500,000 mangroves planted in Olango

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – 7 in partnership with Kanepackage Group Inc. initiated the planting of 500,000 mangrove propagules in a 5,000 square meters of wetland in Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City last Friday.

The activity was intended to help preserve the wildlife sanctuary and to help reduce greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

The area covered is within the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary which spreads over an area of 1,028 hectares, mostly mangrove area considered to be the Philippines’ first wetland of international importance for waterfowl.

The activity was implemented following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement last Friday between DENR and Kanepackage Group Inc.

KGP, through its “KP Green Earth” program, aims to plant and maintain 5 million mangroves in five years. KP Green Earth was launched last year with the planting of 80,000 mangroves.

Under the MOA, KPG shall specifically conduct immediate reforestation of the identified 45, 326 square meters within the wildlife sanctuary. The company will also provide necessary management practices; technology and financial services for the development and rehabilitations of the identified area; conduct information, education and communication awareness; and submit month accomplishment report of the progress in the area.

On the other hand, DENR-7 shall provide technical assistance in the establishment, development, protection and maintenance of mangrove plantation, as well as conduct periodic monitoring of the development of the project.

Mangroves grow along tidal mudflats and shallow coastal areas extending inland along rivers, streams and their tributaries where the water is generally brackish. DENR said the mangroves are important because it provides nursery grounds for fish, prawns and crabs, and support fisheries production in coastal waters.

Mangroves also protect the environment by protecting coastal areas and communities from storm surges, waves, tidal currents and typhoons. They produce organic biomass or carbon and reduce organic pollution areas near the shore by trapping or absorbing green house gases. 

Mangroves contribute 1,800-4,200 grams of carbon per square meter per year, which is approximately the contribution of the tropical rain forest and 10 times higher than primary production in the open ocean.

According to statistics from DENR in 1995, conversion to fishponds, prawn farms, salt ponds, reclamation and other forms of industrial development has reduced the mangrove area to 117,700 hectares.

“We want to convey the message that mangroves provide shelter for local and migratory wildlife and serve as roosting and foraging grounds that is why we really have to protect them. Ensuring the integrity of our coastal resources by planting mangroves is one of the priority projects under the Green Movement Agenda of President Arroyo,” said Leonardo Sibbaluca, regional executive director of DENR.

Kanepackage’s employees from its branches in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and China participated in the planting activity last Friday. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)