Philippines

Protecting marine biodiversity and coastal communities in the Philippines

The Philippines is located in the Coral Triangle which is considered the most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystem on the planet. Despite its ecological importance, the area continues to face unsustainable fishing practices that harm both marine species and local livelihoods.

WildAid is currently working to improve marine resource protection in the Republic of the Philippines in partnership with Rare and local and national government entities. Collaboration with Canada’s International Fisheries Enforcement Program will improve and accelerate current efforts, demonstrate a replicable and scalable model, and build capacity and leadership in the region.

Our goal for the Philippines’ immediate future is to strengthen the existing compliance system and efforts currently underway in a practical, affordable, and feasible manner. We seek to establish 16 local community patrol teams as effective and sustainable marine fisheries law enforcement entities. In doing so, they will compliment national efforts to combat IUU.

The Challenge

Renowned for hosting significant coral reefs and a wealth of marine biodiversity, the Philippines faces a critical challenge in managing its marine and coastal waters. Despite having a significant number of locally managed marine protected areas (MPAs), most are quite small and only 30% are reportedly effectively managed. These MPAs, along with the broader marine and coastal waters, while crucial for approximately 1.9 million small-scale fishers, suffer from overfishing, declining fish stocks, and weak governance exacerbated by rapid population.

In 2023, WildAid conducted a fisheries enforcement gap assessment as part of a multi-phased project aimed at demonstrably elevating marine resource protection within the project area. As part of that process, we analyzed the country’s legal framework and evaluated the competencies, capabilities, and available resources. Robust partner agencies and stakeholders participated in the process, resulting in broad support and framework for a strategic plan. This is a crucial first step in WildAid’s commitment to provide direct support to both local and national law enforcement, from developing patrol strategies and enhancing coordination to offering policy guidance and training.

Patrol boats

In October 2024, as part of WildAid’s comprehensive effort to strengthen fisheries law enforcement in Silago Cabalian Bay,  we delivered three new patrol boats to the Pacific Area Alliance of Local Governments for Marine Resource Development. In partnership with the Canadian government and Rare, WildAid was able to acquire, retrofit, and deliver the boats, along with vital training. These investments mark just the beginning of ensuring conservation plans take root and flourish.

The patrol boats are part of a five-year project which aims to address resource challenges through the collaboration of national and local governments and other stakeholders. The project empowers fishing communities, helps adopt climate-resilient fisheries technologies, elevates law enforcement capability, and supports sustainable management of fishery resources. The boats will be utilized by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and local government units of Hinundayan and Anahawan, strategically complementing ongoing conservation and fisheries protection activities.