Viable Solutions in Addressing Climate Changes thru Private (BCCFI) –Public (LGU) Partnerships in the Province of Bataan: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper articulates the partnership between the private sector represented by the Bataan Coastal Care Foundation Inc (BCCFI) and the public sector represented by the various local government units (LGUs) in the Province of Bataan. The partnership was initiated based on common objectives of these two (BCCFI and LGUs) likeminded institutions to build better coastal governance, increase awareness , promote community participation in coastal management and explore ways for dynamic and sustainable public-private partnerships in addressing climate changes . Since February 2000, BCCFI has actively led in partnering with its various stakeholders in the province‘s 11 municipalities and lone city to implement the Bataan Integrated Coastal Management Program (BICMP) with focus on the 87 coastal villages. As manifested in the socio-economic investment survey form that was accomplished by, among and between the BCCFI members in close collaboration with the local government units. Through varied approaches and entry points, BCCFI, serve as catalyst in protecting the environment in Bataan either individually or collectively, within their respective spheres of influence and capabilities. This is a case point that could be explored as one of the strategies and actions for ASIAN networking on coastal resource management in addressing climate changes. Keywords - Addressing Climate Changes, private- public partnerships, environmental protection, coastal resource management, Biodiversity Programs