers, shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and the conservation of SSME; Philippines and includes the Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea. i. implementation of coordinated protection of threatened marine species to ensure maintenance ARTICLE II of viable populations and protection of critical ECOREGION CONSERVATION PLAN (ECP) habitat; and

The Parties, subject to the terms of this Memorandum of j. improvement of coastal, oceanic and other types of 36 July 2008

fi sheries resource condition and management by 2. The Parties, individually of jointly, where necessary developing a framework strategy, institutions and may mobilize additional resources required for the appropriate interventions. implementation of the ECP from relevant international organizations and international donor community.

ARTICLE IV DESIGNATED NATIONAL AUTHORITY ARTICLE VII NON-PREJUDICE CLAUSE For the purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding, the Parties shall nominate their respective National Nothing in this Memorandum of Understanding shall Focal Authorities, which shall be communicated through prejudice the sovereign rights of the Parties over diplomatic channels upon signing of this Memorandum of the resources of the positions of the Parties on the Understanding. negotiations of the delimitation of common maritime boundaries.

ARTICLE V TRI-NATIONAL COMMITTEE ARTICLE VIII INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 1. For the purpose of implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding, a Tri-National Committee shall be 1. The protection of intellectual property rights shall established which shall consist of representatives of the be enforced in conformity with the respective designated national authorities of the Parties. national laws and regulations of the Parties and with international agreements in force among the Parties. 2. The Tri-National Committee shall adopt procedures for the conduct of its meetings which shall be convened 2. The intellectual property right in respect of any once a year or as may be necessary upon the instance of technology development carried out jointly by the any of the parties, in the Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia, Parties or research result through joint activity of and the Republic of the Philippines on rotation basis. the Parties shall be jointly owned by the Parties in accordance with the terms to be mutually agreed 3. The Tri-National Committee Meeting shall serve as a upon. forum: 3. Each Party shall be allowed to use such intellectual a. to coordinated and harmonise the implementation property rights for the purpose of maintaining, of the ECP; adapting and improving the relevant technology. In the event that such technology is used by the b. to review, update and revise the ECP when Party and/or institutions on behalf of the Party for necessary; and commercial purposes, the other Parties shall be entitled to obtain an equitable portion of royalty, c. for consultation and information sharing among others. among the parties on the development and implementation of conservation initiatives outside 4. Each Party shall own the intellectual property rights the scope of the ECP. in respect of any research results, technological development, and any products and services development, which were solely and separately ARTICLE VI developed by that Party and conducted within its FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS national jurisdiction.

1. Financial obligations arising from the Tri-National 5. Any other matters pertaining to intellectual property Committee’s activities and joint activities in the rights that may arise from activities undertaken implementation of the ECP shall be shouldered equitably under this Memorandum of Understanding shall through understandings or arrangements agreed upon be determined and agreed upon by the Parties in a during Tri-National Committee Meeting, which should be separate arrangement prior to the implementation of communicated through Exchange of Letters. the activities. Tropical Coasts 37

ARTICLE IX on the date of the last notifi cation by the Parties through CONFIDENTIALITY diplomatic channels, indicating that they have complied with their domestic requirements for its entry into force. It Each Party shall undertake to observe the confi dentiality and shall remain in force for a period of ten (10) years. secrecy of documents, information and any other data received from or supplied to the other Parties during the period of the 2. Any Party may withdraw from this Memorandum of implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding of any Understanding after the fi fth (5th) year from the date of its agreement or plan of action concluded or entered pursuant entry into force. The withdrawal shall take eff ect three (3) to this Memorandum of Understanding. The provision of this months after the receipt of notifi cation of the withdrawal. Article shall continue to be binding for a period to be agreed upon between the Parties notwithstanding the withdrawal of 3. Any withdrawal by any Party from this Memorandum of any of the Parties from this Memorandum of Understanding. Understanding shall not aff ect the implementation and completion of ongoing activities and/or programmes, which have been agreed upon by the Parties prior ARTICLE X to the date of withdrawal from this Memorandum of SUSPENSION Understanding.

Each Party reserves the right for reasons of national security, IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being duly national interest, public order or public health to suspend authorised by their respective Governments have signed this temporarily, either in whole or in part, the implementation of Memorandum of Understanding. this Memorandum of Understanding which suspension shall take eff ect immediately after notifi cation has been given to the DONE at Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on this 13th day other Parties through diplomatic channels. of February in the year of 2004, in twelve (12) original texts, three (3) copies each in Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Malaysia, Filipino and English language, all texts being equally ARTICLE XI authentic. In the event of divergence of interpretation REVISIONS, MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS between any of the texts, the English text shall prevail.

This Memorandum of Understanding may be revised, modifi ed or amended, in whole or in part, by consensus of the Parties. Any revision, modifi cation or amendment agreed FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA to by the Parties shall be in writing and shall form part of this Memorandum of Understanding. Such revision, modifi cation or amendment shall come into eff ect on such date as may be determined by the Parties. Any revision, modifi cation or Rokhmin Dahuri amendment shall not aff ect the rights and obligations arising from this Memorandum of Understanding prior or up to the date of such revision, modifi cation or amendment. FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF MALAYSIA

ARTICLE XII SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES Dato Seri Law Hieng Ding Any dispute or diff erence between the Parties concerning the interpretation and implementation of any of the provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding shall be settled amicably through consultation and negotiations among the Parties. FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

ARTICLE XIII ENTRY INTO FORCE, DURATION AND WITHDRAWAL Elisea G. Gozun 1. This Memorandum of Understanding shall enter into force 38 July 2008

By Miledel Christine C. Quibilan, Conservation International-Philippines Porfi rio M. Aliño, Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Sheila G. Vergara, Conservation International-Philippines and Romeo B. Trono, Conservation International-Philippines

Establishing MPA Networks in Marine Biodiversity Conservation Corridors

At fi rst, there was a vision for a 50-year conservation goal. This biodiversity vision led to the development of a stakeholders’ Ecoregion Conservation Plan (ECP) of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME).

The governments of Indonesia, Malaysia institutions such as the Partnerships State of MPAs within the and the Philippines had considered in Environmental Management for the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas and put in place interim governance Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), and the mechanisms that operated within governments of Indonesia, Malaysia A review paper by Abesamis and Aliño country and across countries during and the Philippines, together with in 2006 revealed that there are at least the planning stages of the SSME to their partners, fund providers and 352 MPAs in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas. Of ensure coordination. These mechanisms local communities have aligned their these, 343 are in the Philippines, 5 are soon evolved into formal institutional conservation goals and outcomes in Indonesia, 3 are in Malaysia, and 1 is arrangements to support the with existing national frameworks and jointly managed by the Philippines and implementation of the ECP. strategies as well as regional initiatives. Malaysia. Management data is only Collectively these eff orts help to available for 16 percent of the Philippine In many ways, the SSME is grounded on conserve the SSME. MPAs [Editor’s Note: See Backcover of this trust, mutual respect and a willingness issue.]. to fi nd new ways of working together The establishment of a network of among various stakeholders. Since it marine protected areas (MPAs) is one In the Philippines, the number of MPAs embraced national priorities, mandates of the tools to achieve this objective. By has been rapidly increasing (Arceo, et al., and limitations, SSME’s ECP is now eff ectively managing MPAs as a network, 2008). Compared to other regions in the successfully aligned to the national plans managers could capitalize on and country, the Visayan Sea region has the of the three countries. It is also consistent leverage various stakeholders and the most number of MPAs. The sizes of MPAs with their international commitments bio-physical inter-relationships among have also increased. Around 48 percent and embedded in the Sustainable sites to make each MPA in the network (out of those MPAs whose sizes were Development Strategy for the Seas of more robust against overexploitation available for the review) are now within East Asia, which was adopted in Malaysia and degradation. The management the 11 to 100 hectares size range, up in 2003, as a common platform for of a comprehensive, adequate and from many being in the 1 to 10 hectares regional cooperation in managing the representative system of MPAs will size range a decade ago. seas of the region. contribute to the long-term ecological viability of marine and estuarine systems, Setting up MPA Networks International NGOs such as the World maintain ecological processes and Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and systems and protect the Sulu-Sulawesi’s The Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion/ Conservation International (CI), regional biological diversity at all levels. Seascape is composed of three Tropical Coasts 39

