Sowing the Seeds of Change

May 28, 2012

 

 

 

Two CTSP-funded mangrove reforestation projects bring environmental, social, and economic benefits to communities of Calatagan, in Verde Island Passage.

Mangroves are extremely important in maintaining coastal integrity.

In 2010, CTSP funded mangrove planting in two areas in Batangas Province, which are in Quilitisan Ang Pulo nature reserve and Balibago proposed protected area.

In mangrove replanting areas the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently confirmed the presence of juvenile fish and mature crabs, marine life not previously found in the area.

Mangrove cover is now more dense and trees are taller, meaning protection for bird populations, improved water quality, and numbers of shellfish which support the livelihoods of the local people have significantly increased.

Both sites are now managed by the local communities who have taken advantage of the improved conditions – generating revenue from ecotourism activities, selling mangrove seedlings raised in the nursery, and entrance fees from visitors who come to Calatagan to experience mangrove planting.

The project has inspired various other mangrove planting projects in the Verde Island Passage, including two more assisted by CTSP in Lubang and Looc in Occidental Mindoro Province.

 

Top : Mayor Sophie Palacio plants a mangrove in Calatagan Municipality in Philippines. CTSP supports Conservation International work in the area, which uses mangroves to protect against climate change impacts. Credit : © Cheryl Ventura / CTSP