Management Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas in South-Eastern Mindanao, Philippines: Impact on Climate Resilience and Food Security of Surrounding Fishing Communities

Climate change has severe impacts on marine ecosystems jeopardizing communities' livelihoods. The Philippines has a vast marine area and a high percentage of fishing communities that are highly dependent on marine resources and hold a high poverty index. These communities are extremely threatened by both climate change and destructive fishing practices. Marine protected areas (MPAs) offer conservation benefits and, if well managed, have the potential to increase ecosystem resilience and support local communities. This study focuses on 4 MPAs in South-eastern Mindanao, Philippines, and its surrounding communities, more specifically on their climate resilience and food security. Methods include MPA Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT), semi-structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions (FGDs). All 4 MPAs had scored in the excellent rating levels, while their surrounding communities exhibited varying levels of climate resilience and food security. In addition, FGDs revealed discrepancies in the results regarding MPA management and food security. Challenges were exposed and recommendations were given providing important contributions to MPA management. Our results can serve as a baseline for future management measures and have significant implications for both MPAs and their surrounding small-scale fishers communities.