By Ma. Salome B. Bulayog, Humberto R. Montes Jr., Suzette B. Lina, Teofanes A. Patindol, Adelfa C. Diola, Eliza D. Espinosa, Analyn M. Mazo, Julissah C. Evangelio, Art Russel R. Flandez, Marianne A. Gesultura, and Ris Menoel R. Modina
Summary: This study assessed the existing natural resources in Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte, Philippines, and determined how their quality has been affected by the economic activities in the area. Soil physical analysis revealed that some nutrients in the study sites are deficient, particularly phosphorus. A diverse species of mangroves and macroinvertebrates can be found at the study sites. Those with MPAs have good coral covers and high life form diversity indices, while the opposite was observed in non-MPA sites. However, there were also non-MPA sites that exhibited good coral covers and rich species diversity. Results also showed that the natural resources in Sogod Bay are no longer as productive as before due to the decreased quality of these resources. Based on survey results, most households are less dependent on fishery and farming as livelihood sources; most households had nonfarm income sources, which are the largest contributors to household income. Meanwhile, the valuation results indicate that the values of the provisioning services of these ecosystems are higher in sites with MPA and in farms with adequate nutrients and proper cultivation. Hence, this study recommends establishing marine sanctuaries and improving land productivity to restore the marine and terrestrial ecosystems in Sogod Bay.

Bài viết Assessment of Natural Assets in the Agricultural and Aquatic Ecosystems in Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày EEPSEA Partnership.

By Pham Thi Thanh Thuy
Summary: This study examines how tourism affects biodiversity conservation and the well-being of local communities in Nha Trang Bay marine protected area in Viet Nam. Data was collected from 140 households, various industries, and government bodies. Secondary data were also used. The findings show that tourism is a mixed blessing. The tourism industry has had a negative impact on marine biodiversity, whereas the effects on communities’ well-being are both positive and negative. Hence, the paper questions the notion of “ecotourism” and discusses what can be done to make tourism more sustainable.

Bài viết Tourism in Marine Protected Areas: Experiences from Nha Trang Bay, Viet Nam đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày EEPSEA Partnership.

By Kaysone Chansina, Bounthom Sisoumang, Chansamone Vongphaisit, Keuangkham Sisengnam
Summary: This research analyzed the recreational value of Si Phan Don elicited from foreign visitors using TCM. It also assessed stakeholders’ perception of water quality and tourism in the study area and applied trade-off analysis in the case of tourism and environmental quality. A total of 271 foreign tourists from 34 countries, 90 local residents, and 60 local businesses were interviewed. Results of the travel cost study indicate that the recreational value of Si Phan Don is estimated between USD 4.1 million and USD 4.6 million, which means that tourism at the site would be profitable. Most local residents and businesses support tourism in their area as it can create job opportunities and increase their income.

Bài viết Trade-off Analysis: Tourism and Environmental Quality in Si Phan Don, Champasak Province, Lao PDR đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày EEPSEA Partnership.

By Truong Dang Thuy, Do Huu Luat
Summary: This research was motivated by the weak enforcement of the conditions of the policy on contracting mangrove forest management out to households. Under this policy, households are assigned stewardship of mangrove forests and are allowed to convert part of the forest into other uses, mostly shrimp farming. Because of weak enforcement, households actually convert more than the allowable level of 40 percent in order to seek higher profits. A survey was conducted among 278 shrimp farms from the eight communes in the south of Vietnam. Using production and profit functions, our analysis shows that mangrove density has no impact on shrimp farming but mangrove coverage affects productivity and profitability of shrimp farming at the optimal mangrove coverage of approximately 60 percent. Particularly, we found that too high mangrove coverage will result in lower output level and profit. However, coverage levels less than 60–70 percent have small impacts, which implies that farmers should not convert more than 30–40 percent. This implies that maintaining the level of mangrove coverage at 60 percent does not only comply with policy, but also brings about the highest level of output and profit for shrimp farmers.

Bài viết Mangrove and Shrimp Farming Profitability in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày EEPSEA Partnership.

By Moises Neil Seriño, Julie Carl Ureta, Jayson Baldesco, Karl John Galvez, Canesio Predo, Eunice Kenee Seriño
Summary: This research empirically investigated the protection service provided by mangroves after super typhoon “Haiyan” devastated central Philippines in November 2013. Using data on 384 coastal villages controlling for historical mangrove cover and other confounding village level characteristics in examining the influence of remaining mangrove vegetation on human deaths and housing damage. Results show that coastal villages with substantial mangrove cover suffered less damage compared to coastal villages with reduced mangrove cover. The life- and property-saving effects of mangroves is robust across several specifications suggesting that the remaining mangrove cover played a significant protective role when the super typhoon hit central Philippines. The estimated average cost of saving a life, by retaining the remaining mangrove vegetation, amounts to as much as USD 302,000 (PHP 15 million) while the estimated reduction in compensation for totally damaged houses is around USD 53,000. Empirical findings of the study provide additional evidence on the role of mangroves in protecting coastal communities during typhoons. Policy makers now have additional reason to intensify efforts to conserve mangrove forests as a long-term strategy in providing protection to coastal communities and better adaptability to typhoon-related disasters.

Bài viết Valuing the Protection Service Provided by Mangroves in Typhoon-hit Areas in the Philippines đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày EEPSEA Partnership.

By Sopian Hidayat, Umi Muawanah and Isabelita M. Pabuayon
Summay: This study evaluated the impact of Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program II (COREMAP II) on people’s welfare. It found that the program has helped increase the income of fishing families. The program has also helped diversify fishers’ income sources, has helped them to understand the importance of marine conservation, and has encouraged them to participate in local conservation action. COREMAP II has also significantly improved marine biodiversity. The study recommends that the next phase of the program (COREMAP III) should be given the government’s full support and suggests some ways in which it can be strengthened.

Bài viết Does coral reef rehabilitation and management help local people? A study from Indonesia đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày EEPSEA Partnership.

By Alice Joan G. Ferrer, Herminia A. Francisco, Benedict Mark M. Carmelita and Jinky C. Hopanda
Summary: This study assessed the impacts of marine protected areas (MPAs) on the welfare of fishing families. The study found that MPAs had improved the composition of fish catches and the size and diversity of fish. However, it also found that MPAs had not had a significant impact on local people’s income and livelihood. The study assesses why this is the case and makes recommendations for policies that would help maximize the local economic benefits of the MPA.

Bài viết How do marine protected areas affect the welfare of local fishing communities? A study from the Philippines đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày EEPSEA Partnership.

By Kunlayanee Pornpinatepong, Sukampon Chongwilaikasaem, Sinad Treewanchai, Sakchai Kiripat, Sopin Jirakiattikul, Papitchaya Saelim, Chalerm Jaitang
Summay: This study assessed the impacts of Community-led Marine Protected Areas (CMPAs) on fishery resources and on the income of fishery households in Thailand. The study confirms that CMPAs have had significant positive benefits and that they are an effective way of managing fishery resources. It also highlights a number of ways in which policymakers can support CMPAs and make them more sustainable and effective.

Bài viết The impact of community-led marine conservation on fishery resources – a report from Thailand đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày EEPSEA Partnership.

By

Policy Brief: Download
Country: Cambodia
Publication Year: 1997
Research Areas: Coastal/ Marine
Research Topic: Mangroves and Wetlands
Analytical Framework: Economic Analysis

Bài viết Conversion or Conflict? Resolving the Mangrove Conflict in Koh Kong đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày EEPSEA Partnership.