known Philippine Verde Island Passage. In support of biogeographic regions: the E.O., the Verde Island Passage Sulu, Visayan and One of the 10 major objectives of Framework Plan was fi nalized and Sulawesi Seas. The is in the process of adoption by the interfaces or ‘marine the ECP of the SSME is to “Establish respective local government units. corridors’ between these biogeographic a functional integrated network The Cagayan Ridge MBCC is linked regions were identifi ed of priority conservation areas to with the Tubbataha Reef National as priority areas Marine Park (TRNMP), a UNESCO for protection as ensure ecological integrity”. World Heritage Site. Other known it is through these diving destinations along the ridge bottlenecks that sub- are the Jessie Beazely, Basterra and populations converge proper scientifi c information needed to Bancoran and inhabited islands like and are connected (Ong, et al., 2002). develop networks of mutually supporting Cawili, Arena, Calusa and Cagayancillo. Maintaining these interconnections MPAs. To strengthen MPA eff ectiveness, In 2006, the TRNMP was renamed the enables sub-populations to replenish technical and logistical support are being Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) by other sub-populations making the entire provided to address immediate threats virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1126 network more robust against extinctions. to critical marine habitats and threatened (See Box 1). Increasing in size from 33,200 species: support for participatory ha to 96,896 ha, the TRNP now holds the The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Programme fi sheries management interventions distinction as the MPA with the largest aimed to provide a scientifi c basis for such as community-managed MPAs, and marine area in the Philippines where MPA and MPA network establishment assistance in the development of sound extractive activities are prohibited (i.e., within these marine biodiversity coastal resource management plans. “no take”). Still pending in Congress, the conservation corridors (MBCCs). The Tubbataha Bill (House Bill 5515 series of programme facilitated participatory Through grants from NGOs and 2002) has yet to be passed. decision-making processes and donors, studies are being undertaken the development of appropriate in partnership with universities and North of the TRNP is Cagayancillo management plans to strengthen the laboratories to enable local scientists where there are four no-take MPAs, implementation and sustainability of to better understand the connectivity namely Balabag, Talaga and Nusa, as existing MPAs. It assisted in establishing between populations of marine well as one located in Cawili Island. mechanisms for vertical coordination organisms within and across the Buff er areas between 300 to 500 m among local and regional groups and Verde Island Passage, Cagayan Ridge, from the no-take MPA boundary may horizontal coordination with sectors Balabac Strait and Tri-National Sea Turtle be designated for all four no-take and localities within the governance corridors. MPAs. MPA management plans for framework through the formulation these no-take areas are currently being of new policies and creation of social Initiatives in the Marine drafted. networks. Corridors At the Balabac Strait, the local The fi rst phase implementation of the The Verde Island Passage MBCC has government of Balabac has declared SSS Programme (2005-2008) focused on 36 MPAs — 24 in Batangas and 12 in the entire municipal waters as the four strategic MBCCs namely: the Verde Oriental Mindoro. Most of these MPAs Balabac Marine Protected Ecoregion Island Passage and the Balabac Strait are between 1 to 10 hectares, lack under Municipal Ordinance No. 1-2005. that link the Sulu Sea with the South appropriate technical descriptions, Under this ordinance, a 44,000-hectare China Sea, the Tri-National Sea Turtle and have no MPA management plans ‘strict protection zone’ has been Corridor that links the Sulu Sea with the in place. In November 2006, Executive designated where resource extraction Sulawesi Sea, and the Cagayan Ridge, Order (E.O.) No. 578 was issued by is prohibited but pearl culture which helps maintain connectivity of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal activities are allowed. CI-Philippines marine populations within the central Arroyo for the establishment of a and partner Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc. Sulu Sea and beyond. national policy on biodiversity to be (Defense of Nature) trained local implemented throughout the country, enforcers on environmental laws, The MPA objectives of the SSS particularly the Sulu-Sulawesi marine criminal procedure, investigation and Programme aim to strengthen individual ecosystem. The E.O. highlighted and evidence gathering for prosecution of MPA eff ectiveness and provide the prescribed its implementation in the environmental cases. 40 July 2008

Box 1. Fish Larvae Distribution and Dispersal Simulation Applied in the Sulu Sea (Campos, et al., 2007 and Egg Villanoy, et al., 2007).

Most shallow water fi sh species produce eggs and larvae that drift for extended periods (e.g., 15-30 days) high above the sea bottom (“pelagic”). These early life stages may be retained by local circulation but they may also be carried by ocean currents far away from their natal reef. The extent of dispersal or retention determines the relative degree of importance of far away sub- populations to recruitment of new generations.

The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) (Campos, et al., 2007) together with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) (Villanoy, et al., 2007) surveyed and mapped the distribution of fi sh eggs and larvae (or ichthyoplankton) and modeled their dispersal by the seasonal currents. The computer modeling included options to assume: (a) some swimming ability by the larvae (at 0.2 m/s); (b) ability to settle after at least 75 percent of pelagic larval duration; and (c) larval ability to detect a suitable habitat such as a reef Pre-Flexion (from a distance of 18 km). However, larval mortality, which is considerable, was not factored into the model.

Major fi sh spawning periods are during summer (April to May) and the transition to the northeast monsoon (October to November). Results of modeling indicate that fi sh spawned in Western Visayas (Antique and Negros) during summer can settle as larvae in the Cagayan Ridge. Meanwhile, fi sh spawned in the Cagayan Ridge during summer can settle as larvae in the east coast of Palawan (including Balabac). Fish spawned in the Cuyo Shelf (north of the Palawan mainland) also settle southwards along the east coast of Palawan during the monsoon transition period. Thus, the eastern coast of Palawan receives fi sh larvae during both major spawning seasons.

Flexion

Settlement Projected dispersal of egg, pre-fl exion and Probability fl exion larval stages origination from (A) Cagayancillo, (B) Cawili-Arena Shoals, and Map showing the distribution of fi sh larvae densities in Central Sulu (C) Tubbataha up to settlement stage (post Sea in April 2007. Arrows denote ocean currents. larvae at 15 days) in Sulu Sea during the Summer (April). Tropical Coasts 41

Figure 1. Possible MPA network design for Verde Island Passage with ecological (habitat and species-based) and threat criteria considered.

Providing Inputs in the in MPA site selection and network Key ecological criteria used in the Design of MPA Networks establishment. (Editor’s note: See Figures analyses were: 1-5 in “Partnerships at Work in the Seas The results from various MPA-related of Sulu and Sulawesi”, page 12 for related 1. Extent of marine habitats based on projects and research studies funded information.) remote sensing information; under the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Phase 1 (2005 to 2008) were integrated The integration of studies aimed to 2. Condition of marine habitats – to propose an MPA network design derive key ecological and threat criteria corals, reef fi shes, seagrasses, based on ecological criteria for each of relevant for MPA site selection, and mangroves; the corridors. Information from local provide site-specifi c recommendations perceptions and scientifi c studies (see on the appropriate design (i.e., location, 3. Replenishment potential boxed articles) were combined using size and confi guration) of networks (derived from fi sh egg and larvae Geographic Information System (GIS) of MPAs in the three marine corridors distributions); and map-based analyses to elucidate more within the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape. objectively key state and pressure/ Spatially defi ned grids (2.5 - 5.0 km2) 4. Presence and/or absence of threat indicators that are useful to guide and a point-scoring system were used to threatened seabirds, sea turtles and decision-makers and local managers transform discrete data into GIS maps. mammals. 42 July 2008

Threat criteria were based on the presence and/or absence of human- induced stressors/impacts to species and habitats such as illegal and destructive fi shing, mangrove cutting, etc. Threats and degree of impacts based on stakeholder perceptions during consultations and actual fi eld data were also considered.

Within the Verde Island Passage, the integrated map shows high priority areas for MPA establishment to consist of Lubang Islands (Looc and Lubang municipalities), the municipalities of Calatagan, Lian, Mabini and Lobo, and Verde Island (Batangas City) (Figure 1). However, combining the ecological and threat criteria indicate that most of the Calatagan area and specifi c places in Lubang, Looc, Batangas City and Lobo are places of high ecological and threat values. The combined threatened species (i.e., cetacean and sea turtles) and threat criteria revealed that specifi c areas in Balayan Bay and in Calatagan are between medium to high priority areas. There is good concordance with the location of existing no-take MPAs Figure 2. Possible MPA network design for Cagayancillo with ecological in Batangas, but the current total area (habitat and species-based) and threat criteria considered. of no-take MPAs in this province is only about 6 km2 (600 ha). the MBCCs. The maps helped establishment vis-à-vis the location For Cagayancillo, the southern (villages decision-makers and stakeholders and size of existing ones based of Magsaysay to Sta. Cruz) and southwest in harmonizing locations for their on habitat extent, replenishment portions (villages of Talaga, Mapio and priority marine resource uses, more potential, conditions, threatened Nusa) of the Cagayancillo reef complex systematically design the locations species, and threats. and the small islands on the eastern side and sizes of a network of MPAs, and (Bonbon and Manucan Islands) are the identify interventions like mangrove • Useful tools for decision. The recommended high priority areas for rehabilitation. In the future, decisions map-based presentation of data MPA establishment (Figure 2). and inter-town cooperation could and information from stakeholder be better supported by improved perceptions and scientifi c studies For Balabac Strait, results show that the understanding of the network of sources can be useful tools to communicate southwest of Pandanan and Bugsok and sinks of various marine populations. and to convince various parties and Islands and the west-southwest and local governments to be part of northeast portions of the Balabac Lessons and Knowledge a network, formally or informally, mainland are the suggested high priority Gains to achieve a common target. For areas where new no-take/core zones can example, if the goal of the network be established (Figure 3). • Confi rmation of decisions. At is to protect at least 20-30 percent diff erent spatial scales, results of the critical habitats, the corridor- The integrated maps were presented clearly show more objectively the wide MPA network design could be during multistakeholder convergence concordance or non-concordance used to help municipalities strategize workshops held separately for of the recommended sites for MPA towards achieving specifi c goals. Tropical Coasts 43

compliance levels should be the focus of conservation eff orts in the municipalities and the MBCCs.

• Forging alliances. Local governments can also be guided on ways for benefi cial cooperation and forming alliances to address common problems like intrusion of commercial fi shing vessels, illegal fi shing, etc. Cooperative management with adjacent municipalities will not only minimize costs but also improve eff ectiveness and sustainability of eff orts in the long term.

• Threat criteria considerations. The combination of ecological and threat criteria helps focus urgent management interventions where these are most needed at the site level.

