Seacology Island Environment Blog

New Seacology-Funded Community Hall Opens In Tokou village, Fiji!

2012-02-01T18:52:43Z

Here are residents of Tokou village enjoying some kava in their brand new community hall. In exchange for Seacology providing funds for the hall, Tokouans established a 365-acre marine reserve. (more project info here: http://bit.ly/xtaX4l)

Americans Willing to Pay a LOT of Money to Protect Hawaii's Coral Reefs

2011-10-31T22:30:27Z

It took me a few tries to wrap my head around this headline about a recent NOAA study:

US Residents Say Hawaii's Coral Reef Ecosystems Worth $33.57 Billion Per Year

Did you catch that? We often talk about the "worth" of coral reefs in terms of the revenue they can generate for local communities via fishing or tourism. But this is different. This is the amount of money Americans say they're willing to pay to ensure that Hawaii's reefs are safe and healthy.

The key point here is that the survey pool comprised "a representative sample of all US residents" -- meaning, it included tons of people who have never seen Hawaii's coral reefs and never will. They just like the idea that they exist!

In fact, when you look at per-household figures, it turns out they like it a lot.

The study breaks down coral reef conservation into two types: "Ecosystem-wide Protection & Restoration" and "Restoration after Localized Injuries." (That last one referring to fixing the damage caused by, say, wayward boats.) Put them together and the average amount a household is willing to pay is $287.62.

Sound like a lot? It is. Forgive the rough comparison, but say your household income is $50,000 (about the national median) and you're married with a kid. Two-hundred and eighty-seven dollars is more than you would pay in federal income taxes for everything other than Social Security and Medicare -- meaning national defense, health care, unemployment insurance, education, NASA, FEMA, Homeland Security, and so on, combined. And that's just for the coral reefs in Hawaii!

Who knows if these households are truly prepared to pony up $287 in the name of reef conservation. But even if the number is inflated, it suggests something quite interesting: it may be easy for us to not think about conservation, but it's apparently very difficult for us to choose inaction... so long as we're asked to choose something.

Indonesia marine reserve update: "There were so many fish our heads were spinning"

2011-10-26T17:48:41Z

We just got this GLOWING update via email from our field rep in Indonesia about the 99,000-acre marine reserve off the coast of Daram Island. (Seacology is funding the construction of a community center in nearby Fafanlap village in exchange for their support of the reserve)

It was so great we just had to share:

The last time I dived this site was with the Seacology trip in 2007 and while it was spectacular four years ago, the reef has exploded with fish life since then. For the first time we saw schools of Napoleon wrasse, blacktip sharks and aggregations of big grouper, all of which seem to have been locally extinct on most Indonesian reefs for over a decade. There were so many fish on this dive that our heads were spinning. I was emphatically pointing one way and Mark was emphatically pointing another way the whole dive. I came out of that dive exhilarated and full of joy and hope that other reefs in the Misool area, with continued protection, will also look like Fafanlap in just a few short years. If they do, I can foresee that S.E. Misool will have THE best diving in the world, hands down.

Dealing with Drought: Mitiaro Island

2011-09-27T19:10:47Z

One of the things we've learned at Seacology is that all islands, however similar they may seem, each face a unique set of challenges. Some islands in the South Pacific, for instance, get all the rain they can handle. But in Mitiaro, a 12-square-mile island in the north-eastern end of the Cook Islands, they can't get enough.

During Mitiaro's dry season (typically from June to November) the island's 200 residents must rely on reserves they store in water tanks. When they suffer droughts -- as is the case right now -- they may have to resort to dipping into the island's natural resevoirs, the pristine fresh-water pools found in remote caves.

But even that isn't so simple, since just getting to the pools can be challenging and dangerous. One cave requires that you climb down a tree and then navigate steep, slippery rocks before you reach the water.

Our project in Mitiaro addressed both these issues. In exchange for the conservation of 3,000 acres of forest (roughly a third of the island!) we funded the installation of a safe pathway with handrails to the cave pools, plus the renovation of eight 10,000 gallon water tanks (pictured below).

