June 17, 2025, Badian, Cebu – As part of its ongoing support for science-based marine conservation, the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) conducted the Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT) evaluation for eight MPAs in the Municipality of Badian, located in southwest Cebu.
The MEAT evaluation measures how well MPAs are being managed, assessing factors such as governance, enforcement, financing, community engagement, and ecological effectiveness. It also helps identify clear areas where improvements can be made.
Here are the MEAT scores for Badian’s MPAs:
📌 Hinablan – 60
📌 Bugas – 59
📌 Poblacion – 59
📌 Matutinao – 59
📌 Bato – 52
📌 Malabago – 48
📌 Zaragosa – 46
📌 Lambug – 34
While some MPAs have reached basic management benchmarks, others still require significant improvements. Common gaps identified across these sites include the need for updated management plans and its adoption, strengthened site development, sustainable financing mechanisms, and more robust Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts. These elements are essential to raise their MEAT levels and ensure long-term protection of marine ecosystems.
This activity is part of the Networking MPAs through Coastal LGU Alliance Project (NMCLAP) with the support of the Unico Conservation Foundation, reinforcing CCEF’s role in empowering LGUs to implement adaptive and data-driven marine resource management.
