June 5, 2025, Dalaguete, Cebu – The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) successfully conducted the Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT) for five MPAs in the municipalities of Dalaguete and Alcoy, Southeast Cebu.
The MEAT is a nationally recognized tool designed to assess the overall effectiveness of MPA management through simplified, category-based scoring. It measures performance in key areas including management planning, enforcement, legal frameworks, financing, and community engagement. The process can be conducted through assisted self-evaluation or key informant interviews and is applicable to both locally-managed MPAs and those under the National Integrated Protected Area System (RA 7586).
The following MEAT scores were recorded:
- Dalaguete:
- Casay Marine Park & Sanctuary – 67
- Cawayan Sanctuary – 71
- Balud-Consolacion Sanctuary – 67
- Alcoy:
- Guiwang-Daanlungsod MPA – 75
- Poblacion Marine Sanctuary – 72
These results provide valuable insights into the strengths of each MPA and highlight areas requiring further development to enhance management efficacy.
This assessment was made possible through the generous support of the Unico Conservation Foundation, under the Networking MPAs through Coastal LGU Alliance Project (NMCLAP).
The findings from MEAT empower MPA managers and stakeholders to identify strategic priorities for improvement, promote accountability, and strengthen conservation efforts. By continuously evaluating management effectiveness, we ensure that our marine protected areas remain resilient, sustainable, and capable of delivering ecological, social, and economic benefits.
