Written by Millie Mannering
To gain an understanding of how best to manage underwater resources, I wanted to learn from organisations working in this field across the globe. Understanding the importance of protecting biodiversity, I had the opportunity to visit an area of islands in the Western Pacific. I had the opportunity to work with organisations in The Coral Triangle, described as the planet’s richest centre of marine life and coral diversity.
The wonderful Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation team! Photo: Millie Mannering
I was amazed to see such a colourful array of marine life during our dive transects! Photo: Millie Mannering
I joined the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation in the Philippines. Through an integrated coastal management approach, CCEF strives to conserve and manage coal reefs and other ecosystems, including its resources. In Bitaug on the island of Siquijor, we conducted baseline assessments for a proposed marine protected area. Across reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems we investigated community structure, habitat, species composition and abundance.
Conducting habitat and baseline assessments in mangrove and reef ecosystems in Bitaug. Photos: Millie Mannering
Only through the joint partnership between different stakeholders including fisherfolk, municipality, politicians and community members can the proposed Bitaug marine protected area be established and upheld. I learnt the importance of sharing our findings and proposal with the community as well as creating a forum for stakeholder interaction, to query, debate and provide opportunities for collaboration and mediation. It was extremely rewarding to unite different stakeholders in favour of the proposal, protection of not just this section of Siquijor but building to a network of marine protected areas and subsequently the resilience of our underwater world. I enjoyed learning more about coastal resource management in this unique area of the world.
Meeting with various stakeholders during an ecosystem approach planning workshop (left) and a community consultation (right). Photos: CCEF
Thank you to the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation for allowing me to join the team! I am very grateful for the endless enthusiasm to share your knowledge, experience and skills with me. It has been a privilege to learn about coastal resource management and about your beautiful culture.
Thank you to the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society and Rolex for making the scholarship possible. I would also like to thank my equipment sponsors Reef Photo and Video, Nauticam and Light and Motion as well as TUSA, Waterproof, Tabata Australia and Suunto.
Trip Tune: Everybody – Backstreet Boys (Karaoke version)
Top Tip: There is no limit to the amount of mangoes you can eat in the Philippines!
Join me, above and beneath the surface, on my adventures throughout the scholarship year. Subscribe to my blogs, follow along on Instagram, Facebook or flick me an email!
Follow along with my journey as I join an underwater scientific exploration team in the Caribbean …
