Image from: Provincial Information & Media Office
The Provincial Government of Bohol warmly welcomed United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Mission Director (DMD) Rebekah Eubanks and her team during their visit to the Bingag Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Dauis on November 22, 2024.
Accompanying DMD Eubanks were Cherry Rose Montojo, Development Program Specialist from the Environment Office of USAID Philippines, and Katherine Visconti, DOC Officer.
Representing Governor Aris Aumentado, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) Head Jovencia Ganub extended a warm reception to the USAID delegation.
Also in attendance were USAID INSPIRE’s Chief of Party Rebecca R. Paz, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Inc. (CCEF) Executive Director Evelyn Deguit, and the CCEF team.
The Bingag MPA, established in 2003, spans 7.9 hectares of seagrass beds and coral reefs. It is managed by the Bingag Dapdap Fisherfolk’s Association (BIDAFO), comprising 48 members. This visit showcased USAID’s commitment to supporting community-based marine conservation initiatives and highlighted the MPA’s efforts to enhance marine biodiversity.
MPA Challenges and Assessment
The Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) has been supporting the Bingag Marine Protected Area in conducting annual underwater biophysical assessments.
During the USAID team’s visit, the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) evaluated BIDAFO using the Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT). The assessment highlighted several areas for improvement, including the development of a comprehensive management plan, enhanced coastal law enforcement, the deputation of trained fish wardens, amendments to local ordinances, and the establishment of site infrastructure such as marker buoys, a guardhouse, and a tourist reception area. Additionally, strengthening the community’s socio-economic initiatives was emphasized as crucial for ensuring sustainable development.
USAID INSPIRE’s Role
The Gerry Roxas Foundation leads the implementation of USAID’s Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Project, which seeks to improve natural resource resilience, security, and governance through civil society engagement. USAID INSPIRE, in collaboration with CCEF and BPEMO, focuses on enhancing governance structures and stakeholder capacities to protect the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef, a globally significant marine ecosystem.
CCEF also participates in Bohol’s MPA Awards program, which assesses the effectiveness of MPA management. Initiatives such as these contribute to the sustainability and resilience of marine resources in Bohol.
Community Engagement and Ecotourism
DMD Eubanks engaged with the community managing the Bingag MPA, where she observed the thriving giant clams within the area. A total of 194 Tridacna gigas are currently protected in the MPA: 45 broodstock clams restocked in 2013 from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute and 149 juvenile clams sourced locally from the Bohol Giant Clams Hatchery in Ubay. Located within the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef, Ubay plays a vital role in supporting marine conservation efforts.
The community reported notable improvements in fish density and coral health since the establishment of the MPA. Neighboring barangays have expressed interest in becoming recipients of giant clams, inspired by Bingag’s success in boosting marine biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Currently, the Bingag MPA allows snorkeling activities in its buffer zone, generating income shared between the local government unit (LGU) and the barangay. The proposed MPA management plan aims to expand tourism opportunities, enabling fisherfolk to become tour guides and enhancing their economic prospects.
Significance of the Danajon Bank
Governor Aris Aumentado, Chair of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark, emphasized the importance of protecting the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef. One of only three double barrier reefs in the Indo-Pacific and six worldwide, the Danajon Bank is a critical habitat for diverse marine species and a vital resource for 50 percent of Filipino fisherfolk.
This initiative aligns with the Provincial Government of Bohol’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Conserving the Danajon Bank is essential for Bohol’s tourism, fisherfolk’s livelihoods, and environmental health.
A Shared Vision for Sustainability
DMD Eubanks expressed her appreciation for the community’s efforts, recognizing the positive impact of the Bingag MPA on biodiversity and local livelihoods. “I am glad to see how this community-managed MPA is making a difference not only in conserving marine resources but also in supporting livelihoods,” she said.
The visit reaffirmed USAID’s dedication to fostering partnerships that advance marine conservation and sustainable development in the Philippines, demonstrating that collaborative efforts can achieve long-term ecological and socio-economic benefits.
By: Mary Lou Regis/ The Provincial Information and Media Office