Mangroves matter
With the need for protection against climate change and more livelihoods to alleviate our poverty, mangroves significantly matter.
They should now get much more support from both the government and the private sector.
Last Jan. 15, a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) undersecretary told us that its budget for mangrove establishment had been reduced to zero.
Is this appropriate? Let us identify now the three main benefits of mangroves and then take the appropriate action.
The first main benefit is coastal protection and resilience. Mangroves absorb storm surges. They protect coastal communities by reducing damage from hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis. They are also highly effective “blue carbon” sinks.
The second benefit is water quality and erosion health. They filter pollutants and excess nutrients from storm water runoffs, protecting seagrass beds and coral reefs. They provide breeding, feeding and nursery grounds for fish, shellfish and other marine life.
The third benefit is the economic and social dimension. Added livelihood and income is gained through fishing and tourism. Resources are provided like firewood, charcoal and medicinal plants.
There is increased food security because the seaweed industry provides a base for global fish catches.
Status
Brian James Lu wrote about our mangroves today: “The situation is truly alarming. A report by the International Union for Conservation stated that half of the world‘s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse due to climate change.”
“According to a study, the Philippines experienced the region’s second-worst mangrove decline. The country’s mangrove forests have drastically reduced from 500,000 hectares in 1918 to just 100,000 hectares in 1995.”
Worse, mangroves face threats, such as irresponsible coastal construction and reclamation, poor land-use planning and illegal logging.
Thankfully, our government has created programs for mangrove conservation and development.
The Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Project under DENR was allocated P1 billion during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III.
It integrates the sustainable management of coastal resources, including mangroves.
The Integrated Coastal Management program was implemented by the DENR and the local government units. It unifies the sustainable management of coastal resources, including mangroves.
The National Mangrove Conservation and Rehabilitation Program focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of mangrove areas.
This includes nursery establishment and mangrove forest planting and maintenance.
The Philippine Plan of Action for Sustainable Fisheries protects and rehabilitates mangrove systems. It aims to ensure the sustainability of coastal resources—vital for food, security and the economy.
Private sector
The private sector is to be commended for its contributions in this area.
Metro Pacific Investments Corp. has a Mangrove Propagation and Information Center. It supports education, community engagement, ecotourism and mangrove propagation efforts.
Globe Telecom partnered with the Zoological Society of London Philippines on a five-year initiative on sustainable management of mangrove areas. This includes abandoned fishpond reversion and community engagement.
Aboitiz Power Corp., together with DENR, local government units and fisherfolk associations, launched an island mangrove conservation project in Bataan. This five-year project will build on past mangrove restoration work totaling 30 hectares.
Manulife Philippines partnered with Haribon Foundation to support a ridge-to-reef restoration program. This will combine mangrove rehabilitation with terrestrial forest work to strengthen overall ecosystem health.
Then the Jollibee Group is running a mangrove reforestation program where employees plant propagules with the government and local partners. They emphasize community engagement and sustainable fisheries awareness.
Next steps
Given the momentum shown above by both the government and private sector, but with the zero DENR budget for mangrove plantation establishment this year, what steps should now be taken?
Since the identification of all mangroves was finally completed last year, there can now be a much-needed national mangrove roadmap formulated by a joint government-private sector team.
The currently involved private sector advocates can rally new partners to help fill the gap left by the government.
Why should we do all of this, given our difficult circumstances? Because mangroves matter.
The author is Agriwatch chair, former secretary of presidential flagship programs and projects, and former undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry. Contact is agriwatch_phil@yahoo.com
