|
|
The
CRM Net
COVENANT OF THE CRM-NETWE, the individuals and institutions of the government and private sector, non-government organizations, and people’s organizations, involved in the theory and practice of coastal resources management in the Philippines;
AWARE of the continuing poverty of the Filipino people living in our coastal cities and municipalities, exacerbated by the continuing depletion of coastal resources and degradation of the coastal habitat upon which they are dependent for their livelihood which ensure survival and enhance living conditions;
NOTING the heightened response in favor of coastal resources management from an ever-widening spectrum of sectors from government agencies, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, academic and research institutions, developmental agencies, and the private sector;
BELIEVING that after years of initiating, conducting, participating in, or supporting CBCRM/ICM in our respective areas of operation in the Philippines, we have generated a wealth of knowledge and experiences that may be tapped for the purpose of further refining, advancing and promoting the practice of CBCRM/ICM;
UNITED by the aspiration to ensure the sustainable development of Philippine coastal communities and environments through CBCRM/ICM, and the principles of equity, empowerment, sustainability, gender-fairness, accountability, and respect for nature;
AFFIRMING that one of the means of achieving our aspiration is through the facilitation of learning through exchange and sharing of experiences and the distillation and transmission of knowledge, through the use of an efficient and accessible network as a forum for the free flow of ideas;
DO HEREBY constitute the Coastal Resources Management Network, or CRM-NET, as follows:
Basic Principles
The CRM-NET is a network of concerned individuals and institutions involved in CBCRM/ICM in the Philippines. All members of CRM-NET shall abide by the following basic principles:
1. Transparency, or the openness to share information and experience with other members of the network;Objectives2. Openness to learning, or the ability to hear each other out and discuss issues, differences in opinion or methodology, with a view towards a clearer understanding of each other’s work and the promotion of standards of good practice;
3. Respect and humility, through the diligent acknowledgment of contributions made by other persons that laid the foundations for existing and future work in coastal resource management, and a conscientious regard for the intellectual property rights of the many contributors to the coastal resource management effort;
4. Inclusivity, or the openness to membership and cooperation with all types of institutions and individuals, regardless of whether or not they may be a part of the public or private sector, for as long as they act consistently with the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the members;
5. Participatory, which means that all members shall be given opportunity to participate meaningfully in planning, implementation, and decision-making in the CRM-NET; it is an empowering process where the power of an individual is increased by his/her simultaneous contribution to increasing the power of others;
6. Respect for the community, or the recognition of the primacy of local communities’ welfare, local knowledge, culture, tenurial/use and other rights over resources, and stewardship of the environment and natural resources.
In establishing the CRM-NET, all members have agreed to achieve the following common goals:
1. To generate information and knowledge on the coastal environment and coastal communities of the PhilippinesMembership2. To facilitate the exchange of experiences, information, and knowledge on CBCRM/ICM between and among the members of the CRM-NET and similar networks abroad ;
3. To foster and nurture the linkages between and among the various advocates, practitioners and stakeholders in coastal resource management;
4. To synthesize, promote and advocate standards of good practice in CBCRM/ICM;
5. To Promote an open and frank atmosphere for discussions and exchanges between and among the members of the CRM-NET and other similar networks in south and north countries;
6. To create a focal point for interactions and exchanges among all advocates and practitioners of CBCRM/ICM;
Membership in the CRM-NET may be on an individual or an institutional basis. In order to become members, such individuals or institutions should possess the following qualifications:
1. a practitioner in CRM, notably those involved in projectStructure
project implementation, research, advocacy, training, legal services, livelihood assistance, community organizing, among others;2. has engaged or is engaged in CRM projects;
3. willing to share and exchange ideas, discuss and debate positions,
teach and learn from others;A Coordinating Committee, composed of five (5) members elected by the General Assembly for two (2) years, shall administer the network, coordinate its functions, and represent the entire CRM-NET in dealing with non-CRM-NET members both in the Philippines and abroad.
The Committee shall be headed by a Chairperson, who shall be elected by the members among themselves. The committee shall appoint such other officers as may be necessary to assist the Committee in carrying out its functions and to act as local implementers of network activities.
Unless otherwise decided, the Committee shall have its central office and mailing address at the CBCRM Resource Center of the University of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Development.
Done this 17th day of February 2000, at the U.P. Diliman, Quezon City, by the General Assembly of the CRM-NET.
