SITE REPORT EL NIDO, PHILIPPINES NOVEMBER 2018

WWW.CCRES.NET Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines CONTENTS

PILOT SITE 1 THE PROJECT 5 ACTIVITIES 6 Marine Planning 7 Activity: Food Web 7 Activity: Fish SPACE & related research 9 Activity: Watershed analysis and sedimentation in coasts 13 Activity: Sedimentation in mangroves and seagrass 16 Activity: Coastal Protection 19 Activity: Understanding the role of governance 20 Activity: Understanding key sectors 23

Systems Analysis 25 Activity: Developing tools for systems thinking 25

Business Development 28 Activity: Eco-Biz Challenge 28

Behaviour Change 30 Activity: My Future, My Oceans 30

TIMELINE 32 OUR TOOLS 34 THE FUTURE 36 Gleaning on the beach. Photo: M. Paterson OUR TOOLS IN ACTION 38 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Site Report El Nido, Philippines PILOT SITE

EL NIDO: OUR PILOT SITE IN THE PHILIPPINES

El Nido is a coastal municipality in the years has fuelled the local tourism industry, north of Palawan in the Philippines. With 18 particularly the backpacker market. El Nido’s barangays (the smallest administrative division main town is developing rapidly to cater for in the Philippines) and covering 465 square increasing tourism. The local population is kilometres, the western side of the municipality expanding as immigrants arrive from other (Bacuit Bay) has been declared a national areas in the Philippines seeking work in the managed resource-protected area due to its growing economy. high marine and terrestrial biodiversity. The area’s coral reefs, seagrass beds and Historically, fishing and agriculture have mangroves create a rich marine environment. been the main industries in El Nido. Once These ecosystems provide El Nido with a boutique tourism location, increasing essential services, including fish to eat publicity on the area’s dramatic natural and sell, eco-tourism, water filtration and beauty and world-class diving in recent shoreline protection from storms. EL NIDO

El Nido foreshore. MALAYSIA Photo: R. Martinez

1 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

potential local partners as well as several LEADERS MEET data sets to draw upon for the research aspects of the project. As part of the El Nido Artisnal fishing catch at El Nido Cove CCRES Advisory Board members met with CCRES staff and researchers at El Nido in May — Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area on morning high tide. 2015 to observe geography, issues and challenges. (ENTRMPA), environmental values were also Photo: M. Paterson clearly recognised by the local stakeholders. Importantly, there was strong interest in CCRES KNOWLEDGE, NETWORKS, and support from local partners including the El Nido Local Government, the Palawan EXPERTISE Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), The technical expertise, strong networks and Palawan State University (PSU) and the El informed perspectives of our partners in the Nido Foundation (ENF). Local and national Philippines were critical to ensuring the tools partnerships underpinned the implementation of developed by the CCRES project are used at CCRES. The involvement of local communities, and beyond the pilot site. government and businesses was critical to delivering the project’s outcomes and ensuring We would like to thank our partners in the that the tools that were developed were relevant, Philippines for their contribution to our work practical and accurate. in El Nido. They include: El Nido has an incredibly diverse marine • Department of Environment and environment – home to 910 fish species, more Natural Resources (DENR) through the than 400 species of coral, and eight species Biodiversity Management Bureau (L to R) Dr Firdaus Agung (Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia), Adrian Ross (PEMSEA), Miledel 1 of seagrass. It provides nesting habitat to • Marine Science Institute (through the Quibilan (UPMSI), Dr Zainal Arifin (Indonesian Institute of Sciences), Undersecretary Analiza Teh (DENR), Ms Melanie King (UQ) and Dr Maya Villaluz (WAVES project). three species of endangered sea turtles Marine Environment & Resources Photo: G. Sheehan (hawksbill, green sea, olive ridley). Large marine Foundation), University of the vertebrates sighted in the area include dolphins, Philippines, Diliman (UPMSI) whales, manta rays, whalesharks and dugongs. Pollution, overfishing, unsustainable project’s pilot site in the Philippines. As a fast- • Palawan State University (PSU) development and climate change are growing tourism destination, El Nido provided It is also home to over 41,000 people1, the • Palawan Council for Sustainable impacting these ecosystems — and the an exemplar of the pressures faced by coastal vast majority of whom depend on the fragile Development (PCSD) services they provide. Similar effects are communities and the ecosystems on which ecosystems for their livelihoods and their food. • El Nido Local Government being felt in coastal communities across the they depend. El Nido has also been the focus CCRES hopes that our work in El Nido will • El Nido Foundation (ENF) Philippines and the East-Asia Pacific. of several research projects by the University benefit both the natural environment and the of the Philippines Marine Science Institute We would also like to acknowledge In 2014, El Nido was chosen as the Capturing people who depend on it in years to come. (UPMSI), our lead agency in the Philippines, the contribution of the Ten Knots Coral Reef and Ecosystem Services (CCRES) so there were existing relationships with 1 National census, 2015 Development Corp.

2 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

2 465 km Population: approx. bound by three Main livelihoods: bodies of water: 41,606 agriculture, fishing, West Philippine Sea, and tourism Linapacan Strait, Sulu Sea El Nido – Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area (ENTMRPA) 4.77% 90,321 hectares population annual Number of tourists: of primary forest, coral reef, limestone 16 growth rate islands and open water of its 18 barangays (primarily 200,000 in 2015 are coastal immigration) (increasing at 30% per year) 3 major marine habitats are present: coral reefs, seagrass, mangroves

Large marine vertebrates sighted: dolphins, whales, manta rays, whalesharks, dugongs Home to 5 of the 7 species of sea turtle 45 8 197 genera of hard coral species of seagrass species of fish

3

MALAYSIA Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

3 CCRES researchers in action. Photo: S. Cabacaba

4 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines THE PROJECT

RESEARCH, TOOLS FOR STRENGTHENING COASTAL MANAGEMENT

The CCRES project is a technical assistance The multidisciplinary activities undertaken decisions that enhance livelihoods and food project that seeks to support coastal at El Nido involved leading centres of security, improve community welfare, and management across the East Asia-Pacific. science, learning and engagement from the sustain coastal ecosystems. Philippines, Australia, Indonesia and the The key question the CCRES project sought The CCRES project is funded by the Global United States. to answer is: Environment Facility, the World Bank and How do we assist decision-makers Based on this research CCRES has the University of Queensland (UQ). These improve the welfare of people developed tools (models, applications, organisations, together with another 15 who depend upon coral reef- processes, frameworks) for use in international, regional, national and local related ecosystems for their food, marine planning, systems analysis, CCRES partners, have provided worldclass protection and livelihoods? business development and behaviour expertise in marine planning, systems change projects. thinking, business innovation, behaviour change and stakeholder engagement. The tools assist coastal planners, managers and policymakers to make informed

SELAYAR

EL NIDO

Timing Partners Pilot sites Funders People Tools July 2014 to 18 international, El Nido, Philippines; Global Environment 100+ researchers 15 tools December 2018 regional, national and Selayar, Indonesia Facility, World Bank and the and advisors (models, processes, local institutions University of Queensland frameworks) 3 El Nido Tourism. Photo: M. Paterson

5 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines ACTIVITIES

RESEARCH SHOWS LINK BETWEEN CORAL REEFS AND PROSPERITY

Ten principle activities were undertaken at The findings from these activities El Nido, Palawan in the Philippines, by local, demonstrate a strong link between the national and international researchers for condition of coral reefs, fisheries, mangrove the CCRES project between 2014 and 2018. forests and seagrass beds, and the These were: livelihoods and welfare of local people. MARINE PLANNING The key outputs were tools developed and validated in collaboration with local partners • Food Web and communities. • Fish SPACE & related research –– Watershed analysis and sedimentation in coasts –– Sedimentation in mangroves and seagrass • Coastal Protection • Understanding the role of governance • Understanding key sectors SYSTEMS ANALYSIS • Developing tools for systems thinking BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT • Eco-Biz Challenge BEHAVIOUR CHANGE • My Future, My Oceans

3 El Nido at sunset. Photo: R. Martinez

6 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Marine Planning Activity: Food Web

RESEARCH Objective To develop a food web model for coral reefs that accounts for the influence of coral reef structure and health on the dynamics of a coastal community.

Method Researchers carried out detailed surveys of key reef sites at El Nido. At each site the team collected information on the cover of live corals, versus dead corals, rubble or algae, and structural complexity of reefs, for input into 1 Deploying tiles during reef complexity work at food web models. In addition, they carried out El Nido, Philippines. Photo: C. Castro a study to obtain estimates of the growth rates of turf algae across Bacuit Bay. FINDINGS Fish surveys, turf algae measurements and coral recruit surveys were also carried out to Results of the initial El Nido survey reflected obtain information on the current condition and known high fishing pressure in the area, resilience of reefs in the region. demonstrating the relative absence of large- bodied fish. Results also reflected variability (L to R) Alice Rogers (UQ), Nils Krueck (UQ), Pete Mumby (UQ), Mags Quibilan (UP MSI), George Roff (UQ) between The results of the surveys were used in a food 1 field activities at El Nido. between sites and between fish families. web modelling framework that in turn informed development of the CCRES reef complexity quality are variable in space, or threatened to People As a result of this activity (and complementary work in Indonesia), detailed models to model Reef React, Fish SPACE and other tools. varying degrees. Activity leader: Dr Alice Rogers (UQ) examine the effects of habitat complexity on The model is designed to estimate the Timeline Researchers/facilitators: Prof Peter Mumby and Dr the consumption of prey by reef fish have productivity and carrying capacity of reef Nils Kruek, George Roff (UQ), Miledel Quibilan, Carolina been developed. Smaller fish have more fisheries, based on their structural complexity 2015 May Castro, Renmar Martinez (UPMSI) hiding places in a complex reef which can and health. Reef health surveys at El Nido looking at crevice affect the growth rate of predators. When fish abundance, reef fish, coral recruits, turf and Local partners: UPMSI Model outputs can be used to inform marine can hide effectively, it is harder for predators macroalgae spatial planning focussing on maximizing to access food. The model predictions were the value of coral reef fisheries in locations 2016 February tested against known fish assemblages and where habitat structural complexity and water Field sites revisited for additional measurements once validated were used to create a series of scenarios.

