Advancing community-led fisheries management and ocean conservation in the Philippines
The Philippines sits at the heart of global coral biodiversity, containing nearly 10% of the world’s coral reefs. Its coastal ecosystems — including extensive mangrove forests and one of the largest networks of marine protected areas — support extraordinary marine life and sustain millions of people. More than 1.9 million small-scale fishers depend on these waters for food, income, and cultural identity. Many of these coastal households also depend on smallholder farming to support their families.
Yet these ecosystems are under growing pressure. Overfishing, limited enforcement, and climate impacts have led to declining fish stocks, threatening food security and livelihoods in some of the country’s most marginalized communities. Through community-led solutions, Rare works with coastal communities to restore fisheries, protect biodiversity, strengthen food security and livelihoods, advance gender equity, and build climate-resilient futures.
Strengthening community leadership in fisheries management
Rare partners with coastal communities and governments to strengthen fisheries management and leadership. Our work centers on the Community Seas — the nearshore waters where millions depend on healthy fisheries for food, livelihoods, and cultural identity.
Rare works with coastal communities and local leaders to establish community-managed fishing areas with “no-take” marine reserves to protect and rebuild fisheries while strengthening livelihoods. Rare also works to secure these areas as OECMS, strengthening community rights and contributing to broader conservation goals.
Coastal 500 is the largest global network of mayors and local government leaders committed to fostering thriving and prosperous coastal communities.
The Rare approach to community-led conservation
We work with communities to lead conservation and build the conditions that help it last.
This includes strengthening rights, governance, livelihoods, and culture, while also working beyond the community level to ensure policies, finance, and other systems sustain these efforts over time.
Designing solutions that work for people and nature
We design solutions grounded in how people make decisions and act. We work with communities to align new practices with local priorities, social norms, and daily realities — and use tools and technology to support adoption, learning, and scaling.
Strengthening policies that support community leadership
We work with communities and governments to shape policies that recognize local leadership and support long-term stewardship of natural resources.
Expanding access to finance for communities
We connect communities to financial tools and opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and help them adapt to environmental and economic change.
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Rare partners in the Philippines
Rare works with a wide range of partners to strengthen coastal fisheries management and ocean conservation
We are grateful to the partners and supporters whose collaboration makes our work possible.
Partner With Us
Healthy oceans depend on strong partnerships and community leadership.
If you are interested in partnering with Rare in the Philippines or supporting community-led fisheries management, we would love to hear from you.
Contact us to become a partner
Contact Us
For more information on Rare’s work in the Philippines, please contact us.
