Theme C: Governance and the socio-economics of releases
24. THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD IN SEA RANCHING
Ruth Gamboa1, Neil Angelo Abreo2, Lance Concepcion3
1 University of the Philippines Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City, Philippines, 8022
2 ACIAR Sandfish Project
3 DOST Holothuria Program
ruthupmin@yahoo.com
Two communities in southern Philippines are being involved in a sandfish sea ranching project which is funded by the ACIAR and the national government. The project is ending its four-year implementation. This paper shares what is working and not working among the project partners who bring in their respective interests and have to operate under a highly bureaucratic government system. Engaging the private sector facilitates logistics in the field but can be a political deterrent. There is no substitute to a fully supportive local government; the downside is when leaders change after a local election. The fishers group is the most vulnerable partner in the sense that their enthusiasm can wane during the long wait for that first harvest, especially when they are confronted between guarding the sea ranch and earning a living for the day; between meeting the day-to-day needs of the family and making a long term commitment for the sake of a ‘common good’.
Call For Papers