7 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Priority reefs for conservation and fi sheries replenishment POLICY BRIEF POLICY BRIEF EVIDENCE

a The CCRES researchers developed detailed models to examine the effects of habitat complexity on the consumption of prey by reef fi sh. Smaller fi sh have more

hiding places in a complex reef which is iomass gm can affect the growth rate of predators. When fi sh can hide effectively, it is harder b for predators to access food. The model

predictions were tested against known yr fi sh assemblages and once validated it POLICY BRIEFwas used to create a series of predictions. gm SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES iseries productivity The model is now complete for El Nido and healthiest, most complex reefs may be most ealty coral Standing dead coral ead coral and ead coral and Coastal managers and policy makers can Rogers A, Blanchard JL, Newman SP, rancing rule no compleity

Dryden CS, JanuaryMumby 2018 PJ (2018) High refuge availability on coral reefs increases the vulnerability of reef-associated predators Priority reefs for conservation and to overexploitation. Ecology (in press). will potentially inform the answers to questions suited to protection. Rogers A, Blanchard JL, Mumby PJ use the predictive model, Reef React, to (2018) Fisheries productivity under fi sheries replenishment progressive coral reef degradation. Journal of Applied Ecology (in press). Fish biomass and productivity based on different reef states. This policy brief outlines how policy makers and leaders can support the long-term health of marine fi sheries by quickly and easily determining which reefs could be used for general fi shing Prioritiseand which reef management based on reef coverage and complexity. such as: ones are best reserved for biodiversity and fi sheries replenishment. TYPE OF REEF WHAT IT’S IDEALLY SUITED TO REASONING assess how reefs of different states should be High or medium coral Marine reserve for 1. Tend to have highest biodiversity. cover biodiversity or sustaining 2. High complexity reduces the productivity of predatory fi shes (they + fi sheries . cannot fi nd as much prey). High complexity KEY GUIDELINES 3. Predatory fi shes are more vulnerable to over-exploitation where their OUTPUTS food supply is limited. prioritised for management actions. This work Prioritise reef management based on reef coverage and complexity. Low coral cover Fishing (general use). 1. Highest fi sheries productivity as the recently-dead coral is loaded with • How much fish production may be lost if + invertebrates that feed fi sh. High coverage, high complexity reefs are best for marine conservation and fi sheries replenishment, Medium complexity 2. Access to productive food is high at medium complexity (low complexity while other states of reefs are suitable for general fi shing. (recently dead) supports too few prey and high complexity allows prey to hide effi ciently). Low complexity Fishing (general use). Low complexity reduces its biodiversity potential and value in supporting (but not blasted) high fi sheries productivity or brood stock for replenishing fi shing grounds. highlights which reefs are ideally suited for use The outputs from the research were: Low complexity Fishing (general use) but Fine rubble appears to take decades to stabilise. Restoration required if Natural differences occur when some To help coastal managers and policy Reefs vary hugely in their (blast fi shing) productivity will be low. fi nancially feasible. XYZ happens? reefs are less exposed to damaging state, particularly in the makers match different reefs with conditions such as where cooler or appropriate management, Assuming researchers it is located in an area that can supply larvae to important fi shing locations. cover of living coral and In time, the reef will likely lose its complexity unless the system is resilient. well-mixed water reduces the effects of from the Capturing Coral Reef & structural complexity, often coral bleaching. In contrast, activities like Related Ecosystem Services (CCRES) termed ‘rugosity’. Some of blast fi shing can reduce a reef to rubble project have developed a process to for decades. CONNECT WITH US as no-take reserves either for biodiversity or these differences are natural assess how reefs of different states and others refl ect damage The present state of reefs can be should be prioritised forDr management Alice Rogers Prof Peter Mumby actions. The work highlights which infl icted by people. quantifi ed through fi eld survey and the CCRES Project Leader Food Web Model CCRES Chief Scientist • How much production can we gain from reefs are ideally suited ictoriafor use University as no- of Wellington The University of Queensland • A policy brief that outlines how future or long-term state of reefs can be compared using predictive models, such take reserves either forT: biodiversity +64 22 417 or 7949 T: +61 7 3365 1686 as Reef React (see www.ccres.uq.edu.au). fi sheries management.E: [email protected] E: [email protected] fisheries management. different management strategies? policymakers and leaders can support CAPTURING CORAL REEF AND RELATED ECOSYSTEM SERVICES The Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services (CCRES) Project is a regional technical support project that seeks to unlock new, sustainable income streams for coastal communities in the East Asia-Pacifi c region. CCRES is developing knowledge products to inform the design of global, regional and national projects, plans and policies, the long-term health of marine fisheries and technical models and planning tools to help with the preparation of • Where should we fish? Where should community-based coastal resource management plans. HOW CAN THE RESULTS BE USED? by quickly and easily determining www.ccres.net we protect? The aim of the food web modelling framework which reefs could be used for general • How much fishing/how many fishers can is to develop a model that can estimate a fishing and which ones are best a particular reef support? reef’s productivity; that is, how many fish it reserved for biodiversity and fisheries can support based on its structure and health. • How might catches (size and type) replenishment. Download the policy A policy brief for coastal planners is one of the outputs 1 This will assist marine spatial planners and change over time and in different brief at www.ccres.net. from the Food Web activity. locations? coastal resource managers from government • Two science publications: of reef-associated predators to and community agencies to estimate Results from the modelling are showing that –– Rogers A, Blanchard JL, Newman overexploitation. Ecology (in press). the value of coral reef fisheries and their some habitats support biomass but relatively SP, Dryden CS, Mumby PJ (2018) –– Rogers A, Blanchard JL, Mumby PJ potential to change over time, given different little productivity (see Figure 1). Analyses have High refuge availability on coral (2018) Fisheries productivity under habitat impacts. shown that intermediate complexity reefs reefs increases the vulnerability progressive coral reef degradation. may provide the best fishing grounds and the Journal of Applied Ecology (in press). THE DATA The research data is owned and kept REFUGE DENSITY BRANCHING REFUGES TURF PRODUCTIVITY INVERTEBRATE ABUNDANCE FISHING PRESSURE by CCRES. Inquiries about the raw data Low 33.3 Low 33.3 Low 50.0 Low 50.0 Low 33.3 can be made to Prof Peter Mumby (UQ) Medium 33.3 Medium 33.3 High 50.0 High 50.0 Moderate 33.3 [email protected] High 33.3 High 33.3 Heavy 33.3 For inquiries about the research, findings, outputs, data or technical support, contact Dr Alice Rogers (Victoria University, Wellington, NZ): [email protected] TOTAL BIOMASS FISHABLE BIOMASS FISHERIES PRODUCTIVITY Low 68.7 Low 68.5 Low 61.3 Medium 15.7 Medium 16.5 Medium 21.6 High 15.6 High 15.0 High 17.1

Figure 1. Bayesian Belief Network predicting fish biomass and fisheries productivity.

8 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Marine Planning Activity: Fish SPACE & related research

Timeline A Original HCC from Dropcam Predicted HCC from random forest RESEARCH 100 100 25’ 25’ Objective 2014 90 90

To develop a spatially-explicit tool to support Conducted ocean current and bathymetry surveys 20’ 80 20’ 80 and communicate relevant actions for marine in Lio and Bacuit bays (with the CORVA Project) 70 70 reserve and fisheries management planning 2015 15’ 60 15’ 60 and decision-making. The software application Conducted coral reef and reef fish surveys, and shows the effects of decisions on the status of fisheries survey 50 50 fish stocks and fisheries. 10’ 10’ 2017–18 40 40 Method Development and improvement of the Fish SPACE 30 % hard coral cover 30 % hard coral cover application 5’ 5’ During the development of Fish SPACE 20 20 (Fisheries for Sustaining People’s Access People 10 10 through Conservation and Equitable 11ºN 11ºN 0 0 Systems), studies were conducted in El Nido Activity leader: Dr Vera Horigue (UPMSI) 12’ 15’ 119ºE 21’ 24’ 27’ 12’ 15’ 119ºE 21’ 24’ 27’ 18’ 18’ by UPMSI and its partners to develop and Researchers: Chester Balingit, Patrick Pata, Leilani gather data for the model. These studies Solera, Anabelle Gammaru, Miledel Quibilan, Prof Original HCC from Dropcam B Predicted HCC from random forest 100 100 included the ground-truthing of existing Porfirio Aliño, Prof Cesar Villanoy (UPMSI); Prof Wilfredo 25’ 25’ habitat maps, development of a connectivity Licuanan (De La Salle University (DLSU)) 90 90 model, and surveys to collect coral reef, 20’ 80 20’ 80 reef fish and fisheries data. Complementary FINDINGS research from UPMSI, as well as other 70 70 activities under the CCRES Project, also Habitat extent and quality 15’ 60 15’ 60 Figure 2. Habitats and marine protected areas on the supported the project. A single habitat map (Figure 2) was created 50 50 western side of El Nido, Palawan (DENR-UPMSI CORVA that identified the land, mangrove forests, Project and PCSD). 10’ 40 10’ 40 seagrass beds and coral reefs found in the western side of El Nido, which was identified 30 % hard coral cover 30 % hard coral cover Several coral reef areas5’ in El Nido were 5’ 20 20 as the planning region for the model. The assessed using research data from rapid habitat map is one of the minimum spatial surveys of reefs in the country, including 10 10 data inputs of Fish SPACE, and serves as 11ºN 11ºN sample areas in western El Nido, in 2015 to 0 0 the main basis for the development of the 2016. Habitat quality data12’ (i.e.15’ %119ºE hard21’ coral24’ 27’ 12’ 15’ 119ºE 21’ 24’ 27’ 18’ 18’ planning grid. cover) was extrapolated across the modelling domain and translated onto the reef cells from Figure 3. A) Reef areas assessed under the DENR- the habitat grid (Figure 3). UPMSI CORVA Project; B) Extrapolated hard coral cover fitted to the habitat grid.

9 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Connectivity A 36’ B 36’ 600 0.20 0.20 In Fish SPACE, connectivity is the dispersal 0.25 0.18 and exchange of fish larvae from different 500 0.18 reefs. The connectivity model uses 0.16 30’ 30’ 0.14 information on coral reefs (location and area), 400 0.16 0.20 hydrodynamics (ocean currents), and fish 0.12 24’ 24’ 300 0.10 0.14

biology (life history, swimming behavior, etc) Sources to identify in which reef areas fish larvae are 0.08 0.12 200 0.15 located during different seasons of the year. 0.06 Settlement probability 18’ 18’ Ocean currents were modelled and then 0.04 0.10 validated using field measurements during the 100 0.02 retention Local 0.08 0.10 Export probability different monsoon seasons, and the data was 12’ 0 12’ used to simulate larval dispersal. The strength 100 200 300 400 500 600 0.06 and patterns of connections between reefs Sinks is species- and season-specific, because of 6’ 0.04 6’ 0.05 the wide range of biological characteristics of Figure 4. Connectivity matrix for the grouper the model fish larvae and the spatiotemporal simulations averaged across all seasons. The horizontal 0.02 variability of circulation. and vertical lines mark the division of reefs near the 11ºN 11ºN coast and offshore reefs. 0 Modelled water circulation during the summer 5’ 10’ 119ºE 20’ 25’ 5’ 10’ 119ºE 20’ 25’ 15’ months of March to May was generally 15’ southwards with a strong westward current The connectivity model (Figure 5) incorporates Figure 5. Total probability of connections from each reef cell for the grouper simulations averaged across all north of El Nido, forced by mostly north- both the ability of larvae to swim towards seasons. (A) shows the local retention back to the natal (birth) reef and (B) shows the export probability or the total easterly winds dominant in this season. the nearest reef, and ocean circulation to probability of connections beyond the natal reef. Starting June, wind directions shift to a strong transport larvae from the source reef to other Habagat or Southwest Monsoon pattern reefs. Three model fishes were simulated Fish relatively high total fish biomass and carrying blowing from the southwest until September, for El Nido: snapper (maya-maya), grouper Coral reef fish biomass and carrying capacity capacity values for herbivorous and predator which caused northward currents to be (lapu-lapu) and unicorn fish (surahan). These were estimated using fish visual census and fish combined (Table 1). Depeldet, on the other observed in the July 2016 survey. Average belong to different trophic levels (places in the food web model (see page 7), respectively. hand, exhibited low fish biomass as well as a circulation patterns observed in June to the food chain) and have different early life The initial biomass conditions and carrying low carrying capacity. August did not show the expected northward history characteristics. capacity were estimated for all reef fish pattern, but instead showed currents that were species, and predatory and herbivorous fish. generally weaker directed to the southeast. Among the El Nido sites that were sampled, Pinasil, Tres Marias and Twin Rocks had

