125 M mangrove seedlings planted in Yolanda-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines – At least 125 million mangrove seedlings have been planted in 43 Yolanda-hit provinces, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The DENR’s ecosystems research and development bureau (ERDB) achieved its target to plant the seedlings in 50, 417 hectares of coastal areas in a little over a year, said DENR Secretary Ramon Paje.

Paje said the ERDB also exceeded its seedling production target under the mangrove and beach forests development project of the National Greening Program (NGP) for 2011 to 2014.

A total of 139 million mangrove propagules and beach forest tree species have been produced, which was almost triple the program’s regular seedling production for coastal reforestation.

Paje said the project generated 87,500 jobs. At least 12,500 people were hired to prepare planting sites and seedling production.

Eastern Visayas has the widest coverage area  at 13,633 hectares; followed by Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) 8,096; Bicol region, 7,943; Central Visayas, 4,947; Zamboanga peninsula, 4,731; Western Visayas, 3,468; Caraga, 4,452; Davao region, 1,768; Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon),1,000; and Northern Mindanao,378.

The planting of mangrove seedlings was made a priority project under the NGP in 2014 in view of the crucial role mangrove forests play in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Mangroves act as shields against storm surges and buffers for rising sea levels.