Mindoro mangroves offer protection, promote eco-tourism

MANILA, Philippines - The coastal barangay of Silonay in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro has been living under the constant threat of storm surges for decades because of its location.

While situated within the center of the Coral Triangle known for its lush biodiversity, the province is visited frequently by destructive typhoons and heavy downpour which submerges low-lying settlements.

Once separated from the mainland by an estuary, it has been identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resource  (DENR) as the most vulnerable village.

Recent natural occurrences showed that mangroves protected coastal municipalities in the Visayas which were hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda. 

Cognizant of this threat, the local governments of Calapan City and the Province of Oriental Mindoro established the Silonay Mangrove Conservation and Eco-tourism Park, an ecosystem based adaptation project which involves reforestation to protect village dwellers from storm surges, rise in sea level and coastal erosion, etc.

The Samahang Nagkakaisang Pamayanan ng Silonay, a community-based organization was organized with the help of the barangay council.

The US-based Conservation International later came in and helped fund the development of the 42-hectare park which also contains a 300-meter boardwalk for tourists and birdwatchers.

According to Oriental Mindoro governor Alfonso Umali Jr., the people could be more effective in conserving the environment if they are economically empowered through sustainable livelihood generated by eco-tourism activities. 

He said  visitors to the mangrove park could do close-to-nature activities such as kayak and paddle boat tours which are operated by the Silonay group. 

The local group is also engaged in the production of souvenirs and snack items for tourists. 

Visitors to the area are required to plant mangrove seedlings as part of developing an affinity to the community, and help further enrich the wetland ecosystem. 

Because of the dense mangrove forest, various exotic fowls have made the mangrove forest their sanctuary. Among these are Philippine nightjar, pygmy swiftlet, Asian glossy starling, Oriental magpie robin, clamorous reed warbler, and black-naped oriole. 

In addition, there are also pied triller, chestnut munia, golden bellied gerrygone, and white-collared kingfisher, making the area also ideal for bird watching. 

Other rare wildlife which seek refuge in the area are long-tongued nectar bat, musky fruit bat, and kaloula picta frog.

Also found in the area are various mangroves such as the River Poison Tree, Asiatic, Apple, Tall-Silted, and black mangroves, as well as holly-leaved acanthus.

Umali said that the mangrove colony, most of which are 10 feet high, helps enhance the marine biodiversity of Oriental Mindoro by providing a spawning haven of fishes and other aquatic resources.

The province’s extensive coral reefs, sea grass and estuarine areas provide an ideal ecosystem where diverse marine species can dwell and propagate. This becomes a major source of livelihood for fisherfolk who rely on the bounty of the sea.