10 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Table 1. Total biomass and carrying capacity of fish in Of the sampled households, 75% (n= 95) Maps showing the fishing docks (i.e. where sampled sites in El Nido. were located in the western side of El Nido, fishers live and/or dock their boats) and while 26% (n=34) of the households were preferred fishing grounds of fishers were SITE TOTAL CARRYING located in the eastern side. Half of the digitised and analysed using GIS to define BIOMAS CAPACITY sampled households had family members the fishing behaviour of fishers in Fish SPACE (G/SQM) (G/SQM) that were full-time fishers, assuming >100 (Figure 6). From the analysis, fishing grounds Depeldet 14.8 112.0 days of fishing per year. The estimated catch ranged between 0.6 square kilometres (km2) to 2 2 Dibuluan 29.8 98.0 rates of the sampled fishers were 2.96 ± 5.82 150 km , with a mode of about 3 km . Fishers kilograms per trip for pelagic species and travelled 0.5 km to 30 km with an average Dilumacad 25.0 73.8 0.38 ± 0.75 kilograms per trip for coral reef of 10 km, from their dock to their preferred East Matinloc 24.2 90.1 fish species. Sampled households were also fishing grounds. Pinasil 47.9 149.9 asked to identify the type of fishing gear that OUTPUTS Tres Marias 33.1 91.4 they use (see Table 2). Most of the fishers used multiple types of gear, but most fishers stated In the last two years of the project (2017 and Twin Rocks 34.0 87.8 that they used hook-and-line and fishing nets. 2018), Fish SPACE was developed and refined Mean 29.8 100.4 using data from the research described above. 10.3 24.7 Standard Deviation Table 2. Gear distribution amongst sampled fishing It is now available as a spatial planning and Source: (Rogers et al., unpublished dataset) households. communication tool that includes a standalone software application, and accompanying data Fishing activity FISHING GEAR N preparation and user manuals — all of which can be downloaded from the CCRES website Household surveys were conducted in April to Kawil 41 (www.ccres.net). May 2015 under a joint study by the University Lambat palubong 27 of California Davis and PSU (see page 23). Lambat 10 THE DATA Figure 6. Map showing the fishing docks, and A total of 400 households were surveyed in Enquires about the data used to develop Fish preferred fishing grounds of the fishers sampled during the entire El Nido municipality, of these 129 Ganti-ganti/ Taiwan-taiwan 11 SPACE may be directed to Dr Cesar Villanoy the household surveys. Areas that have higher levels of households provided complete information Sarangsang 7 (UPMSI), [email protected]. fishing are in red. on fisheries-related questions. Using the Timbog 5 household surveys, the extent of the fishing Lambat palutang 5 A summary report with more detailed results grounds, distance travelled by fishers, catch is supplied separately as an annex, or may be Pana 4 rates, and population of fishers targeting coral requested from UPMSI. reef fish species were estimated. Panghipon 2 Kitang 1 Bitana 1

11 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

FISH SPACE IN ACTION

The coral reefs in El Nido are under mixed Under the CBMPAs scenario, fishers A fine balance in crafting objectives, to allow making. Management interventions are not management, with a large marine park have access to a larger area but will also for socio-economic and environmentally limited to marine spatial planning or to the managed by the national government under eventually venture farther to fish as fish catch sustainable considerations that are inclusive marine planning region. They also include the National Integrated Protected Area in nearby reefs is depleted. and just, is envisioned for El Nido. aspects relating to governance, policy, System (NIPAS) on the western side of the communication, education and capacity Fish biomass within reserves would increase Fish SPACE can be used to start a municipality, and small marine reserves more quickly under the NIPAS scenario, conversation on the potential trade-offs of building, and livelihood diversification. (CBMPAs) that are co-managed by the local and carrying capacity is also attained in a prioritizing specific objectives and supporting government and communities located inside relatively short time. The CBMPAS scenario more informed planning and decision- the large marine park on the eastern side of also shows an increase in fish biomass but the municipality (see Figure 2, page 9). only within reserves. Fish biomass in reefs NIPAS These existing management schemes without protection remain low, whereas Biomass Fish catch 70 1,400 were evaluated using Fish SPACE to test protection in the NIPAS would support even 60 1,200 their performance over 35 years, and to outside reefs (see Figure 7). 50 1,000 demonstrate how the results may be useful in 40 800 This example demonstrates trade-offs informing management decisions in fisheries 30 600 between different management objectives. 20 400 and conservation. Total fish catch (kg) Total The extent of protection under NIPAS, Biomass (mt/sqkm) 10 200 0 0 In both scenarios, it was assumed reserves which was established in El Nido for the 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 were ‘no-take’ areas and that fishing activity area’s unique biodiversity and relatively Timestep Timestep is constant over time. Both scenarios have good reef quality, can support biomass CBMPAs cost implications for fishers, in terms of the recovery even in neighbouring reefs. 70 2,400 distance they will have to travel to fish. On the other hand, access to fishing 60 2,000 50 areas is limited, representing a trade-off 1,600 In the NIPAS scenario, most fishers will travel 40 to local fishers. Knowledge of such would 1,200 great distances to fish for the entire duration, 30 require planners and decision-makers with even more of them doing so towards 20 800 Biomass (mt/sqkm) to complement protection with other fish catch (kg) Total 400 the end. Apart from the reserve closing off 10 management interventions. 0 0 most reef areas near to the shore, closer 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 fishing grounds will eventually be depleted Effectiveness of marine reserve designs is Timestep Timestep Reserve of fish, prompting fishers to target reefs ultimately measured against management No-reserve farther offshore. objectives, whether these are inclined towards conservation, tourism or fisheries. Figure 7. Comparing fish biomass and fish catch of both scenarios.

12 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Marine Planning Activity: Watershed analysis and sedimentation in coasts

RESEARCH Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) a combination of light attenuation and to classify vegetation types. suspended sediment data. Objective To quantify the amount of sediment entering To identify which of El Nido’s sub-watersheds River flow was measured with a flow meter, El Nido’s coastal and marine areas. contribute most to sediment yield, the and researchers used the width across banks researchers used the Soil and Water to determine volumetric discharge. Assessment Tool (SWAT). Researchers sampled Method LandSat data from between 1997 and water from four El Nido sub-watersheds from To determine the amount of sediment entering 2015 was used to analyse the extent of across the Barangays of Barotuan, Bucana, Bacuit Bay in El Nido, researchers measured sedimentation and its proximity to coastal New Ibajay, Pasadena and Manlag, and changes in land cover and sediment content in areas. The images were used to evaluate compared concentration of sedimentation and river run-off. plume intensity, and to create a plume flow rate across the tributaries. To quantify the land cover changes, the team frequency map. In the Barangays Manlag and Barotuan, river used LandSat imagery of the area taken Timeline between 1989 and 2014, and applied the discharge was measured using water-level sensors. Turbidity was estimated using 2016 Gathered calibration data (i.e. flow and discharge rate, sediment load in river runoff) for four watersheds covered by five barangays

People Activity leader: Bayosa Aya Cariño (UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology) Researchers: Rene Rollon (UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology); Cesar Villanoy (UPMSI) 1 Science in action: Bayosa Aya Cariño measures physical properties such as temperature and salinity, El Nido. Photo: L Solera

7 Rural communities at El Nido depend on fisheries for food and livelihood. Photo: M. Paterson

13 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

RESULTS Sediment contribution of sub-watersheds Sediment yield in Manlalic River Land cover change Watershed tributaries contribute 254 tons Modelled results of sediments draining from per hectare per year (t/ha/yr) of total eroded the Manlalic River into Bacuit Bay show higher The total area for forests was lowest in 1989 at sediment. Sediment yield is high during the sediment load for the latter half of the year for 2 301.8 square kilometres (km ) (Figure 8). This wet season (i.e. July, August, September) at all years modelled. 2 gradually increased to a high of 350.5 km in 48 t/ha/yr; whereas, sediment yield during On the other hand, field results show that 2003. Forest cover then decreased in 2010 dry season (i.e. January, February, March) sediment load and river discharge values and 2014. is much lower at 1.1 t/ha/yr. These values follow a general trend, which coincide with are significantly higher than expected, Low vegetation was highest in 2014 covering some rainfall values in Puerto Princesa, 2 considering that forest and mangrove cover an area of 234.1 km . Bare soil was highest indicating that large weather systems affect 2 is relatively high in Bacuit Bay watershed, in 1989 and 2010 with 90.5 and 84.7 km both El Nido and Puerto Princesa. However, at 55.7%. respectively, and is concentrated on the north flood events observed in Manlalic for the east and south west of the island. There was Sub-watersheds 16, 17, 18 and 19 located month of October do not correspond with a gradual decrease of mangrove cover from in Barangays Aberawan and Manlag, and rainfall values in Puerto Princesa, indicating 2 2 26.5 km in 1989 to 19.4 km in 2014. sub-watersheds 3, 31, and 32 located in that some precipitation events are local to Expansion of low vegetation, and the resulting Barangays Barotuan and Bucana had the El Nido. highest sediment yield of 70 to 90 t/ha decrease in forest cover, is seen along the Actual output for sediment yield from the (Figure 9). Sub-watershed 31 which had 4–19 periphery of the island. However, from 2010 watershed model using the SWAT tool is up a low forest cover of 1.05 km2 and bare 19–39 to 2014 forest fragmentation occurred in the to two orders of magnitude greater than the soil cover of 1.5 km2 is among these high 39–53 central area. Preliminary results show that the 53–70 field measurements. It is recommended that sediment yielding watersheds. highest net forest loss was from 2003 to 2010 70–90 SWAT model output values be multiplied by 2 when 43.7 km was lost. a factor of 10–2 to avoid over-estimation of sediment deposits. 350 1989 Figure 9. Annual sediment yield (ton/ha) of identified 2 300 1997 sub-watersheds. Human activities observed in the area, such 2003 250 2010 as gravel washing, could also increase 2014 sediment load in rivers. The watershed model 200 Whereas, sub-watershed 9 in Barangay can be improved if detailed information of 150 Pasadeña, which had a higher forest cover point sources of sediment independent of 2 100 of 4.8 km , had a much lower sediment yield land cover can be identified, quantified and of 4 to 19 t/ha. These findings point to the

Vegetation cover in km Vegetation incorporated in the model. 50 potential of forests in controlling eroded 0 sediments and mitigating sedimentation. Bare Low veg Forest Mangrove

Figure 8. Total area for each vegetation type for each time period.

