Civil Society Engagement

Da Loc commune village Green Teams clean the beach near a ma ... , Thanh Hoa Province, Viet Nam © Søren Rud

Civil society engagement and citizen participation can be powerful agents in making better decisions on coastal ecosystem management. The post tsunami scenario witnessed a sharp upswing in public interest and awareness on the important roles coastal ecosystems play in protecting shorelines and communities. MFF believes that the current period is crucial in terms of giving continuity and further impetus to civic involvement in decision making processes related to coastal development.

Today, civil society organizations are taking active roles in shaping global policies. Vis-à-vis their growing influence, it is important that their participation be integrated into governance structures of integrated coastal management systems. The inclusion of women, indigenous people, marginalized and disadvantaged groups are significant aspects of civil society participation.

This MFF ‘Programme of Work’ aims to link actions on the ground with improved awareness among civil society at large. In Mahe island- Seychelles for example, MFF worked with Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS), local communities, businesses and government to enhance public awareness on turtle friendly practices which resulted in increased rates of successful turtle nesting.

In Thailand’s Chalong bay, a rapidly growing sub district in Phuket, MFF helped improve capacity of marginalized communities to develop secure livelihoods through environmentally friendly tourism activities and alternative occupations related to ecotourism.

For details about Actions, Outputs and Results, click [ + ]