1. Apo Island Ingredients for Success

2. Outside stimulation and facilitation  Outsiders brought fresh ideas.  Marine biologist helped Islanders understand crisis and introduced idea of no-fishing reserve.  NGOs helped (a) advocate for local control and (b) set up family planning program on the Island.

3. Strong local democratic institutions and enduring commitment of local leadership  Local barangay government took the lead.  Community participated in intensive discussion.  Decisions made by representatives of all Island families.

4. Co-adaption between social system and ecosystem  Community shared in creation and maintenance of sanctuary.  Islanders network of trust and obligation helped commitment.  Devised easy-to-enforce rules based on community wisdom.  With protection, the ecosystem could repair itself.

5. "Letting nature do the work"  When fish were protected they could repopulate the reef.  Nature can do complex restoration of an entire ecosystem.  Humans cannot devise or carry out such restoration.

6. Rapid results  Within three years the sanctuary was overflowing with fish.  Inspired by success, they began managing fishing grounds.  Tourists came to see reefs which reinforced desire to improve.  New jobs and services developed for the tourist industries.  All of these quick paybacks increase commitment.

7. A powerful symbol  Sanctuary is sacred because it saved their way of life.  It is the symbol of their pride and achievement.  Unthinkable to violate this symbol.

8. Overcoming social obstacles  Social systems can present obstacles to successful change.  Islanders made an easy plan of rotating guards.  Government disapproved of locals setting and enforcing rules.  Islanders negotiated with the government until they agreed.  Government has taken over management of tourist fees.  Local autonomy can solve many of these problems.

9. Social and ecological diversity  Diversity provides more opportunities for good choices.  Apo’s species richness helped ecosystem restore itself.  Islanders expanded their ideas by including those of outsiders.  Rich diversity of coral reef enhanced attractiveness to tourist.s  Tourists brought more job options to islanders.  Educational opportunities have given Islanders new careers.

10. Social and ecological memory  Fishermen recalled traditional non-destructive fishing methods.  Coral-reef ecosystem’s living inhabitants have evolutionary ‘memory’ for co-adaptation to each other.  Chose sanctuary location based on memory of best reefs.  Revived old value of ‘taking only what they need from the sea’.

11. Building Resilience  Adapting in the face of new difficulties.  Imposed restrictions when too much tourism damaged reefs.  Strength for future challenges from experience, pride, commitment, education, new professional skills.