The Environmental Costs of Coastal Reclamation in Metro Cebu, Philippines

This study assesses the environmental cost of a large coastal reclamation project in the Philippines. It was undertaken to find out whether such projects generate an overall loss or gain for society as a whole. Such assessments are rarely made for projects of this type. In the past, this has led to inappropriate and unnecessarily destructive development. The study used a number of valuation methods to assess the Cordova Reclamation Project (CRP). This ambitious scheme-which has not yet been implemented - would reclaim almost 3,000 hectares of coastal area around the island of Mactan. The project's impact on fishing, shell-fish collection and tourism were assessed. So was the impact of the quarrying that would supply the rubble needed for the project's landfill. The report finds that the environmental cost of the CRP would be about PHP3.3 billion (USD59.8 million). Almost 86% of this total environmental cost would be due to damages from landfill quarrying and damage to corals. Taking into account construction costs and the economic benefits the project would bring, this means that the reclamation scheme would result in an economic cost to society of over PHP18.4 billion (USD335 million). Given these findings, the report concludes that the project should be reassessed and that steps should be taken to reduce its environmental impact. Options for how this can be done are outlined. The report also suggests that other development strategies, such as eco-tourism, should also be considered. In general it highlights the importance of proper environmental impact assessment and costing for coherent policy development.