Ocean-action Resource Center (ORC) is a local non-profit in Silago--one of the six most ecologically vulnerable and typhoon-torn Pacific coastal towns in Southern Leyte, Philippines. Increasing environmental resiliency in these communities requires an efficient, institutionally-supported system that empowers and sustains local management and protection of coastal biodiversity. This project thus intends to build a platform that involves local conservation managers and stakeholders in developing and implementing an Integrated Coastal Resource Management Plan (ICRMP) for the entire Pacific towns of Southern Leyte, starting with Silago. The platform includes following three components:

1) Participatory coastal resource mapping (PCRM)

ORC will gather and assemble data on the locations and kinds of coastal resources in Silago, in a visual, accessible, GIS-supported map . For local stakeholders, the map will be a product of their own input, involving them early in the conservation process. For resource managers, the map will serve as a planning and decision-making tool, which can develop and expand over time as more data on other habitats and municipalities are added.

2) Replication training program

Data-gatherers and facilitators during the participatory coastal assessment will undergo training as replication facilitators and trainers. A short PCRM module for facilitators will be produced to support these new facilitators as they conduct the replication program in other areas and train other facilitators themselves.

3) Networking forum

The proposed platform will bring the network of six Pacific municipalities together to collaborate on the Silago PCRM, sharing resources, experience, and ideas throughout the process.