Towards a collaborative and sustainable financing system for Mount Arayat National Park, Philippines

Roy Joven Amatus; Margaret Calderon

Roy Joven R. Amatus Department of Forestry and Agroforestry, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Pampanga, Philippines
Margaret M. Calderon Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines

Keywords: financial sustainability scorecard, fund management, protected area, SWOT analysis

Abstract

Insufficient funds and inefficient fund administration are among the main constraints in effective protected area management in the Philippines. Aside from biodiversity conservation objectives, Protected areas (PAs) also aim for financial sustainability. This study analyzes the financing status and fund administration of Mount Arayat National Park (MANP), providing administrative, fiscal, and policy options for sustainable financing. A Financial Sustainability Scorecard was formulated to identify and assess policy, administrative, fiscal, and financial issues and gaps related to the financing of MANP. Analysis of secondary data and reports, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with the PA management were conducted to fill up the scorecard. SWOT analysis was then conducted to identify crucial internal and external factors related to funding generation and administration. Results show that the overall financial administration of MANP is fair (53%) but below satisfactory. One of the key strengths of MANP, and probably all site-level PAs in the country, is the presence of sufficient and sound legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks supporting sustainable financing. However, adopting and implementating these guidelines can be improved, such as business planning and tools for cost-effective management. An updated and comprehensive management plan, detailed financial plan, and business plan must be formulated. At present, MANP has limited revenue-generating mechanisms. The Special-use Agreement on Protected Areas (SAPA) was the most promising option to increase revenues in MANP. Collaboration with organizations, such as the local government units, academe, non-government organizations, and other government agencies for the possible benefit and cost-sharing schemes may also be encouraged. Investing in human resources and capacity building is recommended, particularly for effective fund administration and revenue collection systems and in crafting and marketing alternative financing mechanisms.