DENR calls for mangrove, bamboo planting

MANILA, Philippines - Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has called for the country to undertake massive planting of mangroves and bamboo to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

In a statement delivered at the Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, Morocco, Lopez said there is a need for more mangroves because the islands without mangroves suffered 80 percent damage in terms of lives and property due to typhoons and calamities that hit the country.

“This thrust will not only save our islands but will result in economic zones because of the resultant increase in fish, shrimps and other sea life. If handled well, our people can get out of poverty,” she added.

Lopez also cited the importance of planting bamboo. She said bamboo is not only “superb in carbon sequestration” but also serves as good material in building strong six-story buildings and low-cost housing, in producing floor tiles and textiles and in cleaning polluted waterways.

“In essence, adaptation, mitigation and inclusive economic growth do not have to be separate activities or choices. These objectives can all be achieved given the right approach,” she said.

“We do not need to give up economic growth – from clean energy, to sustainable transportation, to all facets of life. We need to have the courage to change the way we do things. We cannot and must not build an economy based on suffering. At an increase of .8 degrees, we suffered Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), which is the worst storm surge in the planet’s history wherein more than ten thousand died. Ironic. So much to give. So much to lose,” she added.