14 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Sediment plume extent, intensity, and frequency 25’ During the dry season, the sediment plume 100 appears to be more extensive in Bacuit Bay 90 20’ (Figure 10 A), although in the wet season, 80 there appears to be more sediment along 70 the entire western coast of El Nido, with 15’ 60 increasing degrees of intensity moving seaward (Figure 10 B). 50 10’ 40 In Bacuit Bay, areas exposed to high intensity 30

and frequency of the sediment plume % hard coral cover 20 correspond to those with poor hard coral cover High intensity & frequency 5’ (Figure 11). 10 Mid intensity & frequency 0 Low intensity & frequency 11ºN 20’ 22’119ºE26’ 28’ 24’

Figure 11. The sediment plume (left) and hard coral cover (right).

Figure 10. Plume A B 1 Leilani Solera and Patrick Pata (front left) from UPMSI and the research team head out in search of currents at El Nido. extents for (A) the 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ Photo: A. Gammaru dry season (February 2003), and (B) 20’ 20’ 20’ 20’ the wet season (September 2015). DATA 15’ 15’ 15’ 15’ For further information, contact Dr Cesar “Because Fish SPACE is spatial, people Villanoy (UPMSI), [email protected]. can really see what might happen if they 10’ 10’ 10’ 10’ A summary report with more detailed results do protect particular areas. That’s why is supplied separately as an annex, or may be I think this work is really meaningful High intensity 5’ 5’ 5’ 5’ Mid intensity requested from UPMSI. and exciting.” Low intensity Dr Vera Horigue, UPMSI 11ºN11ºN 11ºN11ºN 20’ 20’22’ 119ºE22’ 119ºE26’ 26’28’ 28’ 20’ 20’22’ 119ºE22’ 119ºE26’ 26’28’ 28’ 24’ 24’ 24’ 24’

15 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Marine Planning Activity: Sedimentation in mangroves and seagrass

RESEARCH Timeline Objective 2014 To understand how effective mangroves Assessed community structure; measured and seagrasses are in filtering upland run- sedimentation rates (NE monsoon); collected off in terms of enhancing the settlement of seagrass samples suspended sediments inside the forests and 2015 meadows; and to determine the spatial pattern Measured sedimentation rates (transition); of sedimentation within mangrove forests and collected water samples for Total Suspended Solids seagrass meadows. People Method Activity leader: Maricar S. Samson (DLSU) Sedimentation rates were measured in Researchers/support: Giannina Albano (UPMSI), Betty mangroves using sediment plates (traps) May Villamayor (UP Institute of Environmental Science deployed in the different forest zones in & Meteorology), Noreen Follosco (UPMSI) Manlag and Aberawan in 2014 and 2015, and in Cadlao Island in 2015. Average sedimentation rate in grams per square metre per day (g/sqm/day) was computed for each mangrove zone (i.e. landward, midward, seaward). Age reconstruction and vertical displacement of the hardy seagrass Enhalus acoroides (E. acoroides) were used to estimate changes in sediment elevation in Manlag and Aberawan. These approaches assisted in understanding the function of mangroves and seagrass in filtering upland runoff and regulating sedimentation, which ultimately contributes to protecting nearby coral reefs. Researchers also characterized the sites to evaluate how community structure 1 Sediment captured in the settling disk placed in the (types of plants) affects the respective mangroves, Manlag, El Nido. rates of sedimentation in mangroves and Photo: G. Albano seagrass beds. 1 Mangroves along the Philippines coast. Photo: G. Sheehan

16 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

RESULTS In Manlag and Aberawan, zones with relatively higher sediment volume appear to correspond Mangroves with zones with the highest stem density. High The mangroves in Aberawan and Manlag stem density has been known to enhance are riverine-fringing mangroves while those rates of sediment accretion and surface in Cadlao are fringing. All surveyed sites elevation processes. are dominated by Rhizophora species, with In Aberawan, the middle zone (1,800 stems Manlag having the greatest potential extent at per hectare) had a slightly higher density than 182 hectares. the landward and seaward zones. On the In terms of zones with highest accumulation, other hand, in Manlag, the seaward zone had similar patterns were observed across time, a stem density of 3,600 stems per hectare, but varied across sites. In Aberawan, the relatively higher than the landward and middle middle zone had the highest deposition, zones. However, in Cadlao Island, the results ranging from 18.7 to 24.2 g/sqm/day. In are reversed, with the landward zone having Manlag, the seaward zone had the highest the highest sediment accumulation as well volume, ranging from 16.9 to 62.4 g/sqm/day. as the lowest density during the time of In Cadlao Island, the smallest in areal extent of survey. Here, other factors such as exposure the three surveyed areas, the landward zone to waves and currents may determine the had a higher volume of accumulated sediment rate of sedimentation. Nevertheless, of 1 UP MSI’s Noreen Follosco (second left) and DLSU’s Maricar Sampson (far right) with members of the local community at El Nido. per day (20.7 g/day) (Figure 12). Photo: G. Albano

the three areas surveyed, Manlag had the 4,000 14 Landward Aberawan highest sedimentation rate, and the densest 3,500 Middle 12 Manlag Seaward mangrove forest. 3,000 10 2,500 An additional field activity in March 2015 8 2,000 determined the difference in Total Suspended 6 (mg/L) Solids during low and high tides. Results 1,500

n stems per ha support previous observations that, during low 1,000 4 tide, a higher volume of sediments remains Total suspended solids Total 2 500 suspended in mangroves (Figure 13). 0 0 Aberawan Manlag Cadlao Low tide High tide

Figure 12. Density (n stems per ha) of mangrove forests in Aberawan, Manlag and Figure 13. Volume of total suspended solids of water samples collected during low Cadlao Island surveyed in November 2014. and high tide at Aberawan and Manlag, El Nido, Palawan in March 2014.

17 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Seagrass FINDINGS Analyzing the growth of the E. acoroides In the areas surveyed in El Nido, apparent samples showed an average vertical threats include upland deforestation for displacement of 12.2 millimeters per year road networks and widespread small-scale (mm/year) in Manlag, and 37.3 mm/year mangrove cutting. The present extent of in Aberawan, suggesting greater sediment mangrove areas in Manlag and Aberawan deposition in the latter (Figure 14). The may be critical in mitigating the impacts of rhizome or subterranean stem of E. acoroides coastal erosion to adjacent seagrass beds and differs from other Philippine seagrass species coral reefs. in that it grows horizontally, which may be The following management interventions may an important factor in its survival in areas be considered and integrated with ongoing with high sedimentation rate. Such growth initiatives: further provides for measurements of vertical displacement, which gives an indication of the • Establishment of Manlag and Aberawan relative volume of sediment deposited. mangrove forests as ecotourism zones where sustainable nature trails and boating activities can be implemented.

0 Aberawan -20 Manlag -40 -60 -80 1 Measuring growth patterns of seagrass (Thalassia hemprichii). Photo: M. Samson -100 -120 displacement (mm) • Strengthen enforcement of the For further information, contact Dr Cesar -140 moratorium on mangrove cutting. Villanoy (UPMSI), [email protected].

Cummulative vertical (internodal) -160 J A J O J A J O J A J O J M J S D M J S D • Review upland development against its A summary report with more detailed results 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 impact on coastal resources. is supplied separately as an annex, or may be Approximate time • Regulation of activities on seagrass beds requested from UPMSI. such as establishment of fish corrals. Figure 14. Cumulative vertical displacement based on internodal measurements of Enhalus acoroides collected in the study sites in November 2014.

18 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Marine Planning Activity: Coastal Protection

RESEARCH The physical and biological characteristics OUTPUTS FINDINGS of reef system health are complex. The team CCRES has developed the Coastal Protection Objective analyzed the geomorphology (shape and To demonstrate how SHORELINE could be tool including two BBNs (SHORELINE and To develop a simple, web-based interface to size) of a range of coral reefs to determine the applied, it was used on a reef at El Nido where REEFTOP) to assess the hydrodynamics process and communicate models of coastal degree of protection they provide coastlines, researchers estimated the reef dimensions and sediment dynamics across and behind ecosystem dynamics, which consider factors taking into account reef geometry, reef health, and the water depth over the reef. They then reefs. REEFTOP is a BBN for assessing wave like wave conditions and beach erosion, and reef-bay configuration and wave height. El inputted coral diameter, wave with height, hydrodynamics and forces on corals in a barrier their influence on reef wellbeing. Nido was used as a location to demonstrate wave period, and wave direction from shore reef and lagoon system. SHORELINE is a BBN how the models would work. to model the loss of reef structure based on Method for estimating the wave hydrodynamics and those conditions. Different inputs can then be shoreline changes on and behind fringing reefs. Coral reefs serve as natural protective barriers The researchers employed Bayesian belief entered to show their differing effect. networks (BBNs) – a probabilistic model that safeguard communities and infrastructure. Users can quickly and easily analyze the that uses prior outcomes to predict future The original and expected new shoreline CCRES researchers sought to develop a efficacy of local reefs as defense mechanisms occurrences – to communicate their physics- position were plotted on a satellite image means of quantifying the extent to which reefs against intensified wave activity, storm surges based predictions of the El Nido region’s (Figure 15) which shows how the changes protect shorelines, and the potential impact and erosion — without needing to understand wave activity. In its simplest form, a BBN uses in the shoreline calculated by the model of increased sea levels and wave activity, and the complex, physics-based and probability statistics to investigate the inter-relationships would look when applied. The hypothetical subsequent erosion. models at play. Users simply enter parameters between the input variables and the model example shows the blue line as the original describing the reef (e.g. width, length, wave outputs described by a chosen network. shoreline and the red line where the shoreline height and lagoon depth) and alter these would be expected to recede landwards Timeline parameters to observe different hypothetical if the parameters used were realised. outcomes for that reef’s future wellbeing. This information can then be used for June 2014 The Coastal Protection BBNs can be applied coastal planning. Base model for El Nido ready for testing at any location where the conditions fall THE DATA June 2017 within the range of the input states, enabling Wave modelling at El Nido completed. Model translation of the models’ results to other sites, For further information, please contact Prof developed to predict the degree of protection and enabling the CCRES tool to be linked with Tom Baldock (UQ), [email protected]. given to beaches by reefs other GIS-based ecosystem modelling tools. Additional information is supplied separately as an annex. The Coastal Protection tool can be People downloaded from the CCRES website at Activity leader: Prof Tom Baldock (School of Civil www.ccres.net together with a user guide. Engineering, UQ)

Researchers: Dr David Callaghan, Dr Behnam Shabani Figure 15. Predicted shoreline changes at El Nido (School of Civil Engineering, UQ) using a hypothetical scenario.

