Southern Leyte Coral Reef Conservation Project

Protecting & enhancing marine biodiversity in the Philippines

Philippines Exit Statement 2021
Enhancing marine biodiversity and alleviating community poverty through the evaluation, protection and restoration of coral reefs, and associated ecosystems
Launched in 2002, the Southern Leyte Coral Reef Conservation Project (LRCP), trained teams of volunteers, staff and scholars in coral reef monitoring techniques whilst building capacity and implemented crucial educational programmes. This resulted in the collection of 3, 685 bio-physical samples that presented the condition and health of coral reefs, guided the establishment of Marine Protected Areas and monitored the effectiveness of management areas.

We were the first NGO to provide a complete ecological assessment of the coastal waters of Sogod Bay and Panaon Island, establish over 10 Marine Protected Areas and demonstrate that, where resources are low, small-scale protection can serve as an effective tool in protection and restore coral reef function. 

Phase I

2002 - 2012

Phase I was developed to understand and evaluate the status of the coral reefs and associated ecosystems within Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte. 2,061 individual SCUBA-based diving surveys were conducted by trained CCC survey teams. 257 hard coral species were identified, with a low abundance of commercially important fishes and invertebrate species; indicating high levels of biological and economic overfishing; highlighting the need for further protection of resources within the province.

Phase II

2013 - 2018

Phase II built on the results obtained from Phase I and actively placed efforts into the generation of high-resolution data for the establishment of small-scale Marine Protected Areas (MPA). Up to 2018, a total of 11 MPAs were designated, ranging from 5 to 78 ha. Efforts were further increased in education and outreach initiatives within local communities and schools with training programmes implemented through open days, workshops and CCC’s Scholarship Programme.

Phase III

2018 - 2020

Phase III rounded off the LRCP's work in the Philippines by returning to previously surveyed areas in 2018 and 2019, especially those where Marine Protected Areas had been established. By possessing the data prior to establishment, we were in an excellent position to measure the efficacy of protection by comparing data before and after it was established. This Before-After-Control-Impact study allowed us to monitor influence over time, rather just staking snapshot at a single time point!

 Napantao Fish Sanctuary;
House Reef

 Established in 1996, and covering an area of 5 hectares, the Napantao Fish Sanctuary was the project's house reef and central component to the implementation of conservation actions in Southern Leyte. Since 2013, survey teams collected critical biophysical and ecological data from both inside and outside the MPA's boundaries, twice a year, forming a comprehensive and highly valuable monitoring data set. These data were used to guide further management actions and provide vital updates on the MPA's efficacy in protecting and restoring ecosystem services and reef community function Napantao stakeholders. 

Napantoa Fish Sanctuary was the project's most studied site and our own analysis has presented that small-scale MPAs have an important role to play, alongside their larger counterparts, in the conservation of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. Make sure to follow the link to review our findings, download publications and request access to the data for further study. 

Resource Hub

2002

The year the LRCP was established in Southern Leyte, Philippines

3685

Independent ecological surveys undertaken by volunteers, staff & scholars

16

Marine Protected Areas establish around in Sogod Bay, Cablihan Bay & Panaon Island

56

Technical reports and scientific publications published and delivered

DATA

Photo by: John Doe
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