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Lessons from Philippines MPA Management: Social Ecological Interactions, Participation, and MPA Performance

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Abstract

International interest in increasing marine protected area (MPA) coverage reflects broad recognition of the MPA as a key tool for marine ecosystems and fisheries management. Nevertheless, effective management remains a significant challenge. The present study contributes to enriching an understanding of best practices for MPA management through analysis of archived community survey data collected in the Philippines by the Learning Project (LP), a collaboration with United States Coral Triangle Initiative (USCTI), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and partners. We evaluate stakeholder participation and social ecological interactions among resource users in MPA programs in the Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Batangas provinces in the Philippines. Analysis indicates that a complex suite of social ecological factors, including demographics, conservation beliefs, and scientifically correct knowledge influence participation, which in turn is related to perceived MPA performance. Findings indicate positive feedbacks within the system that have potential to strengthen perceptions of MPA success. The results of this evaluation provide empirical reinforcement to current inquiries concerning the role of participation in influencing MPA performance.

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Acknowledgements

This work relied on the effort and talent of a diverse team and the good will of hundreds of informants. The findings of the Learning Project are those of University of Rhode Island and University of Washington and do not necessarily reflect opinions of US Agency for International Development (USAID) or the non-governmental partners of Conservation International, the Nature Conservancy or the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). While the largest portion of financial support for this project came from USAID through WWF, additional USAID support was provided through Tetra Tech, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Marine Affairs, Coastal Institute, University of Rhode Island, 1 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI, 02881-2020, USA

    Julia Twichell & Richard Pollnac

  2. University of Washington, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs and the Jackson School of International Studies, 3707 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA, 98105-6715, USA

    Patrick Christie

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  1. Julia Twichell
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  2. Richard Pollnac
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Correspondence to Julia Twichell.

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Twichell, J., Pollnac, R. & Christie, P. Lessons from Philippines MPA Management: Social Ecological Interactions, Participation, and MPA Performance. Environmental Management 61, 916–927 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-018-1020-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-018-1020-y

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