Benefits Of Marine Conservation Program: An Impact Evaluation Approach

The Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program (COREMAP) is a marine conservation program providing capacity building for fishers and villagers, including training in business management, creating alternative livelihoods, and programs in marine resource management. This study evaluates the impact of the program by applying a quasi-experimental design using propensity score matching (PSM). The program outcomes are compared between people in COREMAP areas with control areas and COREMAP beneficiaries with non beneficiaries. A survey of 684 households was conducted across the six districts in Eastern Indonesia. The results show positive livelihood impacts of COREMAP on coastal communities. In particular, beneficiaries are better off than non-beneficiaries concerning income from alternative livelihood sources and overall household income. The focus of livelihood support in reducing pressure on coastal resources appears to be an effective strategy. The management community unit plays a vital role in conserving coastal and marine resources within the project sites. Hence, there is much incentive for continuing such COREMAP's initiatives.