June 1 – 6, 2026 | Siquijor Province
A delegation from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Thailand conducted a study visit to Siquijor Island, Philippines, with the assistance and coordination of the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF). The mission forms part of Thailand’s initiative to develop its first pilot marine site under the Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) framework in Chumphon Province.
The visit included meetings with local government units (LGUs), barangay councils, and people’s organizations (POs) across San Juan, Siquijor, and Maria municipalities. Delegates observed how communities manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through strong governance, law enforcement, fishing holiday implementation, and sustainable tourism practices.
Key highlights included:
- San Juan & Maite MPA – showcasing community participation, benefit-sharing from tourism, and enforcement mechanisms.
- Caticugan MPA – demonstrating positive impacts on fish stock recovery and community perceptions of conservation benefits.
- Olang MPA in Maria – recognized nationally under the Para El Mar initiative, with strong LGU leadership, user fee systems, and restoration efforts supported by CCEF.
The exchange provided Thai stakeholders with practical lessons on governance, community engagement, and sustainable resource use, directly informing the development of Thailand’s OECM management plan.
This collaboration not only strengthens conservation capacity but also fosters regional solidarity in safeguarding marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