References

Abella, M.A.R. 2007. “Coral Mortality Discrimination and Habitat Phase Shift Analysis using Landsat TM and ETM+ imageries of Balabac, Palawan.” Thesis Figure 3. Possible MPA network design for Balabac Strait with ecological (habitat conducted in partial fulfi llment of the and species-based) and threat criteria considered. requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Remote Sensing, College of Engineering, UP Diliman, Quezon • Guiding local governments. as no-take (>1,000 ha) to achieve City. At the municipal levels, local both fi sheries and biodiversity governments can be guided as to conservation objectives, the low Abesamis, R.A. and P.M. Aliño. 2006. “Marine Protected Areas in the where to establish their new MPAs compliance of resource users, Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion: A within their respective municipal especially those directly aff ected Review of their Status, and Priorities waters. They can also choose to by the no-take status, remains a big and Strategies for their Networking.” either expand the current size challenge for local governments. Unpublished report. Marine and Environment Resources Foundation, and confi guration of their existing Such a situation will require the local Inc. and The Marine Science Institute, MPAs and/or improve their level of government to allocate a larger University of the Philippines for the management. The use of a specifi ed budget for enforcement eff orts. World Wide Fund for Nature-Sulu- grid (i.e., 5 km2 for Verde and Balabac In most cases, local governments Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion Program, Quezon City, Philippines. and 2.5 km2 for Cagayancillo) in neither have the funds nor the able the analyses is very useful for local manpower to eff ectively enforce Alcala, A.C. and G.R. Russ. 2006. “No-take managers to determine the habitat fi sheries laws. Local governments Marine Reserves and Reef Fisheries area they can realistically protect rely heavily on assisting Management in the Philippines: A New People Power Revolution.” Ambio 35 (5): and eff ectively manage given organizations to provide their local 245-254. their manpower and the fi nancial hardware (i.e., boats, gasoline, etc.) resources being allocated. and ‘software’ (i.e., paralegal training, Arceo, H.O., P.M. Aliño and R.O. Gonzales. deputization, awareness campaigns, 2008. “Where Are We Now with Marine Protected Areas?” In: Coral • Increasing compliance levels. etc.) needs. Developing more Reef Information Network of the While it is ideal to declare large areas innovative ways to attain higher Philippines (PhilReefs). Reefs Through 44 July 2008

Time 2008: Initiating the State of the Coasts Reports. Coral Reef Information Network of the Philippines (PhilReefs), MPA Support Network, Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. and the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. pp. 145-151.

Campos, W. L., P.D. Beldia III and M.P. Noblezada. 2007. “Investigating Biodiversity Corridors in the Sulu Sea: Distribution and Dispersal of Fish Larvae.” Semi-Annual Report – Year 2 (February to July 2007). Conservation

Jüergen Freund Jüergen International-Philippines, OceanBio Laboratory, and University of the Philippines Visayas, Foundation, Inc. Box 2. Simulation of fi shing intensity, protected area and the total size of the reef area in Verde Island Passage (MERF/MSI, 2008). Carpenter, K.E. and V.G. Springer. 2005. “The center of the center of marine In this study using the estimated fish biomass, the number of fishers, shore fi sh biodiversity: The Philippine the intensity of fishing and the total size of the reef area, the Fisheries Islands.” Environmental Biology of Fishes 72: 467-480. Information for Sustainable Harvest and Bio-Economic (FISH-BE) model was used to estimate MPA sizes and the maximum number of fishers Conservation Plan for the Sulu-Sulawesi to be allowed in order to sustain fisheries in Verde Island and Mabini in Marine Ecoregion (abridged). 2003. the Verde Island Passage. Currently, the small reef area and high fishing Stakeholders of the SSME, Technical Working Groups of Indonesia, Malaysia intensity seems to be the cause for the very low daily catch rates of 1.7 to and the Philippines, and the WWF- 2.5 kg/day. SSME Conservation Program Team. WWF Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion The results of the modeling are provided in Table 1. The proposed MPA Program, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. 36 p. sizes in proportion to the total reef areas were very high, at 73 percent and 53 percent for Verde Island and Mabini, respectively. Coral Reef Information Network of the Philippines (Philreefs) 2005. Reefs Through Time: 2004 Biennial Report Table 1. Recommended MPA size (Percentage of reef area) and fi shing on the Status of Philippine Coral Reefs. effort regulation (number of fi shers supported by MPA) estimated Coral Reef Information Network of from the FISH-BE model for Verde Island and Mabini at the Verde the Philippines (Philreefs) and the Island Passage. Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Verde Island Passage Philippines, 248 p. Parameters Verde Island Mabini Ledesma, M.C., M.G. Sabater and M.P. Municipal total reef area 1.7 1.0 Dygico. 2005. “Tubbataha Reef (km2) National Marine Park and Associated Municipal fi shers (using reef- 150 200 Reefs along the Cagayan Ridge.” In: associated gears) Coral Reef Information Network of the Philippines (PhilReefs). Reefs Demersal fi sh biomass 15.5 36 Through Time: 2004 Biennial Report 2 (metric tons/km ) on the Status of Philippine Coral Reefs. Municipal catch (kg/fi sher/ 2.5 1.7 Coral Reef Information Network of day) the Philippines (PhilReefs) and the Marine Science Institute, University of Fishing days per year 162 162 the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, % Demersal fi sh in municipal 73 59 Philippines, 192-203 pp. catch MERF/MSI. 2008. “Completing the Management Options Connectivity Cycle for Adaptive MPA size (% of the total reef 73 53 Management: Coral Reef Ecosystem- area) based MPA Network Management Chain: Final Report. February 2008.” No. of fi shers that can be 30 75 MERF/Marine Science Institute, supported University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines. Tropical Coasts 45

Ong, P.S., L.E. Afuang and R.G. Roselle- Ambal (eds.). 2002. Philippine Box 3. Quantifying change in habitat through remote sensing/GIS in Biodiversity Conservation Priorities: Balabac Strait (Abella, 2007). A Second Iteration of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Changes in the extent and location of coastal habitats in Balabac were Department of Environment and determined through satellite remote sensing and GIS. Image mosaics for Natural Resources-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, Conservation 1988-1989 and 1999 were classifi ed into live coral, dead coral, rubble, sand, International-Philippines, Biodiversity seagrass, and mangrove. Results showed that corals and mangroves had Conservation Program - University of undergone signifi cant degradation and about 18 percent of the entire area the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) deteriorated. and Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), Quezon City, Philippines

Philippine National Coral Reef Committee. 2004. “Sustaining Philippine Reefs: Harmonizing Our Eff orts through a National Coral Reef Strategy” (Draft ver. 1). UNEP-GEF South China Sea Project, Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines. Ix + 42 pp.

Quibilan, M. C. P.M. Alino, S. G. Vergara and R. B. Trono. ”Scaling-up Eff orts for Fisheries Management and Marine Biodiversity Conservation through Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Marine Corridors within the Sulu- Sulawesi Seascape.” Poster presented at the 11th ICRS Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA, July 2008. Conservation International-Philippines.

Tubbataha Management Offi ce. 2008. Figure 4. Habitat map based on image classifi cation of Landsat 5 Tubbataha Reef Natural Park Business TM images dated 22 April 1989 and 25 September 1988. Plan (Draft). Tubbataha Management Offi ce, Palawan, Philippines.

Villanoy, C., M. Magno-Canto and O. Cabrera. 2007. “Investigating Biodiversity Corridors in the Sulu Sea: Distribution and Dispersal of Fish Larvae.” Progress Report 2007: Oceanography Component. Conservation International-Philippines, OceanBio Laboratory, and University of the Philippines Visayas, Foundation, Inc.

White, A.T. and Y.D. Arquiza. 1999. Tales from Tubbataha Second Edition. Sulu Fund for Marine Conservation Foundation, Inc. and The Bookmark, Inc.

White, A.T., Alino, P.M., and Meneses, A.T. 2006. “Creating and Managing Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines.” Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest Project, Coastal Conservation Figure 5. Habitat map based on image classifi cation of Landsat and Education Foundation, Inc. 7 ETM+ images dated 9 September 1999 and and University of the Philippine 16 September 1999. Marine Science Institute, Cebu City, Philippines. 83 p. 46 July 2008

By Nicolas Pilcher1 Marine Research Foundation Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

© Nicolas Pilcher Turtles ‘Rap’ in the Sulu- Sulawesi

“Turtle rap,” isn’t something you collected mercilessly. They are often teachings, and acts from the same hear every day. RAP actually stands accidentally trapped in fi shing nets. principles? With great diffi culty! for the Regional Action Plan for the Their underwater turf is often disturbed Conservation of Marine Turtles and and their dinner fare ruined at the same But there are things that can be Their Habitats in the Sulu-Sulawesi time. Yet all too often they are relied on done. Technology exists which can Seascape. RAP represents a framework for benefi ts which would astound the allow both sides of the equation. For within which research, conservation, uninitiated: Tourism at just one location, instance, we know turtles drown when management and awareness activities for instance, the Sabah Turtle Islands caught in trawl fi shing nets. But we can take place at local levels, and which Park reaps in revenue in excess of one also know that a simple metal grid are complementary and consistent in million dollars a year. The Philippine can allow the exclusion of the turtles their delivery. The Regional Action Plan Islands have the same potential. and continue the capture of fi sh and was put together under the auspices of shrimp. The technology exists. Over the Conservation International-Philippines, Other resorts rely on turtles underwater years, awareness materials have been following various consultations at the to keep patrons happy – Tubbataha, developed. What has not been around, local and regional levels, and based Sipadan, Lankayan, Manado, etc. Turtles until now, is a cohesive framework in on the very latest in scientifi c and are also valued for the roles they play in which to implement these tools. technical knowledge. Not the usual long our traditions, and for the unforgettable and bulky report, it can be used as a memories they provide. With the marine turtle RAP, each roadmap of sorts for management and country is now in a position to conservation agencies to work together But in the face of countless and varied complement other actions in the region. for the conservation of this amazing pressures, how does one protect an Understandably, the very nature of the creature. animal so graceful and yet still continue work means there will always be limited with business ‘as usual’? How do we resources to do what is needed, and so Turtles in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape promote fi shing, yet keep turtles away a prioritization of sorts was needed. RAP (SSS) are endangered, threatened from the nets? How do we make sure provides this. A suite of options was also with extinction. Their eggs are the reefs and seagrass beds continue needed, because not everyone needs to provide sustenance to turtles, and to do everything, and not all the time. to mankind at the same time? How do RAP also sings this tune. RAP addresses 1 The author can be emailed at: we make sure everyone plays using the reduction of direct and indirect causes [email protected]. same playbook, learns from the same of marine turtle mortality; and addresses Tropical Coasts 47

