Malampaya Sound PLS, Philippines

Participatory 3D Modelling of the Malampaya Sound Protected Land and Seascape, Palawan, Philippines

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The 1:20,000-scale (2x vertical exaggeration) Participatory 3D Model of the Malampaya Sound Protected Land and Seascape was completed in the year  2000 in the context of the National Integrated Protected Area Programme (NIPAP).

The model covers a total area of 3,016 km2 including both terrestrial and marine components and in 2000 it included one Ancestral Domain Claim. The data entered by the local stakeholders on the model were later on captured and imported into a Geographic Information System run at the headquarters of the NIPAP. The data served to produce thematic maps which were later on verified with the concerned communities and used as part of the process of developing the Protected Area Management Plan.

pic_038_p3dmMalampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape (MSPLS) is located in northwestern Palawan covering 200,115 ha. of both terrestrial and aquatic environment with an abundant watershed, productive fishing grounds, and with diverse eco-systems such as mangroves, sea-grasses, and corals. The 34 km long body of water is between 2 landmasses forming a horseshoe shaped area and is divided into 2 sections- salt water outer sound & brackish water inner sound surrounded by 11 barangays of Taytay town.

map_loc_malampayaMalampaya Sound is considered one of the riches fishing grounds in the Philippines. Its important ecosystems include mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass beds & endangered flora & fauna spp. It is home to 28 endemic spp. of amphibians, reptiles, birds & mammals occur within surrounding forests/watershed and14 threatened spp. 10 of which is restricted to Palawan to include Phil. Pond Turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis), Palawan Horned Frog (Megophrys ligayae) and 8 vulnerable spp. (2 frogs, 3 birds and 3 mammals). The Irrawady Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) lives in the inner sound and is critically endangered while the outer sound has the Dugong, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, and the Bottle Nosed Dolphin.

Further readings:

Velasco P., Lawrence K. and San Louis J.2001. Profile of Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape (MSPLS). Suhay. October 2000 – January 2001, pages 39-41, National Integrated Protected Area Programme (NIPAP), Quezon City, Philippines

Rambaldi G., Mendoza M. and Ramirez F. 2000. Adding the 4th Dimension to Participatory 3-D Modeling, PLA Notes No. 39: 19-24, IIED, London, UK

Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest (FISH) Project. 2010. 7 Years & 4 Seas: Gur Quest for Sustainable Fisheries. A special end-of-project report to partners on the implementation of the Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest (FISH) Project in Coron Bay, Danajon Bank, Lanuza Bay and Tawi-Tawi Bay, Philippines, 2003-2010. Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest (FISH) Project, Cebu City, Philippines. 252p.