September 18-20, 2024, Talisay City, Cebu – The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Inc. (CCEF), in collaboration with the City Government of Talisay’s Coastal Resource Management Division and the USAID-Peace Corps, spearheaded the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Management Planning Workshop at Brgy. Pooc Conference Room, Talisay City, Cebu. This initiative aimed to fortify the governance structures and strategic planning of the four MPAs within Talisay City—Lagundi Reef, Pungaton, Makatol, and Bogo Shoal.
The workshop had clear objectives, guiding participants through the MPA planning process, helping them define a strategic vision for their areas, and establishing a sustainable management structure that encourages active community participation. By the end of the event, participants successfully drafted a five-year MPA Management Plan, detailing management structures with corresponding committees. This workshop empowered them to enhance their marine conservation efforts, aligning with Talisay’s broader development plans, despite the challenges posed by industrial development in the area.
One notable challenge faced during the workshop was the need to harmonize local ordinances and amend them to reflect the new MPA Management Body and its structure. Additionally, the proposed expansion of international container ports in Talisay raised concerns about the future sustainability of some MPAs. Despite these challenges, the workshop underscored the critical role of community engagement, particularly in unifying people’s organizations that directly manage and benefit from these protected areas.
As a final takeaway, the MPA Management Planning Workshop demonstrated the importance of coordinated efforts between local government units and conservation organizations in safeguarding marine biodiversity. Moving forward, the institutionalization of these plans into both barangay and city-wide development frameworks will be essential to ensure the long-term success of Talisay’s MPAs.
The City Government of Talisay and the USAID-Peace Corps generously provided logistical support, including the venue and meals, further showcasing the collaborative effort toward marine conservation.
