Do biophysical studies and coastal databases enhance coastal management sustainability? Several Philippine cases

This study traces the impact of biophysical studies on the sustainability of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) processes with emphasis on programs that have aimed to develop and implement a coastal resource management plan at the municipal level. It documents the availability of data sets, extent of use of the biophysical studies, the prevailing methods in gathering biophysical data, and the institutional capacity in the conduct of the studies. It also evaluates the use and impact of the Municipal Coastal Database initiated by the Coastal Resource Management Project in selected local government units in the Visayas and Mindanao. s of the study show that the biophysical data sets continue to be generated in support of ICM initiatives in the Philippines. They continue to provide baseline information as well as to substantiate issues that need to be addressed and help prioritize specific initiatives. These however, are underutilized. Generally, the flow of information stops in the planning stage. This can be attributed to the difficulty in accessing the information, lack of perceived need for the information or lack of technical know how in utilizing the information as well as updating the information.