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The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape foresees a 7-year implementation timeframe that by 2012, Conservation International (CI) and an alliance of partners are implementing a sustainable seascape strategy designed to conserve the full range of biodiversity in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape covering an area of approximately 94,000,000 hectares. A two-pronged approach will be used to build a strong foundation for a long-term conservation program complemented by actions necessary to address immediate threats to biodiversity. Long-term actions will include capacity and institution building as well as policy reviews and recommendations. Immediate actions will include enforcement, strengthening of marine protected areas and communication strategies. For the first three years, projected outcomes are:
Outcome 1 - By 2008, CI and its alliance will improve management effectiveness of existing marine protected areas (MPAs) by providing enforcement support in selected municipalities of the Verde Passage MBCC. In addition, new MPAs will be established and an appropriate MPA network will be designed. Local stakeholders will be empowered to manage MPAs, MPA networks and enforce policies. By 2012, an ecologically functional network of MPAs in the VP-MBCC will be formally established and sustainable mechanisms to support it will be operational.
Outcome 2 - By 2007, the bio-physical, socio-economic, and institutional basis for additional MPAs and network of MPAs along the Cagayan Ridge MBCC will be determined and necessary enforcement support will be provided. By 2008, the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park (TRNMP) will be expanded to include Jessie Beazley and the business plan for the TRNMP will be updated to include appropriate values of fines/penalties imposed for various types of violations. By 2012, the TRNMP management will generate over 60% of operational funds collected from user and violation fees.
Outcome 3 - By 2007, academic, local government and local organizations in Palawan will collaborate to implement an integrated conservation and development strategy for the Municipality of Balabac and in the process identify, create and/or rectify MPAs and MPA networks in the Balabac Strait MBCC. Discussions will be initiated with relevant authorities in Sabah , Malaysia regarding the feasibility of a transboundary management regime. By 2008, stakeholders will be made aware of the ecological and economic relevance of MPAs and MPA networks and their role in marine conservation and management. By 2012, stakeholders will be aware of the functions and benefits of protection and empowered to implement and enforce protection-related legislation as well as design, modify and adjust these to meet the changing needs of marine ecosystem conservation.
Outcome 4 - By 2008, existing MPAs will be strengthened, a sea turtle MPA network will be designed and a formal management regime will be established within the Tri-national Sea Turtle MBCC (7,848,057 ha).
Outcome 5 - By 2007, a Seascape-wide information, education, communication and capacity enhancement strategy will be developed. By 2008, MPA species and corridor-related policy issues in Verde, Cagayan Ridge, Balabac and the Tri-national Sea Turtle MBCCs will be identified and recommendations will be formulated for policy development on fisheries, oil and gas and ecotourism. By 2012, stakeholders will be well informed of the biophysical and socio-institutional relevance of MPAs and MPA networks in the seascape and will be able to maintain ecosystem integrity at the community level and operationalize enforcement measures. Oil and gas corporations will be participating in Seascape wide conservation campaigns through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) portfolios. |
