Project Description:

The project site is characterized by century old primary growth mangrove forest. The natural resources in this mangrove ecosystem are being threatened due to its proximity to resorts and residential areas of the community and influx of tourists. Wildlife that inhabits in the immediate area and adjacent forest needs protection from indiscriminate taking of these resources both for food and trading. Bird species such as talking myna, kingfisher, white cockatoo and parrots are the most species which are prone for gathering. Other species to be protected include monitor lizard, porcupine, snakes and other wildlife as well as different plants and orchids prone for biopiracy.

Park rangers are monitoring the periphery of the park but the number of staff vis-à-vis the whole PPSRNP area is not proportionate. There was an instance in 2010, which showed signs that the Poyoy-River was poisoned using chemical substances which caused whitening of shell species and killing crustaceans and fishes in some areas. This event made the residents more conscious about monitoring activities of resident inside the mangrove area. While there is no specific regulation prohibiting entry of community in the area to gather shell species in the gleaning area, the only hold of the PO is to monitor their activities within this site and report illegal practices ? where possible. This project was put-together to address the above problems and to conserve and protect this mangrove ecosystem thru community-based eco-tourism activities and establishment and enforcement of Bantay-Gubat.



Biodiversity characteristics/ value:
The Sabang River Mangrove Ecosystem serves as: key habitat and nesting / breeding area for birds, fish, mollusks, reptiles and insects, among others; stems coastal erosion; Ecological corridor connecting coastal and upland ecosystem; Primary intact mangrove forest; Provides nutrients for surrounding ecosystems.

The mangroves species that thrives in the project area are as follows: Bakauan Babae (Rhizophora Mucronata); Bakuan Lalake (Rhizophora Apiculata); Busain (Bruquieras gymnorhiza); Tangal (Ceriops Tagal); Api-api (Avecennia Officinnales); Piapi (Avecennia Marina); Tabigi (xylocarpus granatum); Buta-buta; Tigbau (Acanthus Ebracteolatus); Lagolo (Acrosticum aureum)

Proponent Qualification:
MPBTAI is an association duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Conservation International Philippines assisted the organization way back in 2000 in packaging the mangrove paddle boat tour with the core objective of strengthening community participation in WHS management and provide additional income to community members. Currently the association is providing ecotourism services to local and foreign guests by highlighting healthy and rich first growth mangrove trees in Sabang area thru paddle boat cruise along the Poyoy-poyoy River.

Sustainability of Project Initiative:
?The PPSRNP having the mandate over the Protected Area will help install mechanisms of monitoring and patrolling of illegal activities. The deputized rangers and association members will work collaboratively on this concern.
?DENR-CENRO and PPSRNP will continue implementing the General Management Plan for the PPSRNP including plans for mangrove ecosystem management.
?Financial sustainability ? Ten percent (10%) of the project income will go to the Barangay. Another ten percent (10%) will go to the MPBTGAI trust fund to cover project maintenance, and operating expenses as well as other activities determined by the association. Eighty percent (80%) shall go for profit sharing among members based on service-input computation.

General Objective:
Strengthen the conservation of the mangrove area and empower the association as steward of the environment while generating income for sustainable livelihood.

Specific Objective:
1. Replenish the small vacant patches of mangrove area by planting endemic mangrove species present in the area.
2. Establish the source of income of the association and the barangay through additional sources while conserving the area of mangrove and the forest.
3. Deputize bantay bakawan to secure the area from poachers and other forms of illegal activities.
4. Establish additional attraction in the area thru construction of mangrove board walk at the inner portion for Bird watching. The structure will not jeopardize the natural health and outstanding condition of mangrove ecosystem.
5. Promote the mangrove paddle boat tour locally and internationally.
6. Increase level of awareness of the community on the importance of the mangrove ecosystem in the sustainability of the mangrove, marine and terrestrial habitat thru interpretative tour and IEC.

Expected Outcomes/Indicators:
1. Paralegal cum Deputation Training conducted
>Deputation of 20 members of the community
>Mangrove Forest put under Community Managed Area
2.View Deck installed on higher elevation
>illegal activities apprehended
>reduction of illegal activities (poaching)
>Bird Watching cum Sightseeing site

3. Enrichment of mangrove areas
>Increased 1 hectare mangrove cover impacting very positively on biodiversity conservation

4.Installation of mangrove boardwalk
>Access in the inner portion of mangrove forest for bird watching on regulated manner
>Establishment of additional ecotourism features within the mangrove areas

5. Updated Ecological profile of mangrove areas
>Data established for management and ecotourism planning

6. Acquisition of additional boats for mangrove paddle boat tour
>earned income of at least Php10,000