Jessa Marie Caabay is an environmental scientist and marine conservation practitioner serving as Technical Manager of Community Centred Conservation (C3) Philippines. Her work focuses on dugong conservation, seagrass ecosystem protection, and community-based coastal resource management in the Philippines.
She works closely with coastal communities, local governments, and conservation partners to advance biodiversity conservation, responsible fisheries, and sustainable coastal resource management. Passionate about the conservation of seagrass ecosystems, Jessa advocates for the protection of critical marine habitats that support dugongs, fisheries, blue carbon storage, and marine biodiversity. Through research, participatory monitoring, and community engagement, she strives to strengthen ecosystem conservation while empowering local communities to become effective stewards of their coastal resources.
Advancing Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Through Science, Monitoring, and Community Stewardship in Roxas, Palawan, Philippines
Jessa Caabay’s project aims to strengthen the conservation of dugongs, a globally vulnerable species, and the seagrass ecosystems on which they depend in Roxas, Palawan, Philippines. As one of the country’s most threatened marine mammals, dugongs rely on healthy seagrass meadows that also support fisheries, coastal livelihoods, marine biodiversity, and blue carbon storage. Through science-based conservation and community stewardship, the project seeks to improve the protection and management of critical dugong habitats while fostering greater local participation in marine conservation. By working closely with fisherfolk, youth, women, local governments, and other stakeholders, the initiative aims to build long-term stewardship and contribute to the protection of dugongs, seagrass ecosystems, and the coastal communities that depend on them.