PHILIPPINES, Barangay Canipo, Municipality of Magsaysay, Northeastern Palawan - January 2011
Construction of a Multi-Purpose Building in support of the extension of a 15 hectare (37 acre) Marine Protected Area for an additional 20 years
Barangay Canipo, with a population of about 1,500, is an isolated island barangay (village) in the Municipality of Magsaysay, Palawan Province. The Andres Soriano Foundation (ASF, with whom Seacology has partnered before in Barangays Manamoc and Rizal) has been assisting Canipo in protecting and conserving its natural resources. In 2005, the Barangay passed a resolution declaring a 15 hectare (37 acre) portion of its coastal area as a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Since the MPA’s establishment, use of destructive fishing methods such as dynamite, sodium cyanide, and fine nets have dramatically declined, and consequently, marine life in the area is on the increase. Villagers who used to engage in dynamite fishing are now raising livestock in the hills of the island. To strengthen community support for the MPA, the local fisherfolk organization regularly conducts Coastal Resource Management Seminars and alternative livelihood symposia for its members through the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council. There is no sheltered place for these meetings to take place. The community needs a venue for its activities and is requesting Seacology's assistance for the construction of a multipurpose building in support of their commitment to protect the MPA. In return, they pledge to keep protecting the MPA for at least 20 years more. 
UPDATE June 2011 - The community has already procured most of the materials needed to construct their multi-purpose building. The project is expected to be completed by November.
Indicates full or partial funding by Seacology UK
