Faced with escalating marine plastic pollution and overfishing, Net-Works provides a holistic model that addresses environmental degradation and fosters economic resilience among marginalized coastal populations. By creating efficient, community-based supply chains for raw materials, the initiative generates sustainable livelihood opportunities while protecting critical coastal ecosystems.
Net-Works: Empowering coastal communities in the Philippines through sustainable practices
Transforming coastal communities through sustainable innovation
Net-Works is a pioneering project that integrates environmental conservation with economic development. It offers sustainable solutions to pressing challenges faced by coastal communities in the Philippines.
No items found.
Innovative business activities driving conservation and livelihoods
Sale of collected fishing nets: Net-Works collaborates with local communities to collect discarded fishing nets, which are then sold and shipped to Aquafil’s ECONYL® recycling operation. This process transforms waste into valuable raw materials for various nylon supply chains, effectively reducing marine plastic pollution and providing income for local collectors.
Sale of sustainably produced seaweed: Net-Works recognizes the rising global demand for seaweed and promotes sustainable farming practices among coastal communities. By engaging farmers and artisanal fishers in Marine Protected Area (MPA) management, the initiative ensures that seaweed production supports conservation efforts, including establishing no-take ‘replenishment’ zones and mangrove rehabilitation.
Sale of carbon offsets from mangrove conservation and rehabilitation: Through its conservation activities, Net-Works contributes to the restoration of mangrove habitats, which play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The initiative explores the potential of generating “Blue Carbon” credits, offering a new income source for communities and attracting interest from voluntary and mandatory carbon markets.
Blue Natural Capital’s support for Net-Works
The Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) supports Net-Works by providing funding and technical assistance to develop sustainable business models that appeal to private investors. This support enables Net-Works to scale its operations, enhance the management of Marine Protected Areas, and implement effective conservation strategies that benefit both the environment and local communities.
Impacts created
Nature
Net-Works has significantly expanded Marine Protected Areas, increasing coverage by 752.6 hectares and establishing 205 hectares of no-take ‘replenishment’ zones. These efforts protect fish stocks, restore degraded mangrove forests, and contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation.
People
By creating equitable, community-based supply chains, Net-Works generates sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalized coastal communities. Collecting discarded fishing nets and sustainable seaweed farming provide consistent income, enhancing socio-economic resilience.
Business
Net-Works bridges the gap between profit and conservation by developing profitable activities that fund crucial conservation efforts. The initiative’s success attracts private investments and aims to grow from a small village-run pilot operation into a regional leader in the circular economy.
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.
