Analysis of institutional arrangements in selected marine protected areas in the Philippines

In recognition of the need for more research on MPAs [marine protected areas], this study has embarked on the analysis of how institutional arrangements affect the performance of MPAs on the site's biophysical, socioeconomic and institutional aspects. The establishment of an MPA can be an effective tool for conservation. In the country, the DENR [Department of Natural Resources], LGU [local government unit] with NGO [non-government organization] partnership and POs [people organizations] are the dominant institutions that manage MPAs. The study sites include ARMNP [Apo Reef Marine Natural Park], TRMNP [Tubbataha Reef Marine Natural Park] and AIMS [Apo Island Marine Sanctuary]. The institutional arrangement matrix shows that all sites use economic isntruments, which help manage resource use. There are also management boards in all sites, composed of members from different sectors of society. Community volunteers often aid in law enforcement and monitoring in varying degree. Multi-sector involvement with strong community participation have made conservation efforts more effective. In terms of indicators, for biophysical, coral cover and fish catch have dwindled in all sites, largely due to adverse climatic event, El Nino, but the presence of MPA have resulted in faster recovery of most biological resources. In terms of socioeconomic, household income has not significantly changed over the years but environmental consciousness has increased in the community, thereby enabling greater participation in resource management. The provision of alternative livelihood has been introduced and made available to the fisherfolks affected, albeit, unsatisfactory. A stronger livelihood program is essential to increase the probability of success of an MPA. For the institutional, illegal fishing activities have lessened and management institutions are key factors to this success. The illegal fishing activities are often committed by nearby island communities of the PA [protected areas], this, it is vital to link up with a network of adjacent MPAs to help enforcement and monitoring activities. In determining the best MPA, the study used composite indices based on category ranking by the different management institutions of key performance indicators. Compared to situations prior to MPA establishments, the MPA was considered effective in preventing further deterioration of marine resources. Across MPAs, the LGU/NGO managed site (TRMNP) appears to be better managed. It has specifically performed well in the biophysical and institutional aspects of the PA. It was able to generate a large amount of fund source from tourists, it has the least number of illegal activities and the dedication of the members of the management board, specifically the office of the governor and the staff of WWF [World Wide Fund] Philippines, enabled the effective monitoring of the recovery of biodiversity as well as of law enforcement