Community-Based Mangrove Forest Management Sustainability: The Case of Some Asian Countries

Mark Joseph J. Buncag

Abstract: This study presented the various cases of community-based mangrove forest management in the Philippines and other parts of Asia. It shows the comparison of the community-based mangrove management systems. Some areas focusing on their practices that are suitable to the physical condition of location, culture, and socio-economic characteristics. Some are applying strategies learned from the other areas. The experiences show that management systems that are contextual and/or suitable to the location are likely to be sustainable. Mangrove forest management by the local community is a vital instrument to attain sustainability. However, there is no assurance that the mangrove forest management by the community is sustainable, especially resource extraction, tourism activities, and aquasilviculture are present. Community-based mangrove forest management needs evaluation of sustainability using applicable criteria and indicators contextual to the area.

Keywords: Community-based Mangrove Forest Management, Evaluation of Sustainability, applicable criteria and indicators