IPOPCORM |

When PATH Foundation Philippines, Inc.(PFPI) noticed alarmingly high human population growth rate and a decreased supply of fisheries resources, they found it time to intervene, creating the Integrated Population and Coastal Resource Management (IPOPCORM) project. IPOPCORM’s goal became, to improve food security in coastal communities while maintaining diversity and productivity of ecosystems. Four underlying causes of coastal resource degradation become apparent to PFPI immediately upon commencing the project. A lack of family planning in coastal regions, weak enforcement of environmental laws, few alternatives to fishing livelihoods, and traditions that influenced family size, led to a large boom in human population growth. It was this boom in population that quickly used up the fisheries resources. These causes led to the creation of PFPI’s community-based distribution system, distributing knowledge through Peer Educators, an idea unique to PFPI and a possible factor in their success. Highlighted through the document are the methods, strategies, and approaches that allowed the IPOPCORM project to attain such a respectable level of success in the PHE community.