11th ICRS Abstract book - Nova Southeastern University

21-19
Towards Local Fishers Participation in Coral Reef Monitoring: A Case in Tingloy,
Batangas, Philippines
Ana Liza SUBADE 1 , Rodelio SUBADE* 2 , Zenaida CATALAN 1
1 School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los
Banos, Los Banos, Philippines, 2 Division of Social Sciences, University of the
Philippines - Visayas, Miagao Iloilo, Philippines
Tingloy, composed of five islands is a popular diving site known for its rich coral reefs.
However, these reefs are being threatened by man-made stresses and natural
disturbances. Thus, a monitoring framework was developed through the integration of
scientific and indigenous knowledge in determining and assessing the present status of
coral reef environment. One of the benefits of the developed monitoring framework is
the empowerment of the fishermen. Fishermen and institutions in the area in cooperation
with the academe, provided the major backbone of the framework. The fishermen were
interviewed, trained and participated in the whole year monitoring of the coral reef
environment. The monitoring framework developed served as an overall guide for
monitoring activities and the data gathered served as the baseline information of the coral
reef environment in the area.
21-20
Strenthening Civil Society To Conserve The Largest Area Of Coral Reef in The
South-Eastern Caribbean (The Grenada Bank).
Martin BARRITEAU* 1 , Martin BARRITEAU 1
1 Sustainable Grenadines Project, Union Island, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Strenthening civil society to conserve the largest area of coral reef in the South-Eastern
Caribbean (the Grenada Bank).
The Grenadine islands lie on the Grenada Bank extending some 120 km between the
main islands of Grenada and St. Vincent. The majority of the Grenada Bank is less that
50 m deep and supports the most extensive coral reefs and related habitats in the southeastern
Caribbean. The marine and coastal resources of the Grenadines are crucial for
sustainable livelihoods and if not properly managed and protected, there will be a gloomy
future for many Grenadines people and the marine ecosystems they rely upon.
The Sustainable Grenadines Project (SGP), supported by The Lighthouse Foundation,
was developed through a participatory process (Phase 1) involving stakeholder
identification and mobilisation, visioning and strategic planning. Phase 2 is a five-year,
transboundary initiative based on the strategic plan that seeks to enhance the capacity of
civil society to play their role in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in
the Grenadines.
The SGP core activities - planning and training workshops, attachments and exchanges,
mini-projects, information dissemination and networking - aim to engage and reorient
stakeholders towards sustainable use of the marine resources and the protection of the
extensive coral reef-seagrass-mangrove ecosystems of the Grenadines.
The SGP has also been partnering with regional and international organisations including
The Nature Conservancy to develop and implement associated projects in support of the
above aim. Some of these activities are: water taxi association strengthening, coral
conservation training program for schools of the Grenadines, establishment of MPAs,
AGGRA and Reef Check monitoring, restoration of wetlands and lagoons, and an
alternative livelihood project, on seamoss (Gracilaria species) farming.
Oral Mini-Symposium 21: Social-ecological Systems
21-20
“Coastal And Marine Indicators At Your Doorstep” – A Participative Environmental
Outreach Program For Schools in Thailand
Petchrung SUKPONG* 1 , Mark WUNSCH 2
1 Thailand Programme, IUCN - The World Conservation Union, Bangkok, Thailand, 2 Phuket
Aquarium, Phuket Marine Biological Center, Phuket, Thailand
At the Cape Panwa peninsula on Phuket Island, Thailand, intensive resort and housing
developments endanger adjacent coral reef flats that have traditionally been used as fishing
grounds for octopus, crabs and fish.
This project tries to establish new ways for environmental and science education. It uses
creative techniques and the production of audio-visual media in a discourse with children (age
9-12 years) and teachers to create a more intuitive and deeper understanding of local coastal
environments and human impact.
To achieve this goal an alliance was formed between environmental educators, the Phuket
Aquarium, the local school and a local hotel that provided seed funding as part of their
corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement.
After initial brainstorming and mind mapping the children received lively introductions to
marine and coastal habitats, practiced simple investigation and monitoring techniques and
produced written and illustrated field diaries. They continue monitoring their reef flat and do
their own research on different aspects of marine and coastal ecology.
The children’s field diaries and the teacher’s feedback have been used to create a media about
the marine life. These learning tools visualize the behavior of organisms, monitoring techniques
as well as processes and changes in the environment.
The evaluation has shown the effectiveness and weaknesses of these tools that have lead to their
refinement.
Through its sincere involvement, the school has become the initiator for an environmental
awareness plan that is currently developed with participation of the whole community/with
different stakeholders of the community.
Upon completion the learning toolkits will be multiplied and distributed to other schools in the
wider region and translated into other languages. The approach has shown that the children have
become more aware of their environment and that they are willing and capable to take
leadership in environmental issues.
21-21
Community Buy in Can Make All The Difference in Protecting Valuable Urban Marine
Resources: The Hanauma Bay Story
Shawn CARRIER* 1,2
1 Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 2 Hanauma Bay Education
Program, Honolulu
The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is located on the south-east tip of O`ahu and resides just 10
miles away from world famous Waikiki. Hawai`i’s among the most remote archipelagos on
earth, and yet receives millions of visitors a year. Hawai`i’s official tourism site reads “There’s
no place on earth like Hawai`i”, approximately 20% of marine organisms are endemic to the
islands. Visitors contribute greatly to the state economy however environmental impacts are
left behind. Hanauma Bay, a flooded volcanic crater is home to a fringing reef, beach, and
many species of marine life. Originally part of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate, it was deeded
as a public facility to the City and County of Honolulu and then designated as Hawaii’s first
marine life conservation district in 1967. Its over-popularity in the 1980s led to the
establishment of a community organization concerned about the fate of this beautiful resource
which helped draft and implement a management plan. An education program was started by
the University of Hawai`i Sea Grant College Program at the request of the City and County of
Honolulu. Over the years management tools have been refined by the City and State and the
Hanauma Bay Education Program (HBEP) has matured. In 2002, a state of the art visitor center
opened and a mandatory reef conservation film was introduced. HBEP’s mission is to improve
understanding and stewardship of coastal and marine resources, through public outreach.
Hanauma Bay’s recovery is a result of many organizations, a great deal of hard work by many
individuals, and sound management practices, demonstrating the positive effect of public
education and management. This presentation will address the rich and successful story of
Hanauma Bay’s development from an overused recreational area to a world-class education
center and nature preserve.
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