Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol – In a move to strengthen the climate resiliency of typhoon-vulnerable communities, 25,000 Rhizophora propagules were planted along the 10-hectare coastal area of Brgy. Sto. Rosario, Pres. Carlos. P. Garcia, Bohol. This mangrove rehabilitation effort aims to strengthen climate resilience, safeguard biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods, offering invaluable ecosystem services to the residents of PCPG.

In collaboration with the local government unit of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Bohol, the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and AFOS Foundation, the FISH Visayas Project successfully engaged the residents of Brgy. Sto. Rosario, Brgy. Aguining and Brgy. Saguise to plant the 25,000 mangrove propagules along the vulnerable coastal areas. Barangay Rosario has been selected as a priority area for mangrove planting due to severe damage brought by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. Remarkably, 30 hectares of degraded area are to be rehabilitated, of which 30% of the area has been covered by the activity supported by the project.

Central to the success of these rehabilitation efforts is the empowerment of residents, who underwent training sessions focusing on the selection, planting, and distribution of indigenous mangrove seedlings. By actively involving the community, the project underscores their indispensable role as stewards of the environment.

Notably, partner peoples’ organizations such as Aguininghong Pundok sa Yanong Mananagat (APYM) and Kahugpungan sa Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Saguise (KAGAMASA) played an integral role in the three-day mangrove rehabilitation, alongside fishers from neighboring barangays and barangay officials.

Mangrove rehabilitation is a vital strategy for mitigating erosion and shielding coastal communities from the adverse effects of sea level rise, storm surges, and tsunamis. It not only amplifies carbon sequestration capacity, but also plays a role in preserving and revitalizing habitats for plants, animals, and microbial species. This conservation effort is instrumental in safeguarding biodiversity and sustaining the livelihoods of local communities such as PCPG, reliant on these ecosystems for fishing and ecotourism.

Looking ahead, the local government with DENR, and BCCI is committed to monitoring the area to gauge the survival rate of the planted mangrove propagules, ultimately, ensuring the long-term efficacy and sustainability of the rehabilitation efforts.

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The Mangrove Area Rehabilitation aspires to achieve Result Area 4: Resource Protection of the FISH Visayas Project.