Saving Haiti's dying reefs: "It's probably the worst overfishing I've seen anywhere in the world"

2011-09-08T21:28:10Z

This Times article about Haiti's dying reefs I think illustrates an important point about marine conservation efforts: it's not necessarily a case of environmentalism-vs-industry. You need to protect reef habitats in order to prevent the kind of "Tragedy of the Commons" scenario we're seeing unfolding in Haiti, where over-fishing continues even when it's obvious it's bad for everyone in the long run.

In Haiti 54,000 fishermen rely on the ocean for their livelihood... [and in] recent decades, as their usual catches of Nassau groupers and snappers have dwindled and disappeared, many of them have subsisted by netting and spearing small reef fish that keep coral clean of algae. Now those too are almost gone, and the algae have taken over....

Pierre Guy LaFontant, Haiti's director general of fisheries, acknowledged that overfishing was a problem and said that officials were receptive to the idea of establishing protected waters. But if the government cannot enforce its existing fishing regulations, can fishermen be persuaded to abide by an invisible line in the water?

But of course it's not as simple as just protecting and waiting, since these Haitian fishermen have basic short-term needs that can't easily be put on hold.

Henry Hilaire, who has fished for 36 years, gathered nets from a sailboat with several other Haitians in waters that Reef Check hopes will eventually be protected.... Mr. Hilaire pulled two small fish, each about five inches long, from his basket. "It's really too young to keep," he said, but "circumstances are such that if we didn't keep them, we'd go hungry."....

They're desperate, trying to survive, so how do you tell them not to fish here?" asked Romain Louis, 37, a literature teacher hoping to become part of the eco-diver team.

Mr. Louis suggested that the fishermen would need an incentive... "Maybe, if these fishermen got a trade-off, they'd stop fishing on overfished reefs."

The whole article is worth a read... As bad as things are for Haiti's coral reefs, it's good to know that conservation efforts are beginning.

Animal Round-Up: Banjar Anyar edition

2011-08-16T16:48:15Z

Seacology is funding the construction of a new community center in Banjar Anyar, a small village on Indonesia's island of Bali. Part of the agreement is that the good pepole of Banjar Anyar continue to serve as the guardians of the surrounding Batukahu Forest.

So what kinds of creatures are being protected? Here's a quick tour of some of Batukahu Forest's residents:

The forest cat has big eyes and is very ferocious, while the long-tailed macaque looks a little sad, but their babies are adorable.

Meanwhile, the pangolin looks a lot like an armadillo, and the flying fox (AKA the kalong) is not a fox at all, but instead a rather large bat.

Save the Date: Seacology Prize 2011

2011-07-29T21:01:04Z

Each year, Seacology honors an indigenous islander who has fought against the odds to protect his or her native environment. Our winners come to California to receive the award and share their amazing stories. This event is always inspiring and memorable, and we hope you will make plans to join us for our complimentary reception on the evening of Thursday, October 6, 2011, at the David Brower Center in Berkeley, California. The event is open to all friends of Seacology.

Our 2011 Seacology Prize Recipient is Irman Meilandi of Mandalamekar Village on Java, Indonesia. Irman is a courageous environmentalist from the highlands of West Java. Having grown up in this remote community nicknamed "the village at the end of the world," Irman returned to Mandalamekar after finishing college to protect the native rainforests from threats of clear-cutting. He has convinced the Mandalamekar community to protect substantial areas of their forests, and has spearheaded tree replanting efforts and other conservation programs. In recognition of Irman's accomplishments, he is the recipient of our 2011 Seacology Prize.

Above, Irman speaks to the Mandalamekar community. Photo by Karen Peterson.

A Covenant for Malhiao's Mangroves - Update from the Philippines

2011-07-08T20:23:48Z

Seacology's Field Representative in the Philippines, Ferdie Marcelo, maintains a blog documenting his experiences working to conserve the rich natural resources and ecosystems in the Philippines. His most recent entry details his recent trip to Barangay Malhaio on Cebu Island, where Seacology is funding the construction of a boardwalk and viewing deck in support of the conservation of 73 hectares (180 acres) of mangrove forest for a duration of 15 years. Ferdie's description of working with the community to develop a thorough understanding of the conservation agreement with Seacology is especially engaging.

Seacology's win-win formula is simple. An island community commits to protect a natural resource, and in return, Seacology funds a tangible need of the community. To finalize the agreement, a Covenant between the community and Seacology is then signed.