protection of marine turtle habitats. Malaysia and the Philippines. The Plan and where possible, and to avoid It addresses research and monitoring, draws its structure and recommended duplication, attempts to maintain similar community participation, public courses of action from both the Global language for consistency. awareness, information exchange and Strategy for the Conservation of Marine education, and capacity building – Turtles, published by the Marine Turtle Activities to promote the conservation making sure everyone has the skills to do Specialist Group of the IUCN (The World of marine turtles and their habitats were what is needed. Conservation Union) Species Survival grouped into eight major categories, Commission, and the Conservation and with actions listed under each of the But it does all of this in a focused Management Plan which was developed major categories being non-exclusive, manner. RAP sets desired targets. as part of the Memorandum of and often overlapping with actions For instance, there is great diffi culty Understanding on the Conservation and under diff erent components. The main in setting an objective which reads Management of Marine Turtles and their components are: “replenish turtle stocks” because there is Habitats of the Indian Ocean and South- no measureable outcome. When will the East Asia (IOSEA), an agreement reached 1. Reducing direct and indirect causes stocks be considered replenished? When under the auspices of the Convention of marine turtle mortality; numbers double? When they go up by on Migratory Species which covers the 10 percent? How will one know that Indian ocean and its associated bodies 2. Protecting, conserving and the target has been reached? Instead, of water, including the Sulu-Sulawesi rehabilitating marine turtle habitats; RAP provides desirable targets such as region. The structure of the Plan refl ects “Reduce mortality of eggs and hatchlings the combination of the two instruments, 3. Research and monitoring; caused by feral and domestic animals by 80 percent within three years.” RAP also sets out expected outcomes, with timeframes and priority rankings, and performance indicators to make sure targets are met. The basic premise was to provide stakeholders with a document which would allow for complementary activities, through the provision of a suite of activities and goals from which to select depending on each nation or location’s needs, resources and priorities. Conservation is a complex business. By its very nature, it demands a wide range of approaches and initiatives, from direct prohibitions to awareness to provision of alternative means of income to those impacted by conservation needs. It also provides the cornerstone for sustainability or the ability of resources to keep renewing themselves in light of continued pressures.

The plan draws on previous grey and scientifi c literature on the subject, discussions held during numerous training courses, and a selection of varied country projects as the basis for determining conservation needs and actions which will result in the sustainable management of marine turtles in the seascape shared by the three SSS countries: Indonesia, 48 July 2008

4. Public awareness, opportunities for cooperation with changes in management? Does it information and education; existing eff orts. show trends over time?

5. Community participation in The priority designation for each of • Accessible - Can it be regularly conservation; the expected results and outcomes monitored? Is it cost-eff ective? Is it was devised using a number of consistent with other data sources? 6. Building capacity for conservation, criteria, which included the available research and management; knowledge on the eff ectiveness • Relevant - Is it related to a valued and response times for various natural resource management 7. Integrated management for conservation actions in the past, factor? Is it linked to regional marine turtles; and the potential impacts of prescribed natural resource management goals actions on marine turtle populations, and priorities? 8. Realizing funding for marine turtle the status of marine turtle nesting conservation. and foraging populations in the • Timely - Does it provide an early Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape and beyond, warning of potential problems and Timeframes are provided under each and the expected levels of technical highlight future needs or issues? “expected result and outcome” to input and investment of resources indicate the number of months that for the conservation of marine The bottom line is for the conservation will be required to achieve the result turtles and their habitats by the of turtles at a regional scale to be or outcome, following the formal various government, research and eff ective, and for the Regional Action adoption of the RAP. conservation agencies. Plan to have a realistic chance of succeeding in future years. Thus, Levels of urgency are also provided A series of actions/indicators the Plan proposes that all future for each action and categorized complement each section. These are conservation actions will need to as: Very Urgent, where immediate based on a SMART programmatic be built upon four fundamental action or intervention is required, approach: foundations: as for example to protect habitats and ecosystems under severe threat; • Simple - Is the indicator easily 1. having a clear logical pathway Urgent Action, where intervention interpreted, monitored, and that maps the routes from is required to ensure the continued appropriate for community use? implementation to conservation viability of species, communities outcomes; or ecosystems of regional or global • Measurable - Can it be importance; and Priority Action, statistically verifi ed, reproduced 2. setting realistic outputs, measurable where there is an institutional set up and compared? Is it able to be deliverables, and long-term or there are ongoing projects and aggregated? Is it responsive to objectives;

Jüergen Freund Tropical Coasts 49

3. having the right ppeopleeoople to ddoo tththee JüerJüeüeüergengeenn FreFrFreueund job;

4. being cooperative,e, iinclusivennclusivve adaptable and sharing,arinng, andandd fi nallynallyy be acceptable to thethee generalgenerral ppublic.ubblicc.

However, despite a signifignifi cantcant aamountmoounnt of work at particular sites,itees, tthereheree still exist a number of gagapsaps iinn tthehe knowledge of the statusus of mmarinearine turtles and their habitatsatss aandnd tthehe particular conservationn rrerequirementsquireementss iinn the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape.scaape. ReResearcheseaarchch has been focused largelyelyy oonn nenestingestinng habitats, and little attentionenttion hhasaas bbeeneeeen paid – until now – to theirheeir foragingforaggingg domain, where they spendpend ooverveer 955 percent of their time. ConservationCoonservaation actions have thus beenn llinkedinked tto nesting beaches, and pprotectionrootectioon ooff adult turtles and eggs.s. ConservationCConservvatioonn schemes have ranged frfromoom aawarenesswarennesss campaigns to programmesmmmes ooff ggradualradduuaal reduction in turtle eggg ddedependencependdenccee ttoo outright protection off nnestingeesting bbeacheseaacheess doddocumentingcumementinng thtthehe threatstht reatats to mmarineararinne coconservingonsn eerrviv ngn marinemara inne turtletuurtrtle habitats,hababiti atatss, themselves. Looking foforward,rwward, tthehe tuturtlertle populations,populations, minimizingmminimiziz ng threats,threatst , whwwhichicch iss addressedaddresssede throughthroough twotwo Plan takes into considerationeraation exexistingxisting imimplementingplementing programmesprogrg ammes whichwhich tthemeshemes (establishing(establishih ng thethe measuresmeasures eff orts, but expands onn tththeseese to aaddressddress prprovideovide alternativesalternatives to communitiescommunities necessarnecessaryy to proteprotectct marmarineine turtleturtle conservation needs inn a seseriesries ooff majomajorr ddependantependant in ssomeome mannermanner on hhabitatsabitats aandnd rehabilitatingrehabilitating degradeddegraded programmes based closelyosely on the mmarinearine turtles,turtles, regulatingregulating thethe directdirect habitatshabitats)) comcomprisingprising 11 focusfocus areas. IOSEA MOU Conservation and capture or killing of, and domestic Management Plan. trade in, marine turtles, their eggs, Thirdly, the need for information parts or products, developing nesting concerning marine turtles and their In the SSS, female turtles are still beach management programmes to nesting beaches is widely understood slaughtered while they nest, and maximize hatchling recruitment, and by research, conservation and a number of adults and juveniles promoting marine turtle rescue and management agencies in the region, are caught in nets in shallow water rehabilitation activities. but regarding their foraging habitats, environments. Turtles are also often this is mostly lacking or only recent accidentally killed in coastal gillnets Several of the SSS coasts are in and limited in scope, and not yet and by local and foreign commercial excellent condition, but threats from of use for determining population shrimp trawlers which operate in unregulated development, pollution trends in the SSS. Given the life history nearshore waters. Hatchlings and sources and shipping mishaps have characteristics of marine turtles, long- eggs are threatened by tourism and already, or threaten to, reduce the term monitoring is needed to detect industrial development, and eggs are quality of nesting beaches and changes in population structure and collected indiscriminately throughout foraging sites. Coupled with this are size at both nesting and development the turtles’ range. The Plan addresses factors such as global warming which and foraging grounds, and information the reduction of direct and indirect impact coral reefs through bleaching, on development habitats for turtles in mortality of turtles, and tackles this further reducing the quality and the SSS region is virtually non-existent. through six themes comprising 27 nutritional content of coral reefs, The Plan addresses the need for focus areas. To reduce direct and and erosion which impacts nesting research and monitoring through three indirect mortality to turtles, the beaches. Thus the second theme themes comprising 26 focus areas. plan focuses on identifying and revolves around protecting and To address research and monitoring, 50 July 2008

the plan focuses on conducting and including fi shing, tourism, shipping expanding studies on marine turtles and housing and defence. However, and their habitats, strengthening this interconnectivity among marine collaborative research and monitoring ecosystems and their inhabitants, which eff orts, and information exchange are also ecosystems and species upon mechanisms. which humans depend, are poorly or not at all understood. For instance, Fourthly, many of the SSS’s coastal nesting and foraging habitats need to be communities remain unaware of considered in coastal planning but often the dire condition of many turtle commerce and tourism predominate populations, with little knowledge in decision-making, to the detriment of of nesting patterns or maturation wild fl ora and fauna. The Plan addresses periods, natural survival, and the integration of conservation eff orts impacts of mankind’s actions. Turtle through four themes comprising 16 conservation issues are generally action focus areas. The four key themes not widely publicized to those who within this context are cooperation and impact them the most — remote promotion of information exchange, coastal communities, tourism enforcement and legislation, use of data markets, commercial enterprises in management, and implementation of and government policy makers. international legal instruments. Thus community participation in conservation schemes, public Finally, the issue of required funding awareness and information exchange is addressed while taking into are key issues to be dealt with. The plan consideration the need to secure addresses the need for information funds for turtle conservation and exchange, community participation leverage existing resources to provide and education through fi ve themes incremental value to conservation comprising 28 focus areas. These focus eff orts, and developing concrete on expanding and implementing public conservation outputs and timeframes. education, awareness and information Many conservation eff orts in the SSS programmes, promoting general public still struggle to clearly articulate their participation, expanding government conservation goals and targets, even involvement and promoting shared though they are direct interventions responsibilities, integrating community promoting turtle conservation. development with environmental education, and establishing The Plan has obviously benefi ted mechanisms to continually evaluate from many past initiatives, and brings community practices as they impact these together cohesively as a way marine turtles and their habitats. forward for truly regional approaches to conservation, building on the strengths There is also a critical need to address of ‘good’ initiatives and learning from capacity for conservation, research the defi ciencies of ‘poor’ ones. It is hard and management within the SSS, to designate a conservation initiative as which the Plan addresses through ‘poor’ if it is doing something positive for two key themes (training and capacity the environment — but there are always building, and provision of resources) areas for improvement. which cover ten action items, and to integrate turtle management across What is required now is the formal government managerial levels and adoption of the marine turtle RAP by internationally. There exists a clear the member countries, and the gradual interconnectivity among habitats on implementation of its contents. Only which marine turtles depend and which then will the people rap along with the confl ict with a number of other sectors, turtles. Jüergen Freund Tropical Coasts 51