19 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Marine Planning Activity: Understanding the role of governance

Method People An institutional analysis of protected area Activity leader: Dr Vera Horigue (UPMSI) policies and implementation was undertaken Researchers: Camille De Castro (UPMSI, UP School using an innovation histories workshop with 24 of Urban and Regional Planning), Michael Pido (PSU), participants from stakeholder organisations, Miledel Quibilan, Annette Menez, and Porfirio Alino complemented and triangulated with group (UPMSI) discussions, semi-structured key informant interviews (formal and informal), observations Local partners: DENR, PCSD staff, El Nido Local during meetings, and content analysis of Government documents (e.g. legislation, project reports). CCRES researchers focussed their analysis FINDINGS on the experiences, roles, functions and Researchers found that the governance in El interactions of the local, provincial and Nido is dynamic, having changed tremendously national government in protected area policy over the past 35 years. The transformation development and implementation in El Nido. of the government from a centralised to a Prior to and after the workshop, researchers decentralised system, and implementation of interviewed a total of 28 informants from foreign-assisted projects led to changes in the government (17), non-government management priorities and approaches used. organisations and civil society groups (3), Since the 1980s, the protected areas and other 1 Dr Vera Horigue, UPMSI, (centre) talking with stakeholders. private sector (2), and local community management zones in El Nido have changed, Photo: N. Follosco members (6). The majority of the informants because they were established with different were living in Palawan, and ranged from 12 to conservation and management objectives. RESEARCH • Evaluate governance structures and 72 years old. processes that underpin management Originally, the large national park in El Nido Objective activities. Timeline was established as a marine turtle sanctuary To understand the social, economic, and • Understand the drivers of change to protect key nesting and developmental political factors that drive current management that have led to current management July 2015 habitats in the 1984. This later changed to activities, and governance of resources practices. Project commenced consider different uses and priorities, based on in general, in order to support meaningful the legislation that drove the zoning activities • Recommend strategies to address November 2015 uptake of CCRES decision-support and other and the participation of various stakeholders. challenges in marine protected area Conducted initial key informant interviews and the management tools, and the recommendations This led to difficulties in implementation and (MPA) planning, and implementation and innovation histories workshop arising from the use of the tools. Specific reduced protected area effectiveness, due to spatial planning, in general. objectives were to: August 2016 the following issues: Second round of key informant interviews

20 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

1. Financial support from donor-assisted Although these problems are common to Despite these challenges, protected area OUTPUTS projects waned in the latter years, which protected areas in the Philippines, in the implementation and other development Researchers developed a timeline from limited enforcement activities. case of El Nido, the opportunities afforded activities, may be improved in El Nido with the 1980 to 2015 that described key events that 2. The establishment of the large national by the donor-assisted projects, and the full following management strategies: shaped the current state of conservation park marginalized many stakeholders mandate of the National Integrated Protected 1. Improve the alignment of priorities and and resource governance in El Nido (see since the beginning, and hence full Areas System (NIPAS) Act and the Strategic coordination of initiatives. Table 3). Results are used to contextualise Environmental Plan (SEP) of Palawan should support of the El Nido locals has never 2. Prioritize board meetings to address joint management scenarios in Fish SPACE. have been realized to ensure the sustainability been achieved. problems. of the protected area. MORE INFORMATION 3. Overlapping responsibilities and 3. Develop short-, medium-, and long-term membership in multiple management The agreement between the DENR, PCSDS management and development plans For more information on the project, contact Dr boards led by the DENR, PCSD, and the El Nido Local Government may be based on the priorities identified. Vera Horigue [email protected]. and the local government resulted in better implemented if the different levels A summary report is provided in an annex 4. Develop a financial scheme to support inefficient decision-making and delays in of government are more transparent and supplied separately. management initiatives. management actions. coordinate their efforts more. 5. Higher government levels can 4. Economic activities and interests of Researchers found that one of the key factors institutionalize management decisions 5 The tourism and hospitality sector is growing rapidly, stakeholders highly influenced policy putting tremendous pressure on marine ecosystem that influenced the changes in management through existing laws to ensure and decision-making, and thus negated priorities and approaches used were the resources at El Nido. sustainability. Photo: M. Paterson the benefits of multi-sectoral participation structural changes in decision-making. Multi- in management. sectoral participation in decision-making Implementation of large national parks is highly recommended by scholars and in the Philippines has faced tremendous environmental advocates, because it has been challenges. Their large size marginalizes and/ shown to reduce conflict that can impede or displaces many stakeholders. The process acceptance and sustainability of management by which they have been established lacked actions. Multi-sectoral participation, as community buy-in and engagement. They with decentralization, can also increase require more resources (i.e. financial, human government transparency and accountability, resources) to be sustained. The people because stakeholders are able to engage they require need to have the knowledge and interact with government officials more and capacity to fulfil their jobs. Similarly, openly. However, we found that the increasing implementation of community-based marine involvement of stakeholders in El Nido protected areas (CBMPAs) have become introduced more actors with different values, challenging because they require consistent interests, and beliefs that affected goal and financial and government support in order to priority-setting and consequently effectiveness sustain community engagement and buy-in. of protected area management.

21 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Table 3. Key events that shaped the current state of conservation and resource governance in El Nido.

PERIOD EVENT PERIOD EVENT PRE-1980s Fishing boats, trawls, illegal fishing, all operating inside Bacuit Bay 2000 2000 Establishment of the SEP clearance system 1980 1981–90 Palawan Integrated Area Development Project 2000–07 Strategic Environmental Management Program for Northern Palawan Project 1983–85 Drafting of the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) of Palawan Bill 2003 Adoption of the solid-waste management (Republic Act 9003) and imposition of a conservation 1984 El Nido declared as a marine turtle sanctuary fee as part of the Integrated Protected Areas Fund for the El Nido-Taytay park 1986 EDSA Revolution 2004 Siltation of Bacuit bay due to the El Nido – Taytay road improvement Adoption of the El Nido Comprehensive Land-use Plan 1988 Road construction connecting El Nido — Taytay — Puerto Princesa caused heavy siltation Implementation of the Community-based CRM projects funded by GEF-ACCI, which led to the House bill 10945 (SEP Bill) submitted to Congress 2004–10 establishment of nine CMMAs (2006 to 2010), and the Ecotourism Development Fee (2008) 1988–92 WWF Debt for nature swap 2005 Illegal fishers caught in Sibaltan 1989 Onset of Coastal Resources Management (CRM) in Palawan Adoption of the El Nido ECAN zoning maps 1990 1991 Palawan declared by UNESCO as a Man and Biosphere Reserve Tourism was affected by an oil slick that came from outside El Nido 1991 Enactment of the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160) 2007 Enactment of the Special use Agreement for Protected Areas (DENR Administrative Order 2007–17) 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development Establishment of the El Nido-Taytay all-weather road and slope establishment Andres Soriano Jr. Foundation’s CRM Program 2009 Titling and fencing of watershed areas Enactment of the SEP Law (Republic Act 7611) and National Integrated Protected Areas System El Nido locals won case against dredging in Bacuit Bay as part of the port development project of (Republic Act 7586) Law Congressman Alvarez Commercial logging ban and establishment of the El Nido Marine Reserve 2010 2010 Integration of the ECAN zones in the proposed 2012 to 2015 Comprehensive Land and Water-use 1994 DENR-PCSD Agreement and establishment of the Environmentally Critical Areas Network board Plan (CLWUP)

1995 Adoption of the General Management Plan and institutionalisation of the protected area 2012 Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature management board of El Nido marine reserve Increase in illegal trade of logs, sand, and gravel 1995–97 Northern Palawan Sustainable Tourism Development Plan project 2012–15 Implementation of the enhanced CLWUP 1996 El Nido Resource Management Stakeholders’ workshop and implementation of the Integrated 2013 Construction boom that caused rapid development along beaches, and reduction of water quality Protected Areas Fund (IPAF) in Bacuit Bay 1998 Severe drought due to El Niño, followed by massive coral reef degradation due to coral bleaching 2014 Massive mangrove clearing for charcoal production and tourism development and Typhoon Norming Installation of mooring buoys in the islands and implementation of the coral reef rehabilitation Enactment of the Fisheries Code (Republic Act 8550) gardening project (DENR partnered with Western Philippines University) Proclamation of El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area (El Nido-Taytay park), and Implementation of Palawan Sustainable Development Strategies and Action Plan project to assess renewal of the DENR-PCSD agreement planning and development approaches in El Nido Creation of the Palawan province Geographical Information Systems unit Beaches and watershed areas are occupied by private individuals Inauguration of the Malampaya natural gas project 2015 The expanded-NIPAS bill submitted to Congress, to enhance protection of the El Nido-Taytay park and other national parks

22 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Marine Planning Activity: Understanding key sectors

RESEARCH Approximately 433 tourists were surveyed. The primary goal of the tourist surveys was Objective to map where tourists spend their money in To collect data to help establish the order to understand their influence on the relationships between key economic agents local economy. These surveys were focused (households, businesses, tourists) to inform at points of departure (the airport and bus the development of CCRES tools. terminal) in order to obtain the most complete picture of tourists’ total expenditures. Method Approximately 275 businesses were surveyed Training was initially conducted in Puerto focussing on hotels, restaurants, tourism Princesa on survey design and surveying operations, and transportation because methodologies. The team then pre-tested these are the primary economic sectors the surveys in the local community and in El Nido that were not covered by the discussed ways to improve the survey and its household surveys (household-run businesses implementation. predominate in the fishing, agriculture and In collaboration with the ENF and El Nido retail sectors). local government officials, the team carried El Nido Site coordinator Roy Bero (left) with activity leader Ted Gilliland (second left) with members of the PSU out a series of surveys from April to June, Timeline 1 survey team. 2015. In order to capture a snapshot of the entire local economy, the key agents in April–June 2015 FINDINGS of fishing households were engaged in at least the economy were surveyed. This included The main industries that El Nido’s population one non-fishing activity. In fishing households, People households (both fisher and non-fisher), participate in are tourism, small-scale fishing tuna, squid and mackerel accounted for tourists, and major local business sectors. Activity leaders: Prof Jim Sanchirico, A/Prof Ted and agriculture. The researchers surveyed key the majority of annual catches, which were Gilliland (University of California, Davis) economic agents: households, businesses harvested across a variety of habitats. Approximately 460 households were Households engaged in agriculture grew a Prof and tourists. surveyed all 18 barangays of El Nido, Researchers, survey enumerators, support: variety of crops, including rice, vegetables, Ed Taylor (UC Davis); Dante Basaya; Roy Bero; Mark representing 6% of all households. The The household surveys focused on cashew and fruit trees, but of these, rice was Buncag; Shieng Camacho; Dondon Cayaban; Darlyn number of households surveyed in each households’ consumption patterns and the most common by far (approx. 70%). barangay was weighted by population size, Coroña; Ian Davatos; Gianina Decano; Leo Diego; production activities and showed that most but also stratified to focus on areas where Aynon A Gonzales; Ian Mabitasan; April Marcos; Jun households derived their income from wage The business surveys targeted businesses fishing and tourist-related activities are more Miraflores; Eva Ponce de Leon; Dr Patrick Regoniel; labour (including tourism), followed by operating in boat tourism; other tourism; common, since these are two key sectors in Unice Roa; Jessa Salvador; Angelou Seneca; Mark household enterprises (small shops), and fish selling; hotels; restaurants; taxis and the El Nido economy. Tabangay (PSU) then fishing and agriculture; however, most transportation; other services; dive operation; and retail. The surveys revealed the average Local partners: PSU, ENF, El Nido Local Government households were engaged in more than one of these sectors. For instance, it was found 63% El Nido restaurant spends approximately

