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This paper focuses on evaluating the reversion of disused Fishpond Lease Agreement areas in Region VI (Western Visayas), Philippines to mangrove forests. The rehabilitation and restoration of mangrove areas are important given the substantial decline of mangrove forests in the country, particularly in Region VI. The study used a two-stage and five-step evaluation process. The first stage assessed the processes of Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA) cancellation and reversion of jurisdiction over disused FLA areas from one government agency to another. The second stage assessed the actual reversion of disused FLA areas to mangrove forests. For this stage, the study used data from officially cancelled FLAs in the region whose areas were still with DABFAR or already reverted to DENR as well as not yet cancelled FLAs whose areas were officially identified as abandoned or undeveloped. Disused FLA areas were assessed in terms of suitability for reforestation. Those found suitable for reforestation were subjected to a cost-benefit analysis. The evaluation ended with an analysis of seven potential policy options for financing the reforestation using a set of criteria (feasibility, funds raised, ease in implementation, sustainability, and likely impact on other desirable goals). The study used multiple data collection methods including archival work, onsite ocular inspection of disused FLA areas, interviews, experts’ opinion, intensive review of literature, and collection and assessment of pertinent records/data from government agencies. The study covered 62 disused FLA areas in four provinces (Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, and Capiz) in the region, representing 84% of the total 74 canceled FLAs (regardless of whether reverted or not to DENR), as well as FLA areas that had been abandoned or left undeveloped. Results showed that the processes of cancellation and reversion of jurisdiction are fraught with challenges and problems resulting in a lower number of canceled FLAs and reverted FLA areas than what should be. The suitable area for reforestation was only 23% (284 ha) of the total area of FLA areas visited. Many disused FLA areas were located in the lower intertidal zone or foreshore area, thus not suitable for mangrove rehabilitation. The benefit of reforesting disused FLA areas suitable for reforestation far outweighs the cost of doing so. The options where the responsibility for paying for reforestation rests on lessees (performance bond, green tax/fine, fees reflective of economic rent, and beneficial use tax) will generate high amounts of funds and likely to have positive impacts on other desirable goals in aquaculture but are relatively difficult to implement. The options where the responsibility to pay for reforestation cannot be identified (DENR grant, foreign fund, private sector support) are relatively easy to implement but may generate lower amounts of funds and not sustainable. The study recommends the inventory of all FLA areas in the region, formulation and approval of FLA cancellation and reversion rules and guidelines, conduct of suitability assessment for reforestation of disused FLA areas in the region, and the actual reversion of suitable disused FLA areas to mangrove forests. |
