Municipality of Cordova, Cebu
Barangay Gilutongan and Barangay Council

Mendoza-Cañete Development Corporation

Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Region 7
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Region 7

Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council
Fisherfolk of Barangay Gilutongan, Cordova

University of San Carlos - Marine Biology Section

Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Inc.
Philippine Business for Social Progress

     This management plan is collaborative effort of the stakeholder of the Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary, Cordova, Cebu. The plan aims to detail management strategies and specific programs necessary for the management of the sanctuary. This serves as guidelines pursuant to the implementation of Municipal Ordinance No. 06-2002 and the general provision therein. It also specifies respective roes and responsibilities of various agencies contributing the management marine sanctuary.

     Establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) has become a widely used management strategies among local government in restoring their coastal resource in the country. It is known have significant level of effectiveness in restoring degraded reef and enhancing fishery production. Moreover, MPAs has become a potential source of monetary benefits to local government and private sectors.

     Nalusuan Island, a coralline island with less than a kilometer shoreline, is located about 15km off the eastern coast of Mactan Island, Cebu, Central Philippines. The island is owned by the Mendoza-Cañete (MENCA) Development Corporation. It is by virtue that the MENCA has the sole privilege to manage the resources of the island. The island is a sitio of Brgy. Gilutongan, Cordova, Cebu. Due to the tourism potential of Mactan and the adjacent island, the corporation has decided to establish an island resorts, Nalusuan Island Resort. Part of the tourism package is a privately-establish marine sanctuary. Through the years, the 10-ha marine sanctuary has become an important attraction for most tourists visiting the island paradise. Moreover, it has become a personal effort for the owner to protect the marine resources in the area.

     In the late 2002, the LGU of Cordova has initiated to tap the private sector in comanaging it coastal resources. Backed by its Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary experience, the LGU has convened all stakeholders to protect and manage the resource in the adjacent areas of Nalusuan Island.

     In December 2002, a municipal ordinance was enacted to declare and established the Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary. The 83.12 has includes the island, white sand bar, lush seagrass beds and the reef. Prior to the enactment, a marine resource inventory was conducted by the assisting organization.

Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary was established and managed through the involvement of various stakeholders guided by the following vision and objectives:

"The Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary as a model showcasing the balance between preservation and protection of natural resources and ecotourism through LGU, community, and private sector partnership, and where benefits derived from its protection are used to improve the quality of life of 'Cordovajanons'."

"To implement program / projects to improve 'Cordovanhon's quality of life."

1. Increase in fish stocks and fish catch in adjacent areas.
2. Improvement of marine habitat / biodiversity.
3. Generation of revenue from eco-tourism.
4. Exposure as an eco-tourism destination.
5. Minimization of illegal / destructive fishing practices.
6. Strengthening of a harmonious relationship between private sector-LGU-communities.
7. Increase in beneficiaries of income generating projects.

• To preserve the marine life / environment in the area.
• To promote eco-tourism in Cordova.
• To strictly implement and enforce policies, laws, and regulations related to the NMS.
• To establish partnership / linkages between the LGU, the private sector, and the local community.