23 60 50 40 30 20 10 Percent of households Percent 0

Fishing Livestock Agriculture Household Wage labor enterprise

(including tourism)

60 50 40 30 20 10 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Number of businesses 0 Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Retail

Fish vendor Boat tourism Dive operator Other tourism Restaurant/bar Other services Hotel/guest house Taxi/transportation

9,133 USD a year on direct purchases of fish, 60 250 and an average boat tourism operation spends 50 200 3,830 USD a year on fish. These data indicate 40 that the El Nido fish ecosystem is an important 150 30 economic driver. 100

20 US Dollars Of the 433 tourists surveyed, approximately 6010 50 53% were domestic tourists (from the Percent of households Percent Philippines). The average length of stay in 500 0 El Nido was 3.4 nights. Almost all tourists 40 Fish Fishing (96%) participated in activities related 30 Livestock & bars Agriculture Household Wage labor Restaurants enterprise to marine resources (snorkeling, diving, 20 Other expenses boating, etc.). Accommodation Tourism activities 10 (direct purchase) (including tourism) Tourist surveys were designed to map tourist of households Percent 0 expenditure in El Nido. It was found that direct Figure60 16. Percent of surveyed households engaged in each livelihood activity. Figure 18. Expenditures of an average tourist in El Nido (in U.S. dollars) on a few fish purchases by tourists were virtually non- Fishing common goods and services. 50 Livestock existent, but tourists did funnel money into Agriculture Household Wage labor 40 enterprise accommodation, restaurants and bars, and 30 tourism activities like boat tourism, which relies (including tourism) on fish to serve. 20 1060 OUTPUTS Number of businesses 500 A unique data set was collected from survey 40 Retail of 460 households and approximately 275 30 Fish vendor businesses throughout El Nido. The data set Boat tourism Dive operator 20 Other tourism Restaurant/bar Other services informed development of other CCRES tools Hotel/guest house Taxi/transportation including the systems analysis tools. 10 Number of businesses 0 THE DATA Retail The confidential dataset resides at the Fish vendor Boat tourism Dive operator University of California, Davis. For inquiries Other tourism Restaurant/bar Other services about the research, findings, outputs, data or Hotel/guest house Taxi/transportation technical support, contact Prof Jim Sanchirico 250 [email protected]. Figure200 17. Number of business surveyed in the most important sectors of the 1 Fish market, El Nido. El Nido economy. Photo: P. Mumby 150 100

24 US Dollars 25050 2000 150 Fish & bars 100 Restaurants

US Dollars Other expenses Accommodation Tourism activities 50 (direct purchase) 0

Fish

& bars Restaurants Other expenses Accommodation Tourism activities (direct purchase) Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Systems Analysis Activity: Developing tools for systems thinking

RESEARCH components interact using icons that are dragged and dropped onto a map. The Objective SESAMME maps created by each barangay To use systems thinking to engage coastal in the first round of focus groups were then communities and assist them to identify coastal edited to include information gained from resource management problems, preferred other barangays. A second set of focus future scenarios, and intervention points that groups using SESAMME was then held in the will help them achieve desirable outcomes. same barangays to review the maps. This ensured that the maps were as accurate Method as possible and that learnings were shared Initially, a workshop with local partners (PSU, between barangays. PCSD and ENF) was held to determine the high priority socio-ecological problems faced by El SESAMME maps created in this second round Nido; where these problems were located; and of focus groups were combined with other who CCRES researchers needed to talk to in scientific and demographic data and used order to understand these problems. in the CCRES System Simulation Model. The model simulates the behaviour of the coastal In El Nido, the primary problems identified system over time, depending on different were fish catch decline, mangrove loss, water activities, pressures, resources and decisions. pollution and food insecurity. It allows future scenarios to be tested. A first round of focus groups was conducted In a third round of focus groups, the CCRES in the barangays of El Nido using a beta System Simulation Model was used with version of SESAMME to explore each of these participants to assess five possible future problems. SESAMME (Socio-Ecological scenarios for El Nido — from best case Systems App for Mental Model Elicitation) is a to worst case. The scenarios provided an 1 Dr Russell Richards, UQ, presents SESAMME, an iPad group model-building tool used in focus group objective picture of the impact of different app, which was unveiled at the East Asian Seas 2015 discussions according to a script that outlines decisions and activities on the problems Congress at Da Nang, Viet Nam. Photo: M. Paterson the discussion procedure. of fish catch decline, mangrove loss, water pollution and food insecurity in 3 The SYSTORY app allows creation of different scenarios SESAMME, and its associated scripts, are their communities. for coastal ecosystems. designed to assist group discussions about Overall, this system thinking based process coastal zone management problems; to The focus groups were run according to gave communities at El Nido a good capture information about components a script, which is a logical and repeatable understanding of coastal management of these problems (such as resources, process that allows the results of multiple problems, why they exist, and the potential activities, pressures and decisions) from focus group discussions to be compared. participants; and to help visualise how these impact of interventions.

25 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Timeline Grace Palatino, Raul Maximo, John Pontillas, Jesus Bream and Silvino Alcantara (PCSD); Grachelle September 2014 Dela Cruz, Pattie Lumbania, Lloyd Lumbania, Maius Systems thinking training Marcelo, Jose Alferez, Leilani Aliaga and Joey Aliaga (ENF) April 2015 1st round focus group discussions, El Nido Participants: over 1100 community participants July 2015 attended SESAMME focus groups in El Nido, as well 2nd round focus group discussions — training/ as participants from the El Nido local government and planning Palawan provincial government in a special municipal focus group October 2015 2nd round focus group discussions, El Nido Support: UPMSI (coordination) — Noreen Follosco, Miledel Quibilan and Lyn Riveral November 2015 Municipal focus group discussions Puerto Princesa Local partners: PCSD, PSU, ENF May 2016 Workshop to review models; plan for data collection THE OUTPUTS August 2016 SESAMME Workshop to finalise models; plan for data collection SESAMME is an application (app) for Apple April 2017 iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, Windows PCs and Apple Mac computers. It is 1 Eva Ponce de Leon (PSU) facilitates a focus group with 3rd round focus group discussions — training/ residents, and one very tired dog, of Pasadena Barangay, planning used to assist group discussions about coastal El Nido, on the topic of fish catch decline. zone management problems (such as fish catch May 2017 Photo: C. Smith decline) and to capture and visually represent El Nido, 3rd round FGDs The CCRES System Simulation Model was how resources, activities and pressures interact subsequently used to build the SYSTORY People to create the problems identified. app during 2017. The app allows users to Component leader: Dr Carl Smith (UQ) It is a practical resource for governments and understand and visualise the dynamics of NGOs involved in community engagement, coastal systems, and assess the influence of Activity leader: Dr Russell Richards (UQ) and educational institutions teaching courses alternative scenarios on system trajectories Researchers/facilitators: Roy Bero, Aynon Gonzales, in systems thinking. over time, in an accessible way that requires Agustin Miraflores, Patrick Regoniel, Mark Buncag, no special technical knowledge or training. Gianina Decano, Eva Marie Ponce de Leon, Marissa 1 John Pontillas (PCSD) facilitates talks with municipal Pontillas, Maricel Elorde, Ronald Ona and Precious and provincial stakeholders at Puerto Princesa. Latras (PSU); Benjamin Adriano, Glenda Cadigal, Photo: R. Richards

26 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

SESAMME can be downloaded from the It has both ‘explore’ and ‘experiment’ Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. functions. ‘Explore’ allows users to explore Supporting scripts are also available on the a story of the system and learn how coastal BUILDING CAPACITY CCRES website. ecosystems and people interact. ‘Experiment’ will allow users to run simulations for CCRES has built capacity in local partner System Simulation Model user-defined scenarios and see how these teams to apply systems thinking and The System Simulation Model is a technical scenarios affect the behaviour of the system. SESAMME beyond the project. This is simulation model of the coastal zone built This can inform policy choices or community evidenced by: using Stock and Flow modelling software engagement around particular issues. • ENF using SESAMME in a (Stella Architect). It quantifies interactions SYSTORY has data pre-loaded for El Nido proposed reforestation project between activities on land (e.g. farming, which enables users to easily explore different urban development), activities on water (e.g. • PCSD using SESAMME in marine possible future scenarios for the island’s fishing), coastal ecosystems (e.g. coral reefs, spatial planning projects coastal resources. mangroves) and coastal resources (e.g. fish). • PSU using SESAMME in PhD It allows the user to simulate the behaviour of SYSTORY can be downloaded on the Apple projects and other research the coastal system over time. App Store or the Google Play Store. projects • At least two partner participants The tool consists of a Stella Architect file, an THE DATA Excel spreadsheet and the CCRES System integrating systems thinking into As part of the SESAMME mapping process, Simulation Model User Guide which can be their higher degree research as a data was captured on coastal zone downloaded at www.ccres.net. result of CCRES training management problems at El Nido and the Fives scenarios were created for each components of these problems. This data, location visited at El Nido — from best case to together with household survey data from worst case. another CCRES project (see page 23) and “The enthusiasm, input and testing from local demographic data was used to inform our in-country partners in CCRES have SYSTORY the scenario modelling and the development been invaluable in taking SESAMME 1 Dr Patrick Regoniel (PSU) operating SESAMME at a SYSTORY is an application (app) for Apple of SYSTORY. This data is available in the focus group discussion, Sibaltan (top). iPhones and iPads, Android phones and System Simulation Model spreadsheet from a concept to an engagement Photo: R. Richards tablets, and Windows PCs and Apple available on the CCRES website. tool. SESAMME appears to have really PCSDS mangrove loss team in Bebeladen. Mac computers. It helps managers to Photo: M. King For inquiries about the research, data or connected with the people we have understand and visualise the dynamics of technical support, contact Dr Carl Smith engaged with in our studies in the coastal systems, and assess the influence of (UQ), [email protected]. Data from alternative scenarios on system trajectories Philippines and Indonesia.” the focus group discussions is held by the over time. Dr Russell Richards, UQ local partners.

