Integrated coastal resource management of Birilarosa, Northern Samar

BiriLaRoSa Protected Landscape and Seascape was proclaimed in April 2000 by virtue of the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act. The Proclamation covers the coastal areas of 4 municipalities, namely Biri, Lavezares, Rosario and San Jose. There are also existing people’s organizations in the said municipalities. A Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) was formed to manage the protected area. However, resources in these areas are being degraded due to coral quarrying, over-extraction of fishery resources, illegal cutting of mangroves and absence of Protected Area Management Plan which is supposed to be implemented by the PAMB. To address these problems the project will raise awareness of the larger community through public education for them to understand and support the management initiatives. Skills of existing people’s organizations and PAMB will be enhanced particularly on resource management planning. A Local Resource Monitoring Team will also be trained to conduct biophysical and socio-economic data monitoring to generate information on the positive impacts of the resource management initiatives. There will also be livelihood opportunities for fishers for them to ease fishing pressure and prevent further resource degradation. Most importantly, formulation of management plan and manual will be lobbied for approval and implementation by the PAMB and local government units. The project will continuously coordinate with the different stakeholders in the 4 municipalities to ensure the formulation and implementation of the management plan.