Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are essential for conserving marine biodiversity, yet many need more effective compliance and enforcement due to insufficient economic resources. The Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) addresses this challenge by supporting the Blue Alliance—a partnership of local NGOs, communities, and Blue Finance—in managing over 5,200 hectares of MPAs in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. This initiative leverages sustainable tourism to generate revenue for conservation and community development.
Enhancing marine protected areas in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines: A sustainable tourism initiative
Sustainable tourism model for MPA management
The Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) collaborates with the Blue Alliance to implement a sustainable tourism model that funds the management and protection of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.
Project Info
More information
Podcast
No items found.
Implementing a sustainable tourism model
The Blue Alliance’s approach involves charging visitor fees to tourists, particularly divers, and snorkelers, who explore the pristine coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems within the MPAs. The revenue generated is reinvested into conservation efforts, ensuring cleaner waters, abundant marine life, and enhanced visitor experiences. This model protects nature and creates jobs for local communities, fostering economic resilience.
How BNCFF supports the Blue Alliance in Oriental Mindoro MPAs
The Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) actively supports the Blue Alliance in enhancing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Through funding, technical expertise, and strategic guidance, BNCFF helps the Blue Alliance develop and implement a sustainable tourism model. This collaboration empowers local stakeholders to generate revenue through visitor fees, ensuring the financial sustainability of conservation efforts. Additionally, BNCFF aids in capacity-building initiatives, strengthening local management, enforcement, and community engagement for long-term MPA effectiveness. This partnership demonstrates how innovative funding and collaboration can drive impactful conservation outcomes.
Impacts created
Nature
The initiative safeguards over 5,200 hectares of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangroves, home to endangered species such as whale sharks, hawksbill turtles, and dugongs. Effective management and enforcement lead to healthier habitats and increased biodiversity.
People
The project improves the livelihoods of local communities by creating employment opportunities in MPA management and sustainable tourism. Enhanced marine environments support fisheries, providing food security and additional income sources.
Business
The sustainable tourism model attracts over 200,000 visitors annually, generating revenue for conservation efforts and community development. This approach demonstrates a viable business case for investing in nature-based solutions benefiting investors and local stakeholders.
Related stories
Calls for Proposals
There are no open calls for proposals. Sign up for email alerts to be notified of the next call and receive updates on BNCFF and BCAF projects, lessons learned, and more, or email us at bluenaturalcapital@iucn.org.
Join our podcast, ‘Investing for Ocean Impact,’ to explore the business case for ocean investment.
