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Coastal Dynamics Foundation
The Coastal Dynamics Foundation was established in 2000 to help bridge a perceived
gap between plans and physical actions to improve reef conservation. Based in Barangay
Maribago (Lapu Lapu City, Cebu), the Foundation builds on a wealth of practical, local
experience and connections in the marine sciences, diving and resort industry to mobilize
support and resources to strengthen and reinforce reef conservation initiatives of
concerned stakeholders. Year 2001 Grant Awardees of The PADI Foundation.
The current focus of the Foundation is on the Mactan / Olango Island complex, and
nearby islands of Cebu / Bohol to strengthen linkages between these local communities,
the private sector and available reef conservation resources.
Specific goals of the Coastal Dynamics Foundation include:
- To encourage and support the establishment of functional marine protected
areas (MPAs) within an integrated coastal management (ICM) planning framework;
- Strengthen community participation in and their economic benefits from reef
conservation and MPAs, particularly through private sector involvement and
from diving and coastal tourism;
- Provide technical assistance to assess and monitor reefs under the Reef Check
program as their designated Cebu coordinator (see www.reefcheck.org);
- Enhance marine life and reef awareness at the community level, and
- Support local coastal law enforcement capability building.
Conducting the first Reef Check survey in 2000 with volunteer dive
instructors and divers of remote Kalangaman Island (Leyte).
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Conducting a Reef Check survey in 2001 with local volunteers of the newly
established Maribago Marine Park (Mactan Island, Cebu).
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We assist local marine sanctuaries and reef conservation programs and
community groups.
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Michael Ross: Co-Founder / Executive Director, Reef Check Coordinator (Cebu);
over 20 years of coral reef and related coastal experience in the area since his
original assignment with to the Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) as a US Peace Corps volunteer in 1979; international consultant, including a
recent 2.5 year assignment on USAID-funded Coastal Resource Management Project
(CRMP; www.oneocean.org); PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor; Commander, Philippine Coast
Guard Auxiliary; member, Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving; outriggered boat
builder / designer; fluent in local dialects; originally from southern California.
Nora Ross: Co-Founder / Executive Director, Coastal Dynamics Foundation;
native resident of Buyong Beach, Maribago; a second generation dive / boat operator;
consultant to Barangay Maribago; Squadron Commander, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary;
PADI Divemaster / NASI Diving Instructor; member, Philippine Commission on Sports
Scuba Diving; Treasurer, Underwater Tourism and Education Council
(a local non-profit NGO); elected private sector representative on the Lapu Lapu
City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC); Licensed boat
builder by the Philippines’ Maritime Industries Authority (MARINA).
Recent / Current Project Partners and Supporters
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University of the Philippines - Marine Science Institute
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Geoplan Cebu Foundation
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Department of Environment and Natural Resouces
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Philippine Business for Social Progress
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