Collaborating with Local Government for Coastal Resource Management

Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP) is committed to creating lasting solutions for marine conservation by working hand-in-hand with local government units (LGUs) and national agencies. We recognize that effective coastal resource management requires a multi-stakeholder approach, where communities, policymakers, and conservationists collaborate to protect marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable development. Through strategic partnerships, MCP strengthens the capacity of government bodies to manage and protect coastal resources. Until 2025 we have primarily centered these efforts on  Negros Oriental.

Supporting Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

A cornerstone of MCP’s collaboration with local governments is the establishment and management of marine protected areas (MPAs). We provide technical assistance and training to LGU representatives, helping them design, implement, and give them the means to enforce MPA regulations. (By providing assets like  guardhouses, flashlights etc. or by building human capacity through partnership training of the Bantay Dagat, Sea Rangers.)  Additionally we provide scuba diver training allowing deputized members of the local government or volunteers to demarcate MPAs.  Our efforts include conducting baseline ecological assessments, creating management plans, and organizing stakeholder consultations to ensure that MPA initiatives reflect local priorities and realities. By working closely with LGUs, MCP enhances the effectiveness of these critical conservation zones, safeguarding biodiversity and replenishing fish stocks.

Capacity Building and Training

To empower local officials and staff from agencies such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), MCP has offered specialized training programs in coastal resource management, prescriptive tailored to the participants. These programs have included topics such as underwater ecological surveys, biodiversity monitoring, and habitat restoration techniques. By equipping government personnel with scientific knowledge and practical skills, we enable them to take a proactive role in conserving marine ecosystems and enforcing sustainable practices.

Policy Advocacy and Guidance

MCP also works with local governments to regulate illegal or destructive fishing practices, as well as designing strategies for climate resilience (often through mangrove planting efforts), we provide data-driven recommendations that support informed decision-making. By bridging the gap between science and policy, MCP ensures that conservation efforts are rooted in robust evidence while addressing the needs of coastal communities.

Community Engagement

In collaboration with LGUs, MCP conducts outreach programs to educate coastal communities about the importance of marine conservation and their role in it. Together, we organize workshops, public forums, and environmental campaigns to foster a culture of shared responsibility for protecting coastal resources. This partnership approach strengthens trust and cooperation between government bodies and the people they serve, ensuring that conservation initiatives are sustainable and that the community has buy-in.

By fostering strong partnerships with local governments, MCP amplifies its impact and ensures that coastal resource management efforts are both effective and enduring. It is our ambition to build a future where sustainably managed marine ecosystems support thriving coastal communities across the whole of the Visayas region of the Philippines.