By Romeo Trono, Country Executive Director, Conservation International-Philippines, Jose Ricky Biyo, Verde Passage Corridor Coordinator, CI-Philippines, Joel S. Gutierrez, Enforcement Facilitator, CI-Philippines, Manuel Narvadez, Jr., Enforcement Incentive Coordinator, CI-Philippines Art Faburada, Balabac Strait Corridor Coordinator, CI-Philippines, Vivien Facunla, Cagayan Ridge Corridor Coordination Associate, CI-Philippines, Angelique Songco, Tubbataha Management Offi ce Rina Maria P. Rosales, Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies (REECS), Chung Chen Fung, Reef Guardian, and Evangeline F.B. Miclat, Marine Program Coordinator, CI-Philippines Enforcement of Coastal and Marine Environmental Laws in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas

While the Philippines has many reasons to develop its marine protected areas (MPAs), the day-to-day responsibility for maintaining it falls on many stakeholders. More often, once MPAs are established, communities struggle with lack of funding, government support and facilities, and weak enforcement of coastal and marine environmental laws.

While there are numerous laws that provide policy and regulatory framework for coastal management, these laws are not enforced fully for a variety of reasons. Oftentimes, laws are poorly understood and resources allocated for their enforcement and prosecution are frequently not enough.

In the four marine biodiversity corridors, namely the Verde Island Passage, Cagayan Ridge, the Balabac Strait and the Tri-National Sea Turtle Corridor, implementation, compliance and enforcement of environmental laws vary. Cyanide fi shing is among the illegal activities reported in The Philippine Fisheries Code of the Verde Island Passage, Cagayan Ridge and the 1998 (Republic Act 8550) is the main Tri-National Sea Turtle Corridor. national law on fisheries. It gives local (Photo by Jüergen Freund) 52 July 2008

governments the role of managing Table 1. Number of apprehensions for coastal-related violations in Batangas (from fisheries resources within 15 km Gutierrez (2007) for 2000-2003 data, Trono and Gutierrez (2007) for 2006- from the coast, and the Department 2007 data, and from PEMSEA survey for Bantay Dagat members in 2008). of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Year Municipalities Number Apprehensions Average/year in Batangas of Bantay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Violators Cases Violators Cases Province Dagat fi led fi led (BFAR) the role of managing fisheries members resources in territorial waters beyond the 15-km boundary. In 2000-2003 Mabini, Tingloy, 174 in 2003 625 70 130 18 addition to DA Administrative Calatagan, fi shers Nasugbu, Orders, local governments also pass Balayan, and local laws regulating fishing gears, San Luis harvestable species, fishing areas, April 2006- Mabini, Tingloy, 131 in 2008 79 14 88 14 and imposing fees and penalties. February Calatagan, fi shers; These local laws tend to be based 2007 Nasugbu, 9 divers upon model ordinances or developed Balayan, and Lobo in response to adverse experiences. They frequently require further consideration of implementation destructive fishing and commercial To date, capacity-building activities issues, in terms of stakeholder fishing intrusion in municipal waters included deputation trainings consensus, preventive strategies, (Table 1). in coordination with BFAR, additional resources required vis-à-vis resources paralegal trainings, Bantay Dagat generated, and violations proven in The Bantay Dagat initiative began team building and Advance Fishery judicial proceedings (Luna, 2007). in the municipalities of Mabini and Law Enforcement Training, which Illegal activities reported within the Tingloy in 2000 and expanded to covered map reading, GPS use, water three marine biodiversity corridors San Luis and Calatagan in 2001. survival techniques, and proper include the use of dynamite, cyanide, The Bantay Dagat Network was search and boarding procedures. fine-mesh nets, and other forms of established in June 2002 and was An additional 59 volunteers were destructive fishing; capture and trade joined by Nasugbu and Balayan deputized as Fish Wardens by the of endangered and protected marine municipalities by the end of the BFAR, while 36 existing Bantay Dagat species including corals, sea turtles, year. The network included 174 volunteers from nine (9) network dugong, whale sharks, manta rays, Bantay Dagat volunteers in the six member organizations attended the dolphins and whales; and operation municipalities by 2003, supported by Advance Fishery Law Enforcement of commercial-scale fishing boats a lawyer to help in the filing of cases. Training. within 15 km of the shore, legally Fish catch monitoring suggested an reserved for small-scale fishers, or increase in catch per unit effort of The Verde Passage within protected areas. longlines with multiple hooks (kaskas, Enforcement Strategy September 1999-2000 vs. September Some of the specific activities and 2001-2002; and hayhay, September The enforcement of coastal and issues in the four marine biodiversity 1999-February 2000 vs. September marine environmental laws requires: corridors are outlined below. 2001-February 2002) over the first (a) support of key stakeholders; (b) the two years of the crusade (Enderez, development and implementation of a. Verde Island Passage 2004). information campaigns; (c) enhanced organizational capacities for local An enforcement crusade by local The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape project initiatives; and (d) increased patrolling governments and Bantay Dagat supported information campaigns, and enforcement eff orts. volunteers (“bantay dagat” is a strengthened capabilities of Bantay Filipino term to denote “sea watch”) Dagat volunteers, and helped to The Verde Passage Enforcement in the Verde Island Passage supported expand the Bantay Dagat Network Strategy was designed to support the by the World Wide Fund for Nature to other municipalities. The project institutionalization of the Bantay Dagat (WWF-Philippines) from 2000 to 2003 also conceptualized a draft Verde group, considered the participatory and by Conservation International- Island Passage Marine Biodiversity approach to coastal law enforcement Philippines from 2006 to 2008 may Conservation Corridor Enforcement in the Philippines. The fi rst step have reduced the incidence of Strategy in 2007. undertaken for its institutionalization Tropical Coasts 53

was the attempt to have the group network members decided to pursue the Provincial Governor. The provincial recognized through an Executive the incorporation of the enforcement government of Oriental Mindoro is also Order at the provincial level. This way, groups into the ICM councils at the in the process of forming a provincial overall coordination and provision municipal, bay-wide and provincial enforcement network. of logistic support for the operations levels. Being recognized and holding of the Bantay Dagat groups can be membership in the councils was seen Bay-wide or inter-LGU social networks provided by the Provincial Government. as a good alternative, providing access can also help address common Some network members voiced some to policy makers as well as potential issues and problems shared between reservations on this approach due funding support from municipal and neighboring towns. An apparent to lack of certainty of continued and provincial government agencies, increase in awareness among Bantay committed support from the provincial including the Provincial Government- Dagat groups, LGU offi cials and the government. However, the change in Environment and Natural Resources general community concerning the leadership during the 2007 elections Offi ce (PG-ENRO), which acts as the importance of a united and concerted infl uenced the shift in viewpoint with Secretariat to the ICM Councils. eff ort to protect and conserve coastal regards to the institutionalization and marine resources bodes well for the process. Future plans long-term success of conserving the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor. In line with the then-ongoing move Future plans for the corridor include of formalizing the three-tiered the formal organization of the Batangas b. Cagayan Ridge integrated coastal management (ICM) network through an MOA creating Councils (Figure 1) to implement the a provincial enforcement network, Cagayan Ridge includes the Tubbataha Batangas Strategic Environmental to be signed by the participating Reef National Park where all extractive Management Plan, the majority of the municipalities and cities together with activities are prohibited.

Figure 1. Three-tiered organizational structure of the Batangas Environmental Protection Council.

