180ha mangrove plantations restored

CEBU, Philippines - Around 180 hectares of mangroves and beach forest plantations have been established and restored covering 11 towns in the northern part of Cebu which have been affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

“This is under the work for food program of the DENR in support to families affected by Yolanda and in line with our commitment to provide safer and better coastal communities against storm surges and coastal flooding,” said Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo in a statement.

The DENR-7 has contracted at least 14 peoples’ organizations (POs) in order to establish and restore the 180-hectare plantations and hired at least 400 affected individuals to put up the nursery operations.

Over one million mangrove propagules were generated to cover the 85-hectare mangrove plantations while 50,000 seedlings were produced to cover 100 hectares of beach forest in all ten identified towns.

The 11 Yolanda affected towns in northern Cebu which have been replanted include Bantayan Island, Camotes Island, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Bogo City, Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon and Carmen.

Montejo said after the Yolanda devastation, DENR will continue to strengthen its mitigation efforts or slowing down the effects of climate change by planting more mangroves and maintaining beach forest plantations like growing bread fruit or ‘kulo’ or ‘talisay’ tree species to act as natural barriers against strong waves.

“We fully understand that there are certain suitable mangrove species to be planted and we are complying with that with our Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau,” he added.

Mangroves anchor the soil, absorb and dissipate the energy of the waves, slowing their passage in land.  This is particularly important as high waves or storm tides can quickly erode coastlines and damaged structures.

Presidential Proclamation 2146 promulgated in 1982 and Republic Act Number 7161 imposed a national ban on cutting mangroves with certain liabilities.

The DENR-7 earmarked a total of P10 million for the immediate relief assistance of the Yolanda affected communities including restoration and establishment of mangrove and beach forest plantations.

The DENR has also allocated an additional P1 billion budget to be implemented in all areas hit by Yolanda. This is on top of the P6.2 billion allotted for the implementation of the National Greening Program nationwide, which includes the rehabilitation of denuded mangrove and beach forests.  — Jessa J. Agua/NSA (FREEMAN)