The covenant is not complicated. It just stipulates a few important points: that Seacology will provide the funds required to build the tangible; that Seacology will not claim ownership over any land or sea belonging to the community; and that in return the community pledges to protect the no-take zone agreed on.

From past experience, this process is usually straightforward. The village will sign the covenant, and the construction will commence. That is, until the village of Malhiao raised a few questions that I thought should be answered face to face.

It took a good three hour ride to get to Malhiao from Cebu City, past the noted beaches of Argao and Moalboal. The barangay's leaders, led by putative Barangay Captain James Taboada, were waiting for us by the time Delfa Talaid of Tambuyog (Seacology's project partner) and I got there late morning yesterday. "Putative" because he is all but officially that, the previous Barangay Captain having died from a stroke the week before, I was just informed. Burial is today, July 3.

The object of the covenant is the village's commitment to protect 73 hectares of mangroves for 15 years, in exchange for Seacology's funding of the construction of a boardwalk and view deck on the Mangroves. The community hopes to develop its own tourism industry by showcasing their lush mangroves.

Of the many concerns they raised, I found four to be particularly incisive, which I have listed below along with my response to each:

Question: What exactly does a "no-take zone" mean? The community conducts mangrove planting activities every once in a while, and there is a concern as to whether activities of that sort will constitute a violation of the covenant. In fact, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, in partnership with Malhiao, has a continuing program where parolees go to Malhiao to plant mangrove trees as part of their community service. Incorporating tree planting in future educational tours are planned as well.

Answer: Tree planting is allowable because this is not extractive in nature.

Question: Enforcing the no-take zone among the villagers of Malhiao is not a problem, but some fisherfolk from neighboring barangays go to the mangroves to collect shellfish for food. Will people still be allowed to gather shellfish within the mangroves if the mangrove trees themselves are left alone?

Answer: No. Setting aside the mangroves as a no-take zone means that gathering of any sort is prohibited. The benefits of this policy will redound to the five-hectare multi-use zone that the community has also declared. Maintaining an undisturbed mangrove area means more juvenile marine life will have a chance to grow into spawning adults, and the resulting spillover to the multi-use zone will mean more bountiful harvests. It is easy to imagine noticeable results in the quality of harvests in the multi-use zone within six months if the mangroves are fully protected.

Question: What if Malhiao is unable to effectively protect the mangroves? Will there be a penalty imposed?

Answer: The first casualty, if the integrity of the mangroves is ruinously violated, is the productivity of the five-hectare multi-use zone. That by itself is heavy enough a penalty. Secondarily, the plans of the community to capitalize on tourism and the potential business it can bring will be in jeopardy. It will be hard to look for tourists who are willing to pay to see a mangrove area where people indiscriminately set traps and collect all sizes of crabs, seashells, and whatnot. But as far as Seacology is concerned, no penalty can or will be imposed, though it will be unlikely that we will enter into another agreement with the community in the future.

Question: Why does Seacology insist on a term on the village's commitment to protect the mangrove?

Answer: The covenants Seacology enters into generally have a term ranging from 10 to 30 years. This stems from Seacology's view that the succeeding generation should be free to make commitments of their own. If after 15 years the next generation decides to continue protecting the mangroves, it will be because they appreciate the merits of doing so; not because they have to honor some agreement their fathers entered into long ago.

We wound up beginning a shared lunch still discussing the covenant, until the conversations drifted onto other matters towards the end. Finally, after lunch, with all questions laid to rest, the covenant was signed.

Then came the many ideas on the mangroves. Educational tours, guided mangrove river canoe rides, and bird watching are some of the possible mangrove activities that could spark the beginnings of tourism. Already, Tambuyog has had talks with the Regional Department of Education highlighting the Malhiao mangroves. As a result, an April 2011 memorandum was issued holding the Malhiao mangroves as a guide in the implementation of the Coastal Ecosystem Education program of the department. To assist the barangay in enforcing the no-take zone, the Municipality of Badian agreed to train some villagers to become mangrove guards, and to provide enforcement support if needed.

Looking back, if the questions on the project were raised as a consequence of the barangay's sudden leadership transition, then a lot of credit must be given to incoming Barangay Captain Taboada. He did not just go along with his predecessor's project. He took the project, analyzed it, and after being satisfied with it, gave it his approval, thereby putting the responsibility for the project squarely within his watch.

