Developing pro-poor markets for environmental services in the ...

4.1.2 Economic profile
The population census 32 of 2000 reports 684 or 129 households living on the island. The
majority of households depend on fishing as their primary source of income. In 1985, about
91 per cent of households were engaged in fishing (MCDP, 1985). Fishing is done with the
use of outrigger canoes or motorised pumpboats. Hook and line, gill nets and spearfishing are
the methods used, with a few using fish traps and beach seines. Fishermen have revealed that
since the establishment of the marine sanctuary in 1985, fish catch has increased threefold
even with the use of the same type of gear. 33
There is some farming and agroforestry practised in the area. Livestock, like chickens, hogs,
goats, and cattle, are also raised. In fact, in 1995, 95 per cent owned no agricultural land but
82 per cent owned livestock and poultry (Fabro and Luchavez, 1997). Women on the other
hand are engaged in mat weaving and selling, t-shirt vending, and small store enterprises.
The biggest industry on the island is tourism. Apo Island is considered as one of the prime
destinations for scuba diving in the country. Its excellent coral cover and diversity of marine
life serve as major attractions not only to Filipino scuba divers but to foreign tourists as well.
As such, the diving industry is the major source of revenues of the protected area and its
resources.
4.1.3 Protection efforts
Protection efforts on Apo Island began as early as 1979 when Silliman University extension
workers held informal marine conservation and education programmes for local members of
the community. Focus was given on how to ensure sustainable use of their marine resources.
In 1982, an agreement was reached between the villagers, Silliman University and the
municipal government council on the content of the guidelines for the marine reserve. In
1984, the Marine Conservation and Development Program of Silliman University
implemented a comprehensive reserve programme together with the local government and
the community. This led to the formation of the Marine Management Committee (MMC), a
core group composed of fisherfolk, with the assistance of the Philippine Constabulary-
Integrated national police and the Philippine coastguard (MCDP, 1986). The MMC collected
donations for the upkeep of the marine reserve, which led to the construction of a community
centre in front of the marine sanctuary. At the same time, a women’s weaving group called
Apo Weaving Association was formed, together with a consumers’ cooperative. The latter
started with 46 members which rose to 80 by 1997.
Formal protection of Apo Island began in 1985 when the municipality of Dauin, Negros
Oriental passed a resolution declaring the entire marine habitat of the island as a municipal
reserve. On the south-east side, the area covering 11.2ha to 250m offshore was declared a
marine sanctuary (see Figure 4.1). It was further declared as a Tourist Zone by Proclamation
No. 1801 and was under the administration of the Philippine Tourism Authority. 34
Agroforestry and farming projects were introduced to serve as alternative means of livelihood
among the fisherfolk. The municipal council and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources provided various forms of support while Silliman University continued to provide
technical assistance.
32
From http://www.census.gov.ph/census2000/index.html, sccessed on 13 September 2002.
33
Reboton (undated).
34
Reboton (undated)
62