1 Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offi ce (MENRO) 2 Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) 54 July 2008

Park enforcement improved with frequency from the the Global Environment Facility mandated 96 patrols/ Table 2. Patrols conducted, violators arrested and cases (GEF) project implemented through year to 138 patrols fi led for violations in Tubbataha Park (September WWF in 2000. CI-Philippines assisted in the 14-month 2000 to June 2007).

in the formulation of Presidential project period. As Proclamation 1126 which expanded a result, 27 fishing September 2000 - April 2006 - March 2006 June 2007 the Tubbataha Reef National boats with 148 illegal Park from 33,200 ha to 96,828 ha, fishers were arrested including Jessie Beazley (Figure and 48 cases were 2) and provided the basis for an filed representing Patrols/year ~65 110 increase in the valuation of ship considerable increases grounding damage from PhP4,000/ over previous years. Fishing boats 322 arrested/year m2 to PhP12,000/m2 (US$89/m2 to Table 2 presents US$267/m2). patrols conducted, Fishers arrested/year 18 118 violators arrested A new 100-hp outboard engine and and cases filed from Cases fi led/year 7 38 assistance from the Seascape project September 2000 to enabled the Tubbataha Management June 2007. Office to increase patrolling

Figure 2. Old and new boundaries of the Tubbataha Reef National Park. Tropical Coasts 55

c. Balabac Strait Box 1. Estimating Appropriate Fines for Ship Grounding in Tubbataha. Balabac Strait has been reported as a transhipment point for the live marine Rosales (2006) provides an example of designating values on environmental goods turtle trade. Apprehension of fi shing and services, specifi cally estimating the cost of the damages to coral reefs caused boats in the Balabac Strait increased by ship grounding in Tubbataha. from 1 in 2005 to 27 in 2006, and 24 Two methods were used in estimating the total economic value (TEV) of the in 2007 (Figure 3). Of these reported damages to coral reefs. cases, violations of turtle capture by foreign fi shing vessels and fi shing One method, called the “production approach,” puts an estimated value on the using pressurized air to drive out fi shes goods and services produced by coral reefs. The estimate was based on the allowed activities in the Tubbataha reefs: recreational diving and research, and were fi led in court. All compressors contribution to fi sh productivity beyond the park. An annual economic value used in the illegal fi shing activities of PhP208 to PhP211 per m2/year was estimated. However, ship grounding were confi scated in compliance with a extensively harms coral reefs and the entire ecosystem and will need more than a provincial ordinance. year to recover.

When left by itself, it would take decades for coral reefs to regenerate. The The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape project fastest recorded natural regeneration took 20 years in the Great Barrier Reef in supported a planning workshop Australia. Experts say that some coral reefs would take 70 years (Quibilan, personal and two trainings on coastal law communication). enforcement in 2006. These have contributed to the abovementioned Due to the wide discrepancy of estimates, this particular study used 45 years as the average number of years it would take for a coral reef to regenerate. The proposed increase in apprehensions in 2006. recommended minimum fi ne for ship grounding using the production approach is thus estimated at PhP9,500/m2 (PhP211/m2/year for 45 years). Training participants included local community enforcers, representatives Human intervention speeds up the regeneration of coral reefs which are then of community organizations and factored in computing costs such as capital, operational and labor expenses. barangay (village) fi sheries and aquatic The second method, called the “restoration cost approach” used estimates of the resource management councils costs involved in substate stabilization, structural restoration, coral transplantation (BFARMCs), elected village leaders, and enhanced biological restoration. Capital costs include pre-construction and municipal and provincial government construction costs; operational costs include materials, equipment, staff wages and personnel (i.e., Palawan Council for administration costs; and labor costs involve supervision, training and labor for actual activities for restoration. Restoration cost was estimated at PhP44 million Sustainable Development staff ) and or PhP15,000/m2. personnel of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy, Philippine The study proposes that the fi ne for ship grounding of PhP4,000/m be increased Marines and BFAR. to between PhP9,500 and PhP15,000 per m2.

The re-assignment to other areas of some recently-trained police and navy 30 fishing using personnel, a change in government pressurised air to offi cials and associated law enforcers 25 drive out fishes after the 2007 elections, and the lack of fishing without a budget and boats, indicate a need for 20 mayor's permit further communication and capacity foreign fishing development at the local levels. 15 vessel with caught sea turtles fishing using d. Tri-National Sea Turtle 10 compressor

Corridor Boats apprehended 5 fishing with The Sugud Islands Marine explosives Conservation Area (SIMCA) is a model 0 for public-private engagement in MPA 2005 2006 2007 management in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape. SIMCA is a group of three Figure 3. Boats engaged in illegal fi shing apprehended in Balabac. 56 July 2008

protected islands, namely, Lankayan, The various capacity-building confiscated and boat owners Bilean and Tegaipil. These islands are activities yielded the following results: fined. located off Sandakan, Sabah in Sulu Sea. It is a secondary nesting area for 1. Sea patrol around SIMCA Despite these gains, there remains sea turtles and its surrounding waters progressively increased from 56 a need to expand law enforcement are used as foraging and feeding patrols in 2005 to 100 in 2006 and efforts in SIMCA, through increased areas by turtles. 134 in 2007 (239% increase from manpower, improvement of facilities 2005 baseline); (e.g., more sensitive radar system Lankayan Island is fully developed for and patrol boats) and expansion of dive tourism. Occasionally, tourists 2. Fishing boats stopped and cooperation with law enforcement get the opportunity to witness the inspected increased from 77 agencies. There is also a need emergence of turtle hatchlings from in 2006 to 118 in 2007 (153% to source funds to support law the nursery which maintains eggs increase); enforcement expansion. laid on the island. Development of facilities on Bilean Island started in 3. Total boats detained increased Project support for floating ranger 2007 while Tegaipil has no facilities from 5 in 2006 to 16 in 2007 (31% stations and patrolling in the Berau at all. increase); Coastal and Marine Conservation Area (Indonesia) has resulted in CI and Reef Guardian aim to 4. In December 2006, a fishing the apprehension of and legal strengthen the management of SIMCA trawler was stopped and one live proceedings against a foreign vessel by establishing sea turtle monitoring female turtle was found caught with 12 crew and carrying 387 dead and increasing law enforcement in the net. The boat was detained sea turtles. Legal support was activities. While the project’s duration and its crew strictly warned. provided to a case against a foreign was from June 2006 to January 2008, fishing vessel caught in the Philippine it formed part of a regular long- 5. In 2007, one fishing boat Turtle Islands. term monitoring program being using sodium cyanide, was established to improve the overall apprehended near Lankayan Although not specifically focused management and environmental Island in February; one at on environmental law enforcement, law enforcement in SIMCA. The Tegaipil Island in October. Three the Malaysia-Philippine Border Patrol partnership with CI contributed dynamite fishing boats were Coordinating Group, the Malaysia- in increasing the capacity of arrested around Lankayan Island Indonesia (MALINDO) Operation and Reef Guardian staff for enhanced in October-November during the Philippines-Indonesia Permanent management of SIMCA. To improve joint operations with Marine Joint Working Group on Maritime and law enforcement, CI supported the Police Sabah. Fishing boats were Ocean Concerns, also continue to recruitment of three additional staff (i.e., 1 marine technician and 2 enforcement crew) bringing to 10 the total number of Reef Guardian staff. Their capacities were enhanced through training on basic navigation, use of global positioning system, and radar operation. They were trained by the Sabah Wildlife Department as honorary wildlife wardens, providing them knowledge and skills in the process of stopping fishing boat/ vessels, search and inspection, determination of activities that violate the Wildlife Conservation Enactment of 1997 and familiarization with endangered and CITES-listed species, and report writing.

Jüergen Freund Tropical Coasts 57

foster cooperation in law enforcement in the tri-national sea turtle corridor (Tri-National Committee on the SSME, 2007 and Palma and Tsamenyi, 2008).

Valuable Experiences, Practical Knowledge

Practical knowledge and valuable learning have been gained in the enforcement of coastal and marine environmental laws in the seascape of the Sulu-Sulawesi.

These include:

1. Illegal fishers adapt their methods to that of the enforcers’, hence, enforcers need to stay vigilant Participants take part in various activities during the Advance Law Enforcement Training held and innovative in the conduct of in Calapan City. operations.

and capacities need strengthening. Palma, M.A. and M. Tsamenyi. 2008. 2. The law enforcement and Enhancement of the capability, Case Study on the Impacts of Illegal, prosecution process involves accessibility and responsiveness of Unreported and Unregulated Fishing multi-party cooperation as shown in the Sulawesi Sea. APEC Fisheries the judicial system and an improved in the cooperation of Sandakan Working Group. coordinated intelligence for Marine Police and Sabah Wildlife enforcement of environmental laws Quibilan, M. 2008. Personal Department which made possible are likewise needed. Communication. the completion of the process of arrest, detention and prosecution. Rosales, R.M.P. 2008. “Costs in Enforcing Appreciation of environmental Fishing Rules and Regulations laws by the judiciary also helps. in Verde Passage.” Conservation References International-Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines. 3. Enforcers must take into account Chung, F. C. 2008. Final Report: activities at night, at their borders Strengthening Sea Turtle Monitoring Rosales, R.M.P. 2006. “Estimating and Enforcement in the Sugud Islands and outside MPAs, too. For Appropriate Fines for Ship Grounding Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA). Reef example, fishers using sodium Violations in Tubbataha Reef Guardian Sdn Bhd. Sabah Malaysia. National Marine Park.” Conservation cyanide are sometimes deployed Conservation International Sulu- International-Philippines, Quezon to shallow reef areas by a mother Sulawesi Seascape Project, Quezon City, City, Philippines. boat anchored outside SIMCA and Philippines. 12 p. not easily detected. Tri-National Committee on the Sulu- Enderez, E. M. 2004. Fisheries Resource Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. 2007. Assessment of Balayan Bay. World Wide 2nd Meeting of the Tri-National 4. Broader management of the Fund for Nature-Philippines. Committee on the Sulu-Sulawesi coastal area is equally important Marine Ecoregion. Minutes of the in enforcing and reducing illegal Faburada, A. n.d. “Coastal Law Enforcement Meeting. Magellan Sutera, Kota Report, Municipality of Balabac, fishing practices, such as through Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 19-21 April Palawan. Conservation International 2007. proper licensing and ICM. Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project, Quezon City, Philippines. Tubbataha Management Office. “Final While stakeholders for marine report – TRNP Law Enforcement, biodiversity have had significant Gutierrez, J.S. n.d. “Verde Passage Marine Cagayan Ridge Seabird Banding and Biodiversity Conservation Corridor gains, gaps remain: political will PMMRS Capacity Building for Marine Enforcement Strategy. “ Conservation to enforce laws needs to be built; Endangered Species Conservation.” International-Philippines, Quezon City, Tubbataha Management Office, Sulu- remote locations require guarding; Philippines. Sulawesi Seascape Project. 58 July 2008