27 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Business Development Activity: Eco-Biz Challenge

RESEARCH Winners received a one-time equity grant to start or expand their business concepts and Objective mitigate start-up risks. Selection was based To identify local entrepreneurs and assist on those ideas considered to be viable, where them in starting or expanding businesses the prize money will make a difference to the that support the local economy, as well as business, where the business is likely to be ecosystem services. The Eco-Biz Challenge viable in the short to medium term and have a aimed to expand the pool of local talent, positive environmental impact. knowledge and creativity to find and incubate eco-friendly business ideas, and boost Timeline enterprise development. The competition format is designed to identify potential August 2017 solutions for coastal communities and reward Eco-Biz Challenge launch in El Nido, local businesses for their ingenuity with the funds to businesses invited to submit ideas help bring the concept to fruition. September 2017 Creativity workshops to inspire El Nido Method communities and brainstorm solutions to pressing The Eco-Biz Challenge invited El Nido problems 1 Semi-finalists at the Eco-Biz Challenge in the Philippines. Photo: L. Izquierdo community members to submit innovative 2017 October business ideas that support local livelihoods First commercialisation workshop, Puerto Princesa OUTCOMES At the Eco-Biz Challenge finals El Nido Mayor and protect coastal ecosystems. Creativity The three winners, Jonie Fernandez, Michael Nieves Rosento presented each winner with workshops were held to inspire El Nido 2017 November Magnol and Jovenly Naranjo, and the runner- a cheque for PHP 50,000 (approximately communities and brainstorm business Eco-Biz semi-finals, second commercialisation up, Sonia Yntas, were selected for their AUD$1,500). ideas. The business concept had to address workshop, El Nido inventiveness and the positive impact of their criteria which included operating in the local 2018 January A six-month monitoring and mentoring program eco-business ideas. area, employing local residents, and being Eco-Biz finals and prize ceremony, El Nido is underway that will allow CCRES to track the environmentally sustainable. progress of the winners and semi-finalists until People The winning ideas included eco-charcoal (using coconut as an alternative to the end of the CCRES project in 2018. A couple Of the 56 Eco-Biz Challenge El Nido Facilitators: Assoc Prof Damian Hine, Dr Anya Phelan mangrove wood for cooking); ecotourism of the semi-finalists’ businesses also received applicants, CCRES chose 28 semi-finalists. (UQ); Mariglo Laririt (Ten Knots Development Corp); in the mangroves; sustainable horticulture funding and support from local non-government CCRES then ran a three-day business skills Noreen Follosco (UPMSI); Eva Marie Ponce de Leon, (cultivating giant bamboo to reduce logging organisations. In this way, CCRES expanded workshop with them in Puerto Princesa, and Gianina Decano (PSU) in native forests); and supplying ornamental awareness of the nascent entrepreneurs the semi-finalists produced final proposals, and their businesses, and alerted existing Local partners: Ten Knots Development Corp, El Nido native flowers to the tourism industry. from which three winners and a runner-up local organisations to new opportunities and Local Government, PSU were selected. pathways to support their local economy and Support: UPMSI coastal ecosystem simultaneously.

28 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

OUTPUTS The Eco-Biz Challenge comprises the central business plan competition, business skills training, and a facilitators’ kit containing all materials needed to deliver the competition, including business skills training, logistics, background and material for participants. The tool is intended to be applicable to diverse, international contexts. It can be used anywhere where communities need to expand the pool of local talent, knowledge and creativity. It is an engaging way to energize community conversation on sustainability issues and boost enterprise development. Resources for running the Eco-Biz Challenge can be downloaded at www.ccres.net.

MORE INFORMATION For inquiries about the tool or technical support, contact A/Prof Damian Hine [email protected] or Dr Anna Phelan [email protected] 1 Eco-Biz Challenge business skills workshop, Puerto Princesa. Photos: L. Izquierdo

“All winners had great ideas that are likely to be successful. We can’t wait to see that success and the positive effect it can have on the whole municipality of 3 Finalist Michael Magno (left) with El Nido Mayor Nieves El Nido.” Rosento, Ms Mariglo Laririt (Ten Knots Development Corp), A/Prof Damian Hine, Business Development and A/Prof Damian Hine (UQ). Photo: M. King Component Leader, UQ

29 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Behaviour Change Activity: My Future, My Oceans

RESEARCH Method At El Nido, the core psychological competencies People and behaviours targeted were plastic collection; Objective My Future, My Oceans was designed using Activity leader: Erik Simmons (UQ), Mariglo Laririt (Ten proven evidence-based behavioural strategies, problem solving skills; checking whether the fish Knots Development Corp) The purpose of bringing the program to together with input from local stakeholders that participants consume are caught safely or Trainer: Paula Bradley (PJ Bradley Consulting) El Nido was to address local problems and and beneficiaries in tailoring the program by destructive methods; perceived responsibility to trial My Future, My Oceans in the untested specifically to their needs. for the state of the environment; satisfaction Participants: Nearly 100 women from two villages in context of the Philippines, using data with life; and perceived impact of actions on El Nido accumulated to assess and consolidate the The activity involved four steps: the environment. These measures make up the Support: Ten Knots Development Corp; Georgetown tool’s versatility and efficacy in new spaces. 1. Scoping potential villages. Sustainable Actions Checklist. A composite score reflects the underlying cognitions, University interns; UPMSI; and local personnel, Enhancing the philanthropic research and 2. Engaging and training local staff and attitudes, behaviours, and social mechanisms including barangay leaders, government officials and community facilitation skills of local personnel, personnel (both within Ten Knots necessary to live sustainable lives. staff members from Ten Knots Development Corp including barangay leaders, government Development Corp and the local officials and staff members from Ten Knots barangays). The week-long El Nido trial studied women THE FINDINGS Development Corp, as well as a group from two villages — Bebeladan (intervention) 3. Delivering My Future, My Oceans to two Participants improved on the six core of students from Georgetown University, and Teneguiban (control). Outcomes were barangays. psychological competencies and behaviours Washington DC, attending a Ten Knots summer measured directly prior to implementation and 4. Comprehensively measuring all targeted by the pilot program: perceived internship program, were further objectives of directly after. this El Nido partnership. outcomes at two distinct time points. plastic collection; problem solving skills; The cost to roll-out My Future, My Oceans in checking whether the fish that participants a coastal community in low-resource settings consumed were caught safely or by is approximately AUD$2,700 covering most destructive methods; perceived responsibility materials and personnel. for the state of the environment; life satisfaction; and perceived impact of actions Timeline on the environment. This was compared to the control group, which made no changes – 6 June 2018 28 May or improvements on the psychological Intervention: Engaging and training local staff and competencies measured. Psychological personnel (through Ten Knots Development Corp competencies are reflective of self-regulatory and the local barangays). abilities, sustainable behaviours, and prosocial Evaluation: Comprehensively measuring all tendencies that lead to happier, healthier, and behavioural outcomes and program impacts. flourishing communities.

7 Lloyd Lumbania, El Nido Resorts, facilitates a My Future, My Oceans workshop at Bebeladan village, El Nido. Photo: P. Bradley

30 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

“My Future, My Oceans was created to promote human behaviours that protect coastal ecosystems and the services they provide to local communities It’s effective, easy to use and low-cost. This ensures that non-experts, supported with light-touch training and modest investment, are capable of delivering the program for the benefit of those around them.” Erik Simmons, UQ

THE OUTPUTS • Project management guidebook 1 My Future, My Oceans participants at Bebeladan village, El Nido. The data collected was used to develop My complete with an evaluation framework and trainer modules, scripts and slides. Photo: H. Almasco Future, My Oceans as a low-cost process of 3 My Future, My Oceans workshop at Bebeladan village, behavioural diagnosis and capacity enhancing Download the materials from www.ccres.net. El Nido. intervention for promoting behaviour change. Photo: P. Bradley The data also cross-validated My Future, My THE DATA Oceans in a novel, non-Indonesian context. The research data is kept at UQ. For enquiries The My Future, My Oceans tool comprises: about the research, findings, outputs, data or technical support, contact Erik Simmons • Participant workbook (UQ), [email protected] • Facilitator guidebook

31 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines TIMELINE

JULY 2014 TO DECEMBER 2018

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

January July November November February March April April May May September May July August November May June July January March April May September November El Nido CCRES launches Local UPMSI research Philippines UPMSI team Surveys CCRES partners Reef health CCRES Advisory Business El Nido field El Nido ocean Four major Eco-Biz El Nido Tools Training for Findings from El Nido hosts Fish SPACE 90+ local marine The My Future, UP MSI provides Local chosen as the in the Philippines stakeholders team explores partners prepare measure rates of conducted with lead food surveys at Board meets development sites are currents watersheds and Challenge Forum marine reserve CCRES research, Eco-Biz used to assess planning experts My Oceans tool feedback on Fish stakeholders Philippines meet with the efficacy of for El Nido focus sedimentation in households, insecurity group El Nido at El Nido activity revisited for measured their coastal scoping design are presented Challenge finals coral bleaching and coastal rolls out in the SPACE-related and community pilot site CCRES team seagrasses and group talks on mangroves tourists, discussions in to observe commences additional areas examined, with local at a sustainable damage in managers attend Philippines to research to representatives to provide mangroves in food insecurity, business El Nido’s 18 geography, with analysis measurements sites established stakeholders tourism forum El Nido tools training improve waste El Nido local attend closing insight into filtering upland water quality, barangays issues and of El Nido on crevice at two rivers begins convened by workshops at management in government, event socio-ecological runoff in El Nido fisheries and challenges businesses abundance, for longer term El Nido Resorts Tagaytay El Nido Protected Area problems mangroves reef fish, coral measurement of Management recruits, turf and discharge Board and macroalgae others

32 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

January July November November February March April April May May September May July August November May June July January March April May September November El Nido CCRES launches Local UPMSI research Philippines UPMSI team Surveys CCRES partners Reef health CCRES Advisory Business El Nido field El Nido ocean Four major Eco-Biz El Nido Tools Training for Findings from El Nido hosts Fish SPACE 90+ local marine The My Future, UP MSI provides Local chosen as the in the Philippines stakeholders team explores partners prepare measure rates of conducted with lead food surveys at Board meets development sites are currents watersheds and Challenge Forum marine reserve CCRES research, Eco-Biz used to assess planning experts My Oceans tool feedback on Fish stakeholders Philippines meet with the efficacy of for El Nido focus sedimentation in households, insecurity group El Nido at El Nido activity revisited for measured their coastal scoping design are presented Challenge finals coral bleaching and coastal rolls out in the SPACE-related and community pilot site CCRES team seagrasses and group talks on mangroves tourists, discussions in to observe commences additional areas examined, with local at a sustainable damage in managers attend Philippines to research to representatives to provide mangroves in food insecurity, business El Nido’s 18 geography, with analysis measurements sites established stakeholders tourism forum El Nido tools training improve waste El Nido local attend closing insight into filtering upland water quality, barangays issues and of El Nido on crevice at two rivers begins convened by workshops at management in government, event socio-ecological runoff in El Nido fisheries and challenges businesses abundance, for longer term El Nido Resorts Tagaytay El Nido Protected Area problems mangroves reef fish, coral measurement of Management recruits, turf and discharge Board and macroalgae others

