12 coastal areas in C.Visayas up for mangrove propagules planting
CEBU CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 is set to plant more than 20,000 mangrove propagules during a simultaneous mangrove planting and coastal clean-up on April 26 in 12 identified coastal areas in Central Visayas.
This is in line with Proclamation No. 1482 issued on April 10, 2008 declaring the month of April as the Philippines’ Earth Month and identified the DENR as the main convenor of the celebration.
DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso said the mangroves provide nursery grounds for fish, prawns, and crabs, and support fisheries production in coastal waters so it is important to sustain our mangrove planting efforts.
Mangrove is a type of forest growing along tidal mudflats and along shallow water coastal areas extending inland along rivers, streams, and tributaries where