Philippines Mangrove Rehabilitation
Project Description
Recognizing an impending ecological threat brought about increasing pressure on coastal resources, the government of Pangasinan launched a coastal resource management program. This program promotes the development of coastal resource management of the Dasol Bay specifically focusing on the rehabilitation of the mangrove ecosystem.
The mangrove ecosystem requires a broad range of development interventions. Washington State University (WSU) is collaborating with the Foundation for the Philippine Environment, local governmental organizations, international and other non-governmental organizations to facilitate the convergence of technical and financial assistance. Such capacity building for beneficiaries helps make them more effective managers of their resources, information and education campaigns for their communities and as advocates for other stakeholders promoting sustainable resource use.
During the rehabilitation of the mangrove ecosystem in Dasol Bay, the needs of targeted communities for more productive fishing grounds will be addressed resulting in improved living conditions with a healthy and vibrant ecosystem continuing to serve the coastal communities. Mangroves are important for many plant and animal species. Their continued destruction will result in a dramatic loss to the commercial and recreational fishing industry and erosion of shorelines. A natural habitat may be lost putting innumerable plants and animals on endangered species list and possibly leading to extinction. Depletion of mangroves occurs quickly because of the higher short-term benefits derived from harvesting for logging for fuel wood or the conversion of the ecosystem to salt beds and fishponds. To address these problems, mangrove management is one of the most important coastal resource management interventions that can be implemented in the area. Project goals will be achieved through establishment and management of mangrove sanctuaries, a mangrove nursery, and reconversion of fishponds in the mangrove sanctuary.
Duration
2005 - 2010
Collaborators
- Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc.
Funding Agency
- Altria Group
WSU Contact Persons
Dr. Tom Byers
btom@wsu.edu