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What Do They Think?. Community Perceptions of an NGO Facilitated Coastal Management Initiative: San Miguel Bay, Bicol. Brian Wright Hart Fellow, Duke University Institute of Social Order, ADMU. Why Perceptions?. Practically Rich, if imperfect measure of ecological impact
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What Do They Think? Community Perceptions of an NGO Facilitated Coastal Management Initiative: San Miguel Bay, Bicol Brian Wright Hart Fellow, Duke University Institute of Social Order, ADMU
Why Perceptions? • Practically • Rich, if imperfect measure of ecological impact • Measure of subject/experienced impacts • Predictor of future success and sustainability • Philosophically • Understand local knowledge • For a program that seeks • Social justice • Empowerment • Behavior change
Research Context • San Miguel Bay • High exploitation • Declining productivity • Previous management attempts • Challenging political boundaries • Institute of Social Order (ISO) • 1998 Community Based program • Sanctuaries, Livelihoods, Education, Enforcement • Expansion and Co-Management
The Communities • Quinapgauian • Mercedes • Reef and soft bottom fishing • Core ISO program area • Cayucyucan • Mercedes • Soft bottom fishing • ISO expansion area • Taba-Taba • Basud • Soft bottom (buli-buli) • Non program area
Highlighted Findings • With increased intimacy comes greater impact, but greater division • Quinapaguian • Generally high levels of knowledge, impact • A community divided • Strong critiques • Cayucuycan • More superficial understanding and lower impact • Less critical • United focus on illegal fishing • Taba-Taba • No familiarity aside from of Bantay Dagat • Weaker environmental knowledge • Escalating stalemate with Bantay Dagat • Some potential for change
Conclusions and Application • Role of education • Need to consider political boundaries and adjacent program areas • Addressing inevitable conflicts • Awareness of internal and inter-community dynamics • Understanding the distribution of burdens and benefits • Connecting program elements, especially livelihood assistance