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The publication, “A Handbook of Protocols for the Conduct of Reef Assessments in the Philippines,” received the 2024 National Academy of Science and Technology Outstanding Book Award.
It was edited and written by Dr. Katrina S. Luzon, Mr. Francis Xavier D. Verdadero, Ms. Ysadora F. Mendoza, and Dr. Wilfredo Y. Licuanan of De La Salle University (DLSU).
The book features the generated standardized coral reef assessment protocol and provides a more simplified approach to capacitate non-scientists to be knowledgeable on coral assessment. These empower non-scientists to conceptualize, plan, and implement a more detailed reef assessment and contribute in developing a nationwide reef monitoring system to facilitate the management of Philippine reefs.
Currently, the book is widely used by national government agencies particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BFAR), non-government organizations, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and other coral reef managers.
The handbook of protocols is an output of the projects, “National Assessment of Coral Reef Environment Project 1. Synoptic Investigation of Human Impacts on Nearshore Environments (SHINE): Coral Reefs (NACRE Project 1 SHINE Coral Reefs)” and “Capacity Building for Reef Assessment and Coral Taxonomy (CBRACT).” Both projects were funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).