With each question I was asked, my impression on the seriousness of how the villagers of Malhiao are taking the covenant only deepened. There was a tour of the mangroves on a makeshift raft later on with some of the village's leaders. It was a really nice and refreshing tour along passages between huge clusters of mangrove trees. But my mind was still on the upturn of the villagers' regard towards their commitment with Seacology since we arrived. I just witnessed their progression from fawn-like tentativeness, to a doe's leap of faith, to a stag's confidence and optimism in the future. All in one day.

It was a good feeling that stayed with me throughout the long bus ride back to Cebu City. And then some.

All pictures from Ferdie Marcelo. To see more of Ferdie's images from his site visit to Malhaio, visit the original post on his blog, Nature Calls.

A Recycled Office in Jamaica

2011-07-01T22:10:09Z

Last January, Seacology's Board of Directors approved our first project in Jamaica. The project is supporting the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA), the nation's largest protected area, which includes extensive mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Such coastal ecosystems provide essential habitat to many species of birds, fish, invertebrates, and plants and are vital for islands as protection against erosion and flooding. Seacology partnered with the local organization responsible for managing PBPA to help construct a field office and barracks for use by the professional rangers who enforce the no-take fish sanctuaries in the reserve. To conserve resources, these structures were created out of recycling shipping containers, which convert into excellent (and even two-story!) office buildings.

Help Seacology Win a Classy Award!

2011-06-24T21:02:43Z

Want to help Seacology protect islands? Now just one click can make a big difference: If you "Like" Seacology's nomination here, you can help us win a Classy Award. Dubbed the Oscars of Philanthropy, The Classy Awards recognize top philanthropic achievements around the United States. Winners receive national exposure and more than $150,000 in cash and prizes. To be considered, Seacology needs 100 Facebook Likes before July 24. Please help us help islands by Liking our page here and sharing the link with your family and friends! http://www.stayclassy.org/stories/seacology-saves-islands

Above, villagers in Terian, Borneo, present a sash to Seacology in thanks for funding of a micro-hydro power system.

New Seacology Projects!

2011-06-10T20:50:00Z

Seacology's Board of Directors recently approved seven new island conservation projects. Our work can now be found on 120 islands in 45 countries around the world, protecting over 1.9 million acres of coral reef, mangroves, rainforests, and other island ecosystems. Below are brief summaries of our new projects; stay tuned for more photos and details in the future.

Indonesia - Misool Area, Raja Ampat

Community building in support of a 40,300 hectare (99,583 acre) no-take marine area.

Indonesia - Pelilit Village, Nusa Penida Island, Bali

Funding for planting 33,900 tree saplings and construction of a turtle guard post in exchange for the creation of 33.5 hectares (83 acres) of "no-take" forest and a one-half hectare (1.2 acre) "no-take" turtle-nesting beach.

Jamaica - Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary

Establishing a furnished field office and providing equipment for the enforcement of the 150 acre Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary.

Mexico - Isla Natividad, Baja California

Cabin for ecotourists, surfers, and scuba divers, in exchange for the protection of a 1,120 acre protected area, including three islets.

Above, Black vented shearwaters off the coast of Isla Natividad. 85% of the world's population of these birds nests on the island.

Papua New Guinea - Wanang Community, Papua New Guinea

Permanent classroom facility in exchange for the expansion of a community conservation area from 1,100 hectares (2,718 acres) to 2,200 hectares (5,436 acres) for a minimum duration of 25 years.

Philippines - Barangay Malhiao, Municipality of Badian, Cebu Province

Boardwalk and viewing deck in support of a 73 hectare (180 acre) mangrove area.

Tanzania - Bumbwini-Mkokotoni Bay, on Unguja Island, Zanzibar

Alternative livelihood and mangrove planting in support of the conservation and protection of 610 hectares (1,507 acres) of mangroves for a minimum duration of 14 years.

Above, a community member in the local mangrove on Unguja Island in Zanzibar.

