Saving Banate Bay: An Extension Project for Sustainable Protection of Coastal Ecosystems and Communities

This extension project, conducted in the coastal municipalities of Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, and Barotac Viejo in Iloilo Province, Philippines, aimed to improve solid waste management and coastal ecosystem conservation through an integrated, multi-stakeholder, and data-driven approach. Baseline surveys and ecological assessments identified knowledge gaps, pollution hotspots, and degraded habitats. Capacity-building workshops empowered policymakers, LGU staff, and communities, while community-led initiatives focused on mangrove reforestation, greenbelt protection, sustainable fishing, marine protected areas, and reef rehabilitation. Innovative waste management practices such as source segregation, composting, and plastic collection were introduced alongside multimedia awareness campaigns and participatory policy dialogues that strengthened local regulations. Monitoring showed a 15% increase in mangrove cover, early coral reef recovery, improved community participation, and adoption of sustainable behaviors. Comprehensive documentation and stakeholder engagement fostered project sustainability, presenting a replicable model that integrates ecological, social, institutional, and policy dimensions for effective coastal conservation and waste management.