Co-management of mangroves : a briefer

The management of mangroves is an important component in both forest and coastal resources management. Mangroves are classified as part of forests and forestlands and thus are included in forest land use plans. They are very valuable coastal resources as well and therefore should be part of coastal habitat protection, conservation and management programs of local government units (LGUs) and the national government.
This briefer on the co-management of mangroves provides information on how LGUs and DENR can collaborate in the management of these important but dwindling resources. It describes their respective roles in the partnership and the processes involved in forging and implementing a comanagement agreement that is in line with DENR-DILG-LGU partnership guidelines (DENR-DILG Joint Memorandum Circulars (98-01 and 2003-01). Included in the briefer is a story insert about a successful mangrove co-management experience in the Visayas which is starting to show positive economic and environmental benefits.
The briefer is a supplementary material to EcoGov’s Training Guides on Forest Land Use Planning and on Coastal Resources Management Planning. This suggests that mangrove comanagement can best be implemented in accordance with the forestland allocation and coastal zoning frameworks adopted by an LGU.
It is hoped that this briefer will create interest among LGUs to explore the opportunities that the partnership offers.