Hottest of the Hotspots

2011-06-03T22:51:13Z

Worldwide, scientists have identified ecological "hotspots," or regions with significant biodiversity that are facing dire threats from humans. With their abundance of unique plants and animals, islands are often numbered about the planet's hotspots, but now one set of islands is calling itself "the hottest of the hotspots." The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia containing over 7,000 islands, is one of the world's most diverse places, but because of human activity, the rate of species is extinction is about 1,000 times the natural rate, said Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In the Philippines, as in many islands, the primary threat is from habitat loss due to deforestation and coral reef destruction. It is estimated that less than six percent of the Philippines' original forests remain intact, along with only five percent of its marine habitats, and these practices continue to destroy the remaining environments. At least on land, the country is seeking to stem this tide of biodiversity loss, with reforestation programs. But the country lacks cannot afford to adequately protect all its marine and coastal areas from destruction, and threats to both forest and coral reefs continue to multiply.

Above, two of the Philippines' many endangered species: the Philippine Eagle and the Balabac Mouse-Deer.

Coral destruction is fatal not only to marine wildlife, but sometimes to human inhabitants as well; about 70 percent of small communities derive their primary income from fishing, and much of this fishing comes from coral reef ecosystems. This dependence extends throughout all of Asia, where an estimated 1 million people depend on coral reefs for food and livelihood.

Rodel Subade, director of the University of the Philippines Visayas Institute of Fisheries, Policy, and Development Studies, was quoted in a recent article about biodiversity. While the threat is extremely serious, Subade says, the solutions are difficult: "For [biodiversity loss] to be stopped, we would need the participation of all stakeholders, particularly the people in the community near the biodiversity areas. But this is difficult to attain or sustain." He also pointed to alternative livelihood programs as another important element in combating such loss is the development of, so that individuals are empowered to support themselves and their families in sustainable ways. And Subade believes that the establishment of marine protected areas, or MPAs, are "the most effective tool...in saving the last remaining coral reefs in the country."

While the threats faced by the Philippines and other islands are truly staggering, it is heartening to hear that solutions do exist. Seacology has several projects in the Philippines, where we work with local villages to protect their natural resources and uplift the communities. Although the area we protect is only a small fraction of the entire nation, in a hotspot like the Philippines, every acre counts.

Above, an MPA off the coast of Palawan Island in the Philippines, part of a Seacology conservation project. Photo by Ferdie Marcelo.

Island News Updates

2011-05-26T23:15:07Z

From coral reef cures to climate change lawsuits, there have been many recent happenings in the world of islands. Read on for summaries of island news...

Medical Cures in Coral Reefs?

Among the many reasons to protect coral reefs--including the staggering biodiversity these "rainforests of the sea" contain, and their increasingly endangered status around the world--an unexpected boon from reefs may be their burgeoning contributions to the field of medicine. From anti-inflammatory drugs to sunblock, coral reefs already provide compounds for many medical products, and scientists believe they likely hold many more. Read this Grist interview with two doctors who are studying the role coral reefs may play in the health of humans--as well as the oceans.

A diver on a Seacology trip explores a coral reef. Photo by Sylvia Earle.

Good News from Cabilao, Philippines

Last year, Seacology funded a project on Cabilao Island, in the Philippines, to help protect the local coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Our project included a 50-acre extension on an existing marine protected area in exchange for funding to renovate an antique lighthouse, to be used as a display facility for locally produced handicrafts. Our Philippines Field Representative Ferdie Marcelo recently returned from Cabilao with an update on the community's work. They have finished the renovations, and are continuing to monitor the MPA and increase their handicraft market. Read Ferdie's fascinating blog post for details about our Cabilao Island project.

The newly renovated Cabilao lighthouse. Photo by Ferdie Marcelo.

Federated States of Micronesia Intervenes Over Climate Change

Scattered across the South Pacific, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is an island nation that includes the states of Chuuk, Yap, Kosrae, and Pohnpei. Comprised mostly of small, low-lying islands, FSM is already experiencing some of the devastating effects of climate change, which will only increase in the years to come. But at the Threatened Island Nations Conference held last week in New York City, FSM detailed the legal action it took in January 2010 against a large power station in the Czech Republic, on the grounds that the plant's pollution contributed to the climate change that was harming island nations like FSM. Although the Czech court did not end up agreeing with FSM, it has taken some steps in response to FSM's plea for action against climate change. Read more about this precedent-setting case here.

Images of Sri Lanka's Mangroves

2011-05-20T22:01:49Z

A recent 30-year civil war in Sri Lanka ravaged the nation's people, leaving 22% of families without income and 38% of youth without schools. The war also resulted in substantial destruction to coastal swamps and the native mangrove ecosystems. But a new exhibit organized by our affiliate, Seacology UK, showcases the natural beauty of this struggling country--as well as the great fortitude of its people.

