A simple system for monitoring biodiversity in protected areas of a developing country

The achievements of initiatives to strengthen biodiversity conservation in developing countries may be difficult to assess, since most countries have no system for monitoring biodiversity. This paper describes a simple and co st-effective, field-based biodiversity monitoring system developed specific ally for areas where 'specialist staff' is lacking. We discuss the prelimin ary lessons learned from protected areas in the Philippines. Whilst the mon itoring system aims to identify trends in biodiversity and its uses so as t o guide management action, it also promotes the participation of local peop le in the management, stimulates discussions about conservation amongst sta keholders and builds the capacity of park staff and communities in manageme nt skills. In addition, it seeks to provide people with direction regarding the aims of protected areas, and reinforces the consolidation of existing livelihoods through strengthening community-based resource management syste ms. The field methods are: (1) standardised recording of routine observatio ns, (2) fixed point photographing, (3) line transect survey, and (4) focus group discussion. Both bio-physical and socio-economic data are used and gi ven equal importance. The system can be sustained using locally available r esources. The approach is useful in countries embarking on shared managemen t of park resources with local communities, where rural people depend on us e of natural ecosystems, and where the economic resources for park manageme nt are limited. We hope this paper will encourage other countries to develo p their own biodiversity monitoring system, letting its development become a means for capacity building whilst at the same time supporting the creati on of ownership.