By Romeo Trono, Sebastian Troeng and Sheila Vergara

Zooming Into the Future of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas

... a seascape characterized by complex oceanography and exceptionally rich marine biodiversity

... a seascape located amid three nations of the Southeast Asia region: Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

... a seascape whose rich legacy is under threat

In spite of the waters that divide are being eroded or destroyed the peoples of Indonesia, Malaysia, by various types of pollution and and the Philippines, the ecoregion habitat-damaging activities. Levels remains as a uniting factor. The of governance are disconnected stakeholders of the three countries and capacities of stakeholders and are drawn towards a single aspiration governments are inadequate. of securing their future by conserving its biodiversity. Nongovernmental Foundation Strengthened organizations, local and national governments, international and As articulated by Miclat and Trono regional organizations, funding in this edition of Tropical Coasts, sources and foundations, and various the foundations of this initiative stakeholders have joined efforts were developed in the process of and engaged in partnerships to preparing the Conservation Plan address the urgent threats to marine for Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion biodiversity and to strengthen (SSME). The implementation of this governance of this common resource. initiative has been taken up, since May of 2005, by a partnership led The rich biodiversity in the Sulu- by Conservation International, with Sulawesi Seascape is challenged generous support from the Walton by threats from rapidly increasing Family Foundation and other donors, human populations who have very through the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape little access to financial and social (SSS). services and are very dependent on marine resources. Overfishing The SSS project focused on some and destructive fishing methods are of the many priority conservation commonly used. Marine ecosystems areas identifi ed in the Ecoregion Tropical Coasts 59

Conservation Plan (ECP). The fi rst three for conservation in the various years of SSS employed a two-pronged corridors and for the Sulu- approach, building a strong foundation Sulawesi. for a long-term conservation programme and implementing actions to address Future directions for the seascape were immediate threats to biodiversity. charted by the gathering.

The project took strategic actions in Governments have taken four marine biodiversity conservation bold steps corridors: Verde Island Passage, Cagayan Ridge, Balabac Strait, and the Tri-National Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Sea Turtle Conservation Corridor, which Arroyo signed an Executive Order involves Indonesia, Malaysia and the “Establishing the National Policy Philippines. on Biological Diversity, Prescribing its Implementation throughout the Immediate and long-term initiatives Country, particularly in the Sulu- under the project were geared towards Sulawesi Marine Ecosystem and the providing the science to identify the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor” necessary locations of marine protected (See Box 1). areas, generating stakeholder support and providing support to enforcement Indonesian President Yudhoyono led activities. six countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, In June 2007, the largest gathering of Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste) in stakeholders in Sulu-Sulawesi Seas, since launching the Coral Triangle Initiative on the Sulu-Sulawesi ECP was developed in Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security. 2003, was convened. (See Box 2 for CTI goals and objectives, and Table 1 for Proposed subprojects of The meeting, known as the Sulu-Sulawesi the Coral Triangle Initiative.) Seascape Congress, was a gathering of representatives from governments, Eff orts on capacity building have nongovernmental organizations, improved management skills in academe and the private sector where various coastal conservation aspects achievements were shared: and coordination among government agencies and private organizations. a. scientific characterization of Studies, research, and marine surveys marine conservation corridors for have helped identify priority sites better management; for MPA designation and established baselines to measure eff ectiveness of b. status and studies of marine marine conservation eff orts. Findings species and recommendations for served as bases for decision-making. improving conservation; Marine protected areas (MPA) networks were formed to maximize synergies in c. law enforcement framework and management eff orts through sharing challenges; of experiences, knowledge and skills. Increased sea patrols have resulted in d. policies and financing options the apprehension of fi shing boats and relevant to conservation; the arrest of fi shers employing illegal means of fi shing. e. capacity building and information for coastal management; and Yet, much remains to be done especially with regard to protected areas, f. prioritization of issues and actions enforcement, livelihood and fi nancing. Jüergen Freund Jüergen 60 July 2008

Moving Forward

By 2012, key players and stakeholders Box 1. Executive Order 578. hope that an alliance of partners will have implemented a sustainable Executive Order 578 Establishing the National Policy on Biological Diversity, seascape strategy through eff ective Prescribing its implementation throughout the country, particularly in conservation interventions designed the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecosystem and the Verde Island Passage Marine for a range of marine biodiversity in the Corridor. Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape. - Prescribes the policy of the state on biological diversity The 2007 Seascape Congress concluded that future Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape eff orts should continue to - Directs concerned government agencies and local government focus on strengthening a network units to integrate and mainstream the protection, conservation and of organizations and protected sustainable use of biological diversity into their policies, regulations, areas including the tri-national programs and processes and to actively collaborate with private governance mechanism, motivating sector and civil society in biodiversity conservation action through communication, law enforcement, integrating - Prescribes the development of regulations for the establishment of conservation with livelihood and critical habitats within key biodiversity areas and guidelines for their economic development, developing management sustainable fi nancing mechanisms including through user fees, a range - Prescribes the integration of biodiversity impact assessments in of donors, and oil-and-gas corporate the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Risk social responsibility programmes, accelerating transboundary fi sheries Assessment processes and species conservation eff orts (dugongs, cetaceans, whale sharks) - Instructs the Presidential Commission for the Integrated and monitoring and evaluation in Conservation and Development for the Sulu-Celebes Seas to update Verde Island Passage, Cagayan Ridge, the SSME conservation plan, create a Task Force to prepare a plan Balabac Strait and the Tri-National Sea for and to ensure protection, conservation and sustainable use of Turtle Corridor and potentially the Sulu biodiversity in the Verde Island Passage, and develop management Archipelago and/or the Davao–North strategies for other SSME biodiversity corridors Sulawesi corridor. - Prescribes the inclusion of budget to support the policy in General Donors and funding institutions Appropriations proposals to Congress and obliges members have expressed interest to support departments of the Presidential Commission and Task Force to share the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security. financial and technical resources These institutions, among others, include the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Global Environment Facility (GEF), the World Wide Fund for Nature Seas off er opportunities to achieve in a more systematic and coherent (WWF), Conservation International, conservation, development and manner. Due to the large coverage The Nature Conservancy (TNC), U.S. sustainability goals. of the marine ecosystem, fi nancial Agency for International Development resources and technical assistance could (USAID), and the Australian Agency for Through joint actions and partnership be sourced from many stakeholders at International Development (AusAID). engagements at the ecoregional level various levels. Economic, educational, with complementary initiatives at the and recreational initiatives could be Proactive and Positive national levels, biodiversity in the Sulu- engaged in by local communities who Sulawesi Seas can be comprehensively stand to benefi t from conservation Despite the current threats to coastal managed. Short- and long-term actions initiatives for their sustenance and and marine recourses, the Sulu-Sulawesi could be planned and implemented livelihoods. Tropical Coasts 61

Table 1. Proposed subprojects of the Coral Triangle Initiative. Funding Through partnerships among various Subproject and Partner Participating Countries Requirements stakeholders, diff erent forms and levels Agency (in US$ Million) of support, and with the commitment of local communities, successful Coastal and marine resources Federated States of $25.85 biodiversity conservation is happening. management in the Coral Micronesia, Fiji, Palau, Triangle of the Pacifi c (ADB) Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor- In the next fi ve years (2008-2013), Leste, Vanuatu partners and stakeholders in the ecoregion will fi rmly consolidate the Coastal and marine resources Indonesia, Malaysia $88.39 Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape as a political management in the Coral (expected), Philippines management regime, recognized and Triangle: Southeast Asia (ADB) supported by stakeholders, including governments, nongovernmental Sulu-Celebes Sea Large Indonesia, Malaysia, $6.82 organizations, and private sector Marine Ecosystem and Philippines Adjacent Area Sustainable businesses. Fisheries Management Project (UNDP) There are new opportunities emerging in the corridors and across the Arafura and Timor Seas Indonesia, Timor-Leste $8.42 Seascape. There are practical prospects Ecosystem Action Program for consolidating MPA networks with large no-take zones. MPA management plans and management teams will have West Pacifi c-East Asia Oceanic Indonesia, Philippines, $3.34 Fisheries Management Project Vietnam to be developed with full consideration (UNDP) of the social and economic implications of MPA establishment. Stakeholders and local government units are encouraged International Waters Learning Global $2.72 to commit additional resources to Exchange and Resource Network or IW:LEARN (ADB support and strengthen communication with UNDP) and enforcement initiatives. The former will generate public support for the MPAs while the latter will aim Strategies for Fisheries Bycatch Cambodia, Indonesia, $10.26 to strengthen enforcement from Management (FAO) Malaysia, Philippines, detection, to arrest, prosecution, and Vietnam conviction (CI, 2008). Adapting to Climate Change Federated States of $40.00 in the Coral Triangle Project Micronesia, Fiji, Palau, Vision for 2008-2013 (ADB, UNDP) Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor- Over the course of the next three years, Leste, Vanuatu, Indonesia, partners and stakeholders in Verde Malaysia, Philippines Island Passage, Cagayan Ridge, and the Sea Turtle Corridors hope to consolidate Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Indonesia (with possible $124.00 MPA networks with corresponding Management Programme III regional extension) No Take Zones, formal management (The World Bank, ADB) plans, and designated MPA boards and management teams (Box 3). Targeted outreach will be conducted Integrated Natural Resources Philippines $105.80 Management Project (ADB) and enforcement strengthened to increase compliance with MPA and fi sheries regulations and laws. Means of Agusan River Integrated Basin Philippines $55.80 compensating fi shers aff ected by the new Management Project (ADB) No Take Zones will be identifi ed, possibly through ecotourism development and a shift to fi shing of small pelagic fi shes Total $471.40 62 July 2008

