The marine conservation and development program of Silliman University as an example for Lingayen Gulf

Abstract

The Marine Conservation and Development Program (MCDP) of Silliman University was initiated in 1984 with the primary goal of organizing community-based marine management programs for three island villages in the Visayan region. This paper provides an overview of the program, the implementation strategies utilized and the results obtained. The positive results attained, which have persisted after the two-year project life span, emphasize the significance of education and community organization/involvement in the development of successful marine resources management programs in the Philippine context. Lessons and/or generalizations from the MCDP experience are drawn, and the potential utility/applicability of such approaches in the Lingayen Gulf area are explored. The need for relatively immedi- ate and tangible benefits for communities/participants involved in the management effort has been identified as an es- sential element for success.