Reverting Disused Fishpond Lease Agreement Areas to Mangrove Forests in Region VI (Western Visayas), Philippines

Abstract

This paper evaluated the reversion of disused Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA) areas in Region VI (Western Visayas) to mangrove forests. A two-stage and five-step evaluation process and multiple data collection methods were used. This study covered 62 disused FLA areas in the region, representing 84 % of the total 74 canceled FLAs (regardless of whether reverted or not to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources), as well as FLA areas that had been abandoned or left undeveloped. Results showed a lower number of canceled FLAs and reverted FLA areas than what should ideally be. The suitable area for reforestation was only 23 % (284 ha) of the total area of FLA areas visited. The benefit of reforesting disused FLA areas suitable for reforestation far outweighs the cost of doing so. The option to place the responsibility of paying for reforestation efforts on the lessees (through performance bond, green tax/fine, fees reflective of economic rent, and beneficial use tax) will generate higher funds and will likely positively impact other desirable goals in aquaculture; however, this strategy is relatively difficult to implement. The option to place the responsibility of funding reforestation efforts on funding organizations (Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) grant, foreign fund, private sector support) is relatively easy to implement but may generate lower amounts of funds and may be unsustainable. This study recommends (1) conducting an inventory of all FLA areas in the region, (2) formulation and approval of FLA cancelation and reversion rules and guidelines, (3) conduct of suitability assessment for reforestation of disused FLA areas in the region, and (4) actual reversion of suitable disused FLA areas to mangrove forests.