Coastal Management Educator

Do you want to be at the frontlines of safeguarding the world’s richest ecosystems? Individuals with a background in environmental science or coastal resource management are invited to support communities in the Philippines.

The archipelagic country is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world, renowned for its ecosystems—from forested mountains and tropical mangroves to coral reefs teeming with marine life. Located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the epicenter of marine biodiversity, the country boasts 21,000 miles of coastline running along its 7,641 islands. The country’s natural resources face mounting environmental pressures though.  Deforestation, land degradation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and poor solid waste management threaten both the ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Changing weather patterns and natural disasters further strain the country’s ability to manage its resources.

As a Costal Management Educator, you will collaborate with the government units at the provincial, city, and municipal level to assess resources and develop nature-based solutions. You’ll also work with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), colleges, and universities to expand environmental education and strengthen capacity. Your efforts will contribute to the long-term resilience of one of the world’s most biologically significant regions.

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.

In underdeveloped areas, housing construction is typically a hollow concrete block or a mix of concrete, wood, and bamboo. Housing in more developed urban areas can range from the same construction as in underdeveloped areas to modern, concrete designs. Most houses have running water and electricity but do not have air conditioning. Access to internet will vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Deepen your expertise in coastal resource and fisheries management through the implementation of real-world solutions in the Pacific.
Learn Filipino or Tagalog from dedicated language and intercultural facilitators.
Ensure future generations can appreciate one of today’s most biologically significant regions.

Review existing laws and guidelines that govern the management of coastal and marine resources for potential areas of improvement.
Conduct participatory coastal resource assessments and synthesize findings.
Facilitate environmental education and awareness activities for youth and community groups to promote stewardship.
Develop or update technical databases.
Draft project proposals that outline objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
Train youth, women, and fisherfolk on topics such as coastal resource assessment and monitoring, proper waste disposal, and the development of education materials.
Establish or enhance marine-protected areas and management systems.
Develop business concepts and alternative livelihoods in the community.
Support the disaster risk reduction and management office’s coastal resource management planning and activities.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as supporting ecotourism start-ups or providing management training for marine-protected areas.

As a Coastal Management Educator, you will be trained on coastal resource assessments, sustainable fisheries management activities, and project design and management. Peace Corps/Philippines will teach you Filipino or Tagalog to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources and learn Visaya, Ilokano, Akeanon, Kinaray-a, Bicol, or Pangasinan, depending on the location of your site.

After 10.5 weeks of training, you will move to either a rural or an urban community where you will collaborate with a local government unit, a non-governmental organization, or a college or university. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on identified priorities of your local community.