The LUSAY Extension Project Phase 3 (Local Knowledge and Understanding of Seagrass as Yes to Building Resilience to Climate Change) is a community-focused initiative based in Tulang, Barangay Esperanza, San Francisco, Cebu, aimed at empowering 30 local boat operators and members of the Tulang United Pumpboat Association. This project, implemented by the Center for Limnological, Aquatic Biodiversity, and Mariculture Studies (CLABMS) in collaboration with the BS Fisheries and BS Tourism programs, seeks to enhance the education, skills, and environmental awareness of the beneficiaries.
Through seminars, field training, and hands-on demonstrations, participants are equipped to serve as coastal managers, protectors of the vital seagrass (lusay) ecosystems, and advocates for sustainable practices. Beyond environmental stewardship, the project addresses governance and policy gaps by developing guidelines for pump boat operations to ensure sustainable livelihood and regulated tourism activities. With partnerships involving the local government, barangay councils, and environmental organizations, the initiative fosters social cohesion, strengthens community ownership of shared resources, and contributes to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on hunger, education, climate action, marine life, and partnerships.
