Managing coastal resources in Cilacap, Indonesia, and Lingayen Gulf, Philippines—an ASEAN initiative

Abstract

Cilacap and its dynamic Segara (lagoon) Anakan on the southern coast of Java, Indonesia, and the Lingayen Gulf area in northwest Philippines are typical of many areas experiencing intense multiple resource use conflicts, overexploitation of coastal resources and environmental degradation. Coastal settlements are generally densely populated with widespread poverty, especially among fishing communities. The Segara Anakan is a nursery ground that supports both a lagoon and offshore shrimp fishery. Mangroves are extensive and are traditionally exploited by the coastal communities. Key management issues are the decreasing size of the lagoon due to heavy sediment input from upland activities, water quality problems, particularly pesticides runoff from upland agriculture and poor economic conditions of the coastal inhabitants. Lingayen Gulf is a major fishing ground in the Philippines and an important aquaculture site for milkfish and oysters. In addition, coral reefs and seagrass beds are extensive and sandy beaches along the eastern side are popular tourist attractions. Significant management issues include destruction of coral reefs due to blast fishing, cyanide poisoning and trawling activities as well as rural poverty. Also, coastal water quality is undermined by indiscriminate dumping of untreated domestic wastes, pesticides and mine tailings from upland mining operations. Efforts to develop integrated coastal area management plans for the two sites are currently being undertaken to resolve the aforementioned issues and provide some strategies for the sustainable development of the coastal resources as well as alternative livelihood for the coastal inhabitants. The mechanisms of plan development for both sites, including legal and institutional support, are discussed in the context of regional and local organizations/communities participation.