The incredible works of art reproduced below are all from a coastal ecology poster competition held amount Sri Lankan youth between the ages of 11 and 19. Many of the scenes depict the rich mangrove swamps that are found in Sri Lanka, as well as traditional fishing and other activities.

Seacology is working to support these children, their families, and their environment. Our recent project in eastern Sri Lanka protects 2,965 acres of coastal forest and swamp, including 642 acres to be replanted. At the same time, we are funding a new resource conservation and livelihood development center, which will provide vocational training to women and school dropouts.

Palawan on Fire: An Update from the Philippines

2011-05-13T21:54:07Z

Often called the Philippines' last ecological frontier, Palawan's rich biodiversity is very impressive but also so very fragile. Yet for the month of April this year alone, in northern Palawan alone, the burning of swathes of mountain slopes was a near daily occurrence. Plumes of smoke could be seen from surrounding mountains signaling slash and burn activity. It was as if a concerted effort to destroy the island's capacity to support life is being waged.

Travelling toward the eastern side of El Nido, we passed quite a few blackened areas, tell-tale signs of swidden farming or kaingin. Meriam Arzaga of the El Nido Foundation provides an interesting observation: that incidences of kaingin increase after a tag-hirap year - a year when crops fall short of what is needed. It is a method farmers seem to resort to, to augment harvests from their regular rice fields.

Swidden farming, or kaingin, is most obvious during the dry months when plots are prepared by burning vegetation therein, awaiting the first rains before planting. It has been in practice for generations in many parts of the world, benignly, even favorably, viewed in such literature as Alan Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country (1948) and NVM Gonzales' Children of the Ash-Covered Loam (1954). It is a method developed over the centuries as a means to reduce pests and facilitate the migration of biological control agents, such as insect parasites and predators, from the surrounding forests.

For the system to be sustainable (myopically ignoring its impact on global warming and ocean siltation, that is), a plot, after being used for a few years, must be allowed to fallow for about 20 years before beginning the cycle again. In this period, the soil is allowed to rest and regain the nutrients that only time left alone can provide. But when the number of people the land has to support becomes so great that the fallow periods are drastically reduced, productivity declines and the system becomes destructive, eventually working its way into new areas in the forest.

When a farmer begins cutting the fringes of public land in preparation for burning, Meriam explains, no one else but the farmer who torched it gets to plant on it when the rains come. It is a tradition of respect among kaingin farmers that has been observed for as long as anyone can remember.

But if kaingin activity is that plain to see and the culprits so easily identifiable, why isn't anyone doing anything to apprehend the offenders? To be sure, unauthorized burning of forest and grazing land is illegal under the Revised Forestry Reform Code. Moreover, a 1998 presidential proclamation declared all of El Nido and Taytay, its adjacent municipality, as a Protected Area, putting it under the supervision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with its own Protected Area Superintendent. Whether it is for lack of political will or simple bureaucratic laziness, solutions, for now at least, do not seem to be forthcoming from any government enforcement effort.

It isn't that the farmers are not aware of the illegality of kaingin or its implications; often, they do it because they feel they need to. Apparently, if farmers have to choose between putting food on the table and obeying some law, the former will always win hands-down. The answer must lie in providing an alternative to kaingin.

At the eastern villages of Mabini, New Ibajay, Sibaltan and Villa Paz, Seacology provided cashew production equipment, among others, as an alternative livelihood enterprise in exchange for the establishment of a 470-acre marine protected area and 2,408-acre mangrove protected area. In this project, the villagers have committed themselves to actively protect these resources, with the municipal government and DENR relegated to a supporting role. Even the local parish priest, Fr. Ed Parino, has taken an active role in the enforcement of the protected areas, and has been instrumental in the apprehension of poachers from out-of-town. And as alternative livelihoods go, the brisk sales of their cashews at the upscale resorts of El Nido are certainly encouraging.

There is still much to appreciate in northern Palawan in terms of rich natural resources. But to preserve it, the focus has to shift from what the communities should not do, to what they can do instead.

All pictures from Ferdie Marcelo. To see more of Ferdie's images from Palawan, visit the original post on his blog, Nature Calls.