Cost-Benefit Study of MPAs: Implications on Financing and Institutional Needs

In the Philippines, MPA is used as a general term applying to any 'defined marine area established for conservation and protection and where activities are managed based on specific rules and guidelines' (Miclat and Ingles, 2004). MPA management strategies can range from full protection or no-entry to allowing multiple use activities (IUCN-WCPA, 2008). The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) is among the most powerful tools for coastal resource conservation. Positive impacts of this approach on marine resources, fish population, and communities have been documented in numerous local and international studies (e.g., Russ and Alcala, 1996; White and Vogt, 2000; Christie and White, 2000; Roberts et al 2001; White et al, 2002, IUCN-WCPA, 2008). Promising results due to MPA establishment in terms of increasing trend in coral cover in selected MPA sites across the six marine biogeographic regions of the Philippines have been observed by Arceo et al (2008). MPAs started to be established in the Philippines as a response to the destruction of coastal habitats and decline in fish catch (White et al, 2004). From very few MPAs in the early 1970s, the number grew to 1,169 in 2007 (Arceo, 2008) indicating increasing acceptance of this approach as a tool for conservation (White et al, 2004). However, despite the growing popularity of MPAs, only around 10% of MPAs found in the Philippines are being managed effectively (Aliño et al, 2008). The study focuses on six marine protected areas (MPAs) under various management arrangements in the Philippines. These MPAs are: MISTTA, PMMP, Villahermosa Marine Sanctuary, Bibilik Marine Protected Area, Talisay Marine Protected Area, and Tambunan Marine Protected Area. The study aims to estimate the costs and benefits of establishing a MPA and how these are shared on-site to gain insights on financing and institutional needs of MPAs. Data were collected from key informant interviews, focus group discussions, biophysical monitoring results, and secondary sources. External financial and technical assistance, community volunteer labor, networking, and partnerships played an important role in defraying the financial costs of the MPAs studied. Biophysical monitoring results provide inferential support to community anecdotes about improving fish catch and coral conditions as well as socio-economic and ecological benefits from MPA establishment. Establishing MPAs can have equity considerations in terms of sharing of costs and benefits as well as unintended effects on people's livelihood survival strategy, which should be considered in the overall MPA design. The study suggests the importance of networking and multisectoral collaboration, sustainable funding, incentives for community participation, and linking MPA management to overall good coastal resource governance. The study found that the average amount budgeted for MPA activities by municipal LGUs in each study site was PHP 1,500,000 (Table 2). The average yearly amounts budgeted for CRM/MPA activities by host barangays were PHP 500,000 (Table 3). The total estimated cost incurred in the establishment and implementation of the six study MPAs was PHP 12,000,000 (Table 4). The study also found that the major costs incurred by each study MPA were personnel costs, equipment costs, and maintenance costs (Table 5). The percent sharing of labor costs in all study sites was 50% (Table 6). The sources of funds for the study MPAs were external financial and technical assistance, community volunteer labor, and local government units (Table 7). The study found that the negative externalities caused by MPA establishment in the various study sites were loss of income, displacement of people, and damage to property (Table 8). The community anecdotes on benefits of MPA establishment included improved fish catch, increased income, and enhanced livelihood opportunities (Table 9). The historical change in corals and reef fish conditions inside and outside the MPAs showed an increase in coral cover and fish population (Table 10). The study suggests that establishing MPAs can have significant economic benefits, including increased income and employment opportunities. However, it also highlights the need for careful planning and management to ensure that the benefits of MPA establishment are shared equitably among all stakeholders. The study recommends the importance of networking and multisectoral collaboration, sustainable funding, incentives for community participation, and linking MPA management to overall good coastal resource governance.