The coastal environment is economically, culturally and socially important to all Filippinos. However, the continuing pressure on the marine and coastal resources is leading to destruction of critical habitats like sea grass beds, mangrove forests and coral reefs. Small scale fisher folks are the most affected as they do not have alternative opportunities to make a living.

Together with its partner organizations, DED focuses on improving the living conditions of poor fishing communities while decreasing destruction of coastal habitats and resources.

DED professionals advise local partner organizations on concepts of Coastal Resource Management (CRM), train their technical staff, and assist Local Government Units (LGUs) in the implementation of CRM plans.

To ensure that future generations will still have fish to catch, a Marine Biologist from DED was seconded to the NGO PROCESS Bohol Inc. The DED professional provided technical assistance on CRM by teaching coastal communities how to establish and monitor their own marine protected areas. The joint implementation of CRM plans by LGUs and coastal communities resulted in stabilizing coastal habitats and hence improving income sources for the fisher folks in Maribojoc Bay.

Contact:

For further information please refer to the Coordinator of the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Program:

Stefan Schukat: Stefan.Schukat@ded.de