Description:
Author(s):
Gombos, M., Victor, R., Yangilmau, M., Patris, C., Marcello, T., Patris, G., Hideyos, S.
Title:
Helen Reef and the Hatohobei Community: 2015 SEM-Pasifika socioeconomic assessment report
Publication Date:
2015
Page(s):
42
Abstract:
"In 2009 a socio-economic assessment was completed for the Helen Reef Management Project (HRMP) to provide baseline information to ensure that they are meeting their goals and objectives as well as to see the perspectives people have on the work that is being done for Helen Reef. This report follows up on the initial baseline assessment as part of the HRMP monitoring program. It has been approximately six years since the initial assessment and HRMP requested the support of the Pacific Islands Managed and Protected Area Community (PIMPAC) to re-do the original survey to understand changes in knowledge attitudes and perceptions since the original assessment in 2009. This monitoring assessment was the first one to be completed after the baseline assessment carried out in 2009. It should be acknowledged that completing this assessment is a great achievement in itself and an indication of the on-going dedication by Helen Reef Management Project board and staff for adaptive management that provides community benefits. From January 10-30, 2015, HOPE and HRMP staff worked to prepare for the second assessment. Because the objectives were the same, the original survey was used in this assessment with the exception of some questions that were no longer relevant. High school students and neighboring community members were recruited to participate in the assessment as enumerators. The survey was conducted as a census in which the assessment team attempted to interview every community member that was 18 years or older. They were able to interview 115 out of 121 community members (6 declined). Another 3 surveys that were self-completed from Tobians living outside of Palau making the total number of surveys completed 118. The findings of the 2015 socioeconomic assessment are similar to those in 2009. The understanding of the rules and results of management efforts of the HRMP remain not well understood by many. This may indicate that more awareness should be raised within the community about the management actions and results of management. One of interesting changes noted was in the perceived threats to Helen Reef Resources. In 2015, the main threats identified are illegal fishing, climate change and natural disasters. Climate change was noted most frequently as the biggest threat?, closely followed by illegal fishing. In 2009, climate change was not even identified as one of the three main threats. This change could be due to recent emphasis on climate change awareness programs in the community. It is clear that the Tobi community still feels a strong connection to the resources of Helen Reef, want to see them protected, and want to see threats like illegal fishing be addressed through more enforcement efforts. It is also clear that much of the community supports the existing management framework to ensure there are fish and resources for future generations. The main areas to be explored as a result of this monitoring survey are further awareness and engagement with the community to: a. Explain specific management activities, rules and regulations b. Share results of existing management efforts (changes in resources over time) c. Provide opportunities for engagement in management activities d. Discuss options for improving access and benefits from natural resources It is recommended that the results of this survey be used as a launching point to initiate this communication with the community to ensure that the support for Helen Reef Management continues into the future!"
Electronic Access:
Notes:
FY2014 CRCP Project ID 427, Product 1307; Project Title: Pacific Islands Managed and Protected Area Community and Micronesia Region Implementation Activities; Principal Investigator: Michael Lameier. Also supported by the Helen Reef Management Project (HRMP), Hatohobei Organization for People and Environment (HOPE), OneReef Micronesia, and the Pacific Island Managed and Protected Area Community (PIMPAC).
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