33 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines OUR TOOLS

CCRES has developed a suite of innovative MPA placement optimization tool Policy brief: Reduced pathogenic bacteria through System Simulation Model tools to help coastal managers, policy-makers The MPA placement tool helps users optimize seagrass protection The System Simulation Model quantifies and planners to strengthen and sustain their larval dispersal around MPAs in order to This brief helps policy makers and leaders interactions between activities on land coastal ecosystems and communities. These achieve flexible management objectives, make informed decisions about managing (such as farming and urban development), tools include policy briefs; software programs, including both biodiversity conservation and seagrass, by demonstrating the value activities on water (such as fishing), coastal models and applications (apps); and toolkits fishery benefits. of seagrass which can reduce bacteria ecosystems (such as coral reefs and to run processes for business development pathogenic to humans and marine life by up to mangroves) and coastal resources (such and behaviour change. They can be used MPA size optimization tool 50 per cent. as fish). It allows the user to simulate the individually to address a specific challenge in This software helps users optimize decisions behaviour of the coastal system over time. coastal development or collectively to build a on the size of local MPAs by calculating the Reef React system-wide solution. proportion of the possible maximum number Reef React assists users to predict alternate SYSTORY MARINE PLANNING of individuals of each target species that will futures for coral reef ecosystems under various SYSTORY assists users to visualise influencing be effectively protected in MPAs of various climate and human use scenarios to help coastal dynamics and how these forces Marine Protected Areas (MPA) toolbox conceivable sizes. guide policy and management interventions to play out in alternative scenarios. Available The toolbox is designed to help planners and reduce negative impacts. on Apple iOS devices, Windows PC and Fish SPACE policymakers make informed decisions about Android devices, the app can be used for Coastal Protection the total coverage, placement and local size of Fish SPACE assists users to explore the policy evaluation, community engagement MPAs, and encompasses the following tools: benefits and impacts of different marine Coastal Protection taps into a Bayesian Belief and teaching. reserve network spatial configurations, with Network (BBN) to evaluate which reefs best • MPA placement optimization tool fisheries management strategies. protect important coastal infrastructure and BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT • MPA size optimization tool communities. Users can apply the Coastal Ecosystem-based Business Development (EbBD) Policy brief: Healthy fisheries through marine • Fish SPACE Protection model to coral reefs visible on GIS Approach for Coastal Communities reserves systems like Google Earth. • Policy brief: Healthy fisheries through The EbBD Approach is a process that uses This tool is a set of policy guidelines that can marine reserves ecosystem services and biodiversity as be used to set large-scale marine spatial SYSTEMS ANALYSIS • Policy brief: Priority reefs for conservation part of an overall sustainable development planning targets, as well as small-scale and fisheries replenishment SESAMME strategy, to help support sustainable MPA design. • Educational tool for marine design SESAMME is an app designed to facilitate livelihoods and local economic development (pending) Policy brief: Priority reefs for conservation and group discussion about proposed coastal in low resource coastal communities. fisheries replenishment management changes. Available on Apple iOS devices, Windows PC and Android devices, This policy brief guides users on the the app draws on past and future trends to characteristics of reef areas that are best- visually represent how different coastal zone suited to marine conservation efforts. problems interact with each other.

34 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

Eco-Biz Challenge The Eco-Biz Challenge is business plan EL NIDO TOOLS FORUM competition, including business skills training, to encourage businesses that are In May 2017, CCRES hosted a forum to Area Management Board and Ten Knots environmentally and socially sustainable. Local show our tools to partners at El Nido. Development Corp. government, NGOs, private sector leaders and Local environmental planners, coastal The aim of the forum was to share results of educational institutes are encouraged to use managers, tourism officers, business people our research at El Nido and to discuss how the competition to encourage sustainability- and provincial regulators came to see the and when the CCRES tools and knowledge focused innovation. tools that had been developed based partly may be used in coastal management BEHAVIOUR CHANGE on research by CCRES scientists at El Nido. and planning at El Nido and elsewhere in the Philippines. My Future, My Oceans The event was formally opened by El Nido Mayor Nieves Rosento. Local attendees The My Future, My Oceans tool is designed included representatives from the El Nido to foster sustainable, environmentally Local Government, PCSD, PSU, Protected 5 Potential local end-users at the Tools Forum, El Nido. responsible behaviours in low-resource Photo: M. Paterson coastal households. The process first assesses current habits and values, then actively engages community members to shift attitudes toward environmental issues.

FishCollab FishCollab assists governments, communities and NGOs to work together to improve coastal management. It enables users to identify key stakeholders, develop networks, analyse policy, analyse and reduce conflict, and identify opportunities and challenges. Download the tools at www.ccres.net.

1 El Nido Mayor Nieves C. Rosento (top) and CCRES Philippines coordinator Noreen Follosco, at the Tools Forum, El Nido. Photos: M. Paterson

35 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines THE FUTURE

The goal of the CCRES project is to assist Already, they are being used for coastal communities and government sustain the resource management training and planning services provided by coral reefs, fisheries, across the Philippines (see map page 39). mangrove forests and seagrass beds. CCRES is talking with prospective partners This assistance for coastal policy-makers, in East Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific, planners and managers is in the form of a set and planning for a global rollout of the tools in of technical tools for: developing countries post-2018. 1. Engaging communities in the decision- The results from the activities at El Nido making process and improved demonstrate that the tools can be used governance. individually to address a specific challenge in 2. Identifying desirable trajectories for coastal development or collectively to build a communities and potential obstacles system-wide solution. and opportunities. We hope that the work done at the pilot site of 3. Designing marine plans explicitly to El Nido by our local, national and international improve reef fisheries productivity and partners — with the support and participation biomass. of the El Nido community — creates a lasting 4. Factoring in the role of coral reefs in legacy for El Nido, other coastal communities Prof. Cesar Villanoy and Lyn Riveral, UPMSI, at the CCRES stand, 4th Asia-Pacific Coral Reef Symposium, Cebu. protecting coastal infrastructure into in the Philippines and beyond. 1 decision-making. Photo: N. Follosco 5. Fostering entrepreneurship in marine- PROMOTING UPTAKE IN THE PHILIPPINES strongly agree that following their involvement We are also presenting the tools at the related, sustainable business enterprises. In April 2018, over 90 people attended tools with the CCRES project, they see benefits in Partnerships in Environmental Management 6. Raising awareness of the value of training workshops in Tagaytay, Philippines. using information on ecosystem services to for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) East coastal ecosystems to livelihoods and Representatives from government, NGOs, support decision-making. Asian Seas Congress in Iloilo, Philippines in November 2018. human welfare. business, universities and other research Videos capturing participants’ experiences, an 7. Promoting and empowering positive institutes — including participants from explanation of the tools, and perspectives from changes in community behaviour. El Nido — learned about the individual tools project partners in the Philippines are now and how to use them in coastal planning and available on the CCRES YouTube channel. “Many delegates were interested in The tools assist users to sustain coastal management. learning more about the tools, and signed ecosystem services (such as food security, In June 2018, we had a strong presence at up for our newsletter and more updates.” tourism, water filtration and coastal protection) A review of post-workshop survey results the 4th Asia-Pacific Coral Reef Symposium that are essential for the health of oceans, reveals that 94.5% of attendees at workshops in Cebu, Philippines, with four people on the Noreen Follosco. CCRES Philippines Country people and economies. in the Philippines (and Indonesia) expect their program presenting to hundreds of attendees Coordinator, at the 4th Asia-Pacific Coral Reef organisations to use the tools in their current and a trade stand to facilitate discussions Symposium (APCRS) Cebu, June 2018 or future work. Approximately 97% agree or about CCRES tools with delegates.

36 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

3 Participants, trainers and facilitators at the CCRES tools training workshop in Tagaytay, Philippines, in April 2018. Photo: G. Bernal

37 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines OUR TOOLS IN ACTION

The CCRES tools have already been used Organizations such as the Provincial in many situations across the Philippines, in Agricultural Office of Oriental Mindoro, El Nido and beyond. Malampaya Foundation Inc., Smart Seas Philippines, Haribon Foundation, the Haribon Foundation, which is a Responsible Provincial Government Environment & Partner of the DENR/ UNDP Smart Seas PH Natural Resources Office of Batangas, and Project, has used Fish SPACE to evaluate the PCSD have provided counterpart support marine reserve design and fisheries in the form of local coordination, financing and management initiatives in Lanuza Bay, Surigao logistics, and technical resources in using the del Sur. MPA design tools. Smart Seas Philippines is using Lanuza Bay The Zoological Society of London working as a model site to roll out the MPA design tools in the Panay and Negros islands, and the in other Marine Key Biodiversity Areas such as Macajalar Bay Development Alliance in the Davao Gulf and the Verde Island Passage. Misamis Oriental have developed workplans to The PCSD and WWF Palawan are using use the MPA design tools. Fish SPACE and the MPA Size and Placement The Protected Area Management Board Optimization Tools to support MPA design of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource in Cluster 5 in northeastern Palawan, Protected Area will consider Fish SPACE results which includes the municipalities of El and associated research in implementing and Nido, Linapacan, Taytay, Dumaran, Roxas planning for protection and interventions in the and Araceli. protected area. The MPA design tools have been used in The El Nido local government and other key 1 Coastal Protection workshop participants, Tagaytay. Oriental Mindoro, Lanuza Bay, Palawan, Photo: S. Clayton stakeholders plan to use Fish SPACE results and and Batangas. Local stakeholders used Fish associated research to facilitate conversations 7 Marine planning training workshop participants at SPACE to better understand the trade-offs on enhancing local coastal management. Tagaytay. between biodiversity and fisheries priorities, Photo: S. Clayton and the MPA Size and Placement Optimization The CCRES tools are also being shared Tools to explore different scenarios for at regional and international conferences individual MPA size and placement to enhance attended by government officials, NGOs and MPA designs. community organisations, as well as project managers working on technical projects funded by the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility.

38 Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

WHERE OUR TOOLS ARE BEING USED

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e MARINE PLANNING e BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (Eco-Biz, EbBD) ee SYSTEMS ANALYSIS (SESAMME, System Simulation Model, SYSTORY) PALAU ISLANDS nu BEHAVIOUR CHANGE (MFMO, MFMO-W2E) n COASTAL GOVERNANCE (FishCollab) Sunset at El Nido. Photo: A Harvey

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SELAYAR Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services Project Site Report El Nido, Philippines

40 ACRONYMS

DLSU De La Salle University PEMSEA Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of DENR Department of Environment and East Asia Natural Resources UP The University of the Philippines ENF El Nido Foundation UPMSI The University of the Philippines PCSD Palawan Council for Sustainable Marine Science Institute Development UQ The University of Queensland PSU Palawan State University

Annexes containing further details on the activities, including summary data is supplied separately, or may be requested from the researchers.

7 Special thanks to the wonderful staff at UPMSI who facilitated so much of CCRES’s work in the Philippines — (L to R) Romelyn ‘Lyn’ Riveral, Noreen ‘Kubi’ Follasco and Miledel ‘Mags’ Quibilan. It could not have been done without you. CONNECT WITH US CAPTURING CORAL REEF AND RELATED ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Join our community @CCRESnet ccresnet Contact Dr Liz Izquierdo Project Manager T: +61 7 3443 3144 E: [email protected] Visit www.ccres.net

The Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services (CCRES) project is a regional technical support project that unlocks new, sustainable income streams for coastal communities in the East Asia-Pacific region. CCRES has developed knowledge products — which inform the design of global, regional and national projects, plans and policies — and technical models and planning tools which assist users to strengthen community-based coastal resource management.

Front cover: Early morning fishing, El Nido. Photo: T. Gilliland