instead of coral reef fi shes. Political support for the work in the corridors will be built Box 2: CTI Goals and Objectives. and on-the-ground marine conservation experiences in the corridors will inform Over-arching Commitments to Action national and regional policies and government budget allocations, as well as Goal #1: Priority Seascapes Designated and Effectively Managed produce a model for ocean governance that other countries in the Coral Triangle Target #1: “Priority Seascapes” designated, with investment plans and beyond can follow. completed and sequenced Target #2: Marine and coastal resources within all “Priority Seascapes” Increased attention will be focused are being sustainably managed on measuring Seascape success by establishing milestones, results, and deliverables for important components of Goal #2: Ecosystem Approach to Management of Fisheries (EAFM) and Other the work at the species, site, and Seascape Marine Resources Fully Applied level. Financial sustainability, political viability, institutional capacity, economic Target #1: Strong legislative, policy and regulatory frameworks viability, and information base and fl ow will in place for achieving an ecosystem approach to be addressed. management of fisheries and other marine resources Target #2: Improved income, livelihoods and food security of 50 Beyond this next phase, implementation million people living in coastal communities across the of the Ecoregion Conservation Plan region through a new Sustainable Coastal Fisheries and will be characterized by an evolution in Poverty Reduction Initiative (“COASTFISH”) intergenerational governance. Target #3: Sustainable management of shared tuna stocks achieved Thinking Synergy and for all species of tuna exploited in the region, with special Convergence attention to spawning areas and juvenile growth stages Target #4: A more effective management and more sustainable trade Governments and stakeholders look in live-reef fish and reef-based ornamentals achieved forward to a mature Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape which has good governance at all Goal #3: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Established and Effectively levels and is ecologically, socio-politically, Managed economically, and fi nancially sustainable. Target #1: Region-wide Coral Triangle MPA System (CTMPAS) in place The success of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape and fully functional and its long-term sustainability will depend in part on the degree and extent to which Goal #4: Climate Change Adaptation Measures Achieved governments in the region commit human and allocate fi nancial resources to achieve marine conservation outcomes. Target #1: Region-wide Early Action Climate Change Adaption In this aspect, national governments Plan for the near-shore marine and coastal environment need to draw on the strengths of local developed and implemented governments while developing new forms Target #2: Networked National Centers of Excellence on Climate of partnerships. Change Adaptation for marine and coastal environments are established and in full operation To implement government commitments on the ground , an enabling framework of Goal #5: Threatened Species Status Improving laws, ordinances, regulations and policies that facilitate marine conservation have Target #1: Improved status of sharks, sea turtles, marine mammals to be in place at the local levels. Coupled and other identified threatened species with this are personnel, infrastructure and equipment, to make the governance structures work eff ectively and effi ciently. Source: CTI-CFF. 2008. Tropical Coasts 63

Innovative ways of engaging the private sector to support marine and coastal conservation Box 3: Goals and Plans for the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape Project need to be explored while eff orts towards (2008-2011). the recovery of threatened species vigorously pursued. The workplan for 2008-2011 focuses on consolidating MPA networks with No Take Zones in three corridors and on ensuring compliance Improving governmental and through strengthened enforcement and targeted outreach eff orts. A nongovernmental institutional capacities minimal investment will also be made at the Seascape-wide level to is a continuous process, linked to marine build political and fi nancial support for the work in the corridors and management interventions. To achieve to strengthen the Seascape as a model for marine management in convergence between conservation and the Coral Triangle. economic development, a complex set of interventions need to be crafted while In the Verde Island Passage Corridor – to refi ne and implement a Verde remaining cognizant of emerging economic Island Passage Framework Plan together with 21 municipalities and opportunities. three provinces. The Framework Plan will allow for the creation of an MPA network of at least 10,000 ha with at least 1,000 ha of No Reducing the threats to marine biodiversity Take Zones and one contiguous No Take Zone covering 1,000 ha. For is everyone’s concern. Public support can be the MPA network to be eff ective, CI and partners will build capacity achieved through a purposive communication of MPA managers and implement a comprehensive enforcement and capacity-building programme for strategy. Also, CI will lead an outreach campaign to build support for the MPA network and the enforcement eff orts. multistakeholders.

In the Cagayan Ridge Corridor – to consolidate an MPA network, Whatever interventions and initiatives would including 97,000 ha of No Take Zones, that protects at least be taken by actors in coastal and marine 20 percent of critical habitats (coral reefs, seagrass beds and conservation, the next phase of the Sulu- mangroves). CI and partners will train law enforcers, prosecutors Sulawesi Seascape initiative entails that these and judges to make sure enforcement is eff ective from detection, be based on the achievements and lessons to arrest, prosecution, and conviction. CI and partners will generate learned during the last three years. public support for existing MPAs and No Take Zones and strengthen enforcement through a targeted communication strategy References and campaign including broad communication of successful prosecutions and convictions for environmental and fi sheries crimes. Conservation International (CI). 2008. Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape. A New In the Sea Turtle Corridor – to consolidate an MPA network, including Future for Marine Conservation in at least 48,000 ha of No Take Zones, that protects sea turtles and the Coral Triangle, Conservation International, 15 May 2008. their habitats. CI and partners will promote the development and implementation of management plans with clear MPA management CI-Philippines. 2007. The Sulu-Sulawesi objectives. Outside of MPAs, CI and partners will promote both Seascape Congress Report: June 20- Turtle Excluder Devices to reduce by-catch of threatened sea turtles 22, 2007. CI-Philippines, Quezon City, in shrimp trawls and better joint enforcement to reduce the illegal Philippines. sea turtle egg trade. Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security Seascape-wide – to generate political and public support for marine (CTI-CFF). 2008. Regional Plan of conservation in the corridors and to secure the Seascape as a model Action, Honiara Draft. Adopted for ocean governance in the Coral Triangle, CI and partners will work 10 September 2008 at the Second with government offi cials and donor agencies to secure additional Meeting of the CTI Coordination human and fi nancial resources for investments in the corridors Committee in Honiara, Solomon and for priority activities in the Seascape, including strengthened Islands. enforcement from the Balabac Strait to Sabah, an area currently Global Environment Facility. 2008. The functioning as an entry point for poachers to gain access to MPAs in Coral Triangle Initiative: Program the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas. Framework Document. www. gefweb.org/uploadedFiles/Projects/ Source: CI, 2008. Work_Programs/April_2008_Work_ Program/PFD%20Document%20 3647.pdf Marine Protected Areas in the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion

R.A. Abesamis and P.M. Aliño Marine and Environment Resources Foundation, Inc. and the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines for the World Wide Fund for Nature - Sulu- Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion Program

There were at least 352 marine protected areas (MPAs) established within the SSME in 2006. Of these, 343 are in the Philippines, 5 are in Indonesia, 3 are in Malaysia and 1 is jointly managed by the Philippines and Malaysia. Twelve Priority Subregions (PSRs) were designated by grouping together highly-ranked priority conservation areas identifi ed for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME) (Stakeholders of the SSME, et al., 2004) and for the Philippines (Ong, et al., 2002). Two hundred seventy-four (274) of the 352 MPAs are located within the PSRs; of these, information on MPA size was available for 204 MPAs. Based upon MPAs for which size information was available, only 0.94 percent of the total area within the 12 PSRs (447,548.6 km2) are within MPAs (4,198.2 km2). Table 1 presents the levels of management eff ectiveness for some MPAs as estimated by some key informants (as of 2006).

References

Abesamis, R.A. and P.M. Aliño. 2006. Marine Protected Areas in the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion: A Review of their Status, and Priorities and Strategies for Their Networking. Unpublished Technical Report prepared by the Marine and Environment Resources Foundation, Inc. and the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines for the World Wide Fund for Nature - Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion Program. Ong, P.S., L.E. Afuang, and R.G. Rosell-Ambal (eds.). 2002. Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities: A second iteration of the National Biodiversity Strategy Cumulative area protected by MPAs versus size of PSRs.* and Action Plan. Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, Conservation International Philippines, PSRs Approximate MPAs with available Cumulative MPA Area of PSR protected Biodiversity Conservation Program- University of PSR Size (ha) data on size Size (ha) (percentage) the Philippines Center for Integrative Studies, and Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Quezon 1 1,137,700 6 16,813 1.48 City, Philippines. 2 2,012,803 2 575 0.03 Stakeholders of the SSME, Technical Working Groups of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, WWF-SSME Conservation Program. 2004. Conservation Plan for 3 2,327,732 1 48 0.002 the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion. Dumaup, J.N.B., R.M. Cola, R.B. Trono, J.A. Ingles, E.F.B. Miclat and 4 5,632,500 1 33,200 0.59 N.P. Ibuna (eds.). World Wide Fund for Nature-Sulu- Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion Program, Quezon City, 5 1,819,200 46 34,840 Philippines. 168 pp. 1.92 6 3,989,057 127 22,834 0.57

Table 1. Levels of management effectiveness for some MPAs 7 11,072,851 11 11,299 0.10 (estimate, as of 2006). 8 493,017 (1) no data no data Management Management is Low or Total is effective well-implemented unknown 9 A and B 4,651,800 4 211,552 4.65

Philippines 35 23 285 343 10 3,283,100 4 1,319 0.04

Indonesia 0 3 2 5 11 8,335,100 2 89,080 1.07

Malaysia 1 2 0 3 Total 44,754,860 205* 419,819 0.94

Turtle Islands Malaysian 0 Philippine 1 *Total of 205 MPAs includes Balabac Island TZMR (Philippines) in PSR 8 for which no data on size is available. jointly managed Turtle Islands Turtle by Philippines Islands Source: UPMSI MPA Database and Malaysia Supplementary data from key informants (2006): R. Apostol, D. Baker, A. Bautista, R. Cortez, R. dela Calzada, M. 352 Dygico, J. Ingles, D. Largo, C. Nañola Jr., J. Palma, J. Pontillas, A. Siahainenia, A. Songco and A. White.