Designing a marine protected areas network in a data-limited situation

Abstract

The science of designing a marine protected areas network is rapidly developing. However, translating the design principles for a data-limited situation is a challenge. The planning design that works perfectly in a developed country setting may not be readily applicable to a developing and emerging country setting because of constraints on data availability and social complexity. Using available global databases and local knowledge, a participatory-based, semi-quantitative framework for selecting suitable sites for protection in the Southern Negros Marine Key Biodiversity Area in the Philippines was implemented. The framework involved the accounting of marine resources; identifying areas of biodiversity and fisheries importance; and determining land- and sea-based threats to marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and its uses. Various initiatives that could engage the municipalities in Southern Negros in the networking process were identified.