Sustainable Development of Common Property: The Case of the Philippine Mangroves

Abstract

"This paper highlights the relevance of policy evaluation as a technique for resolving inefficiencies of policies and programs in achieving sustainable development of natural resources, a common property. Evaluation here is based on a multi-disciplinary perspective of sustainable development including the analysis of the interrelationship of socio-economic, ecological and institutional issues relating to the utilization of natural resources, such as mangroves, for human purposes. The Philippine case study illustrates the application of the Goal Achievement Matrix (GAM) which is used as a framework, within which to review the effectiveness of programs in managing mangrove ecosystems. The evaluation concludes with the general recommendation that Philippine mangrove policies and programs for managing mangroves may be improved by avoiding conflict between policies and programs and fostering community interest in their implementation to achieve a more efficient and more holistic approach to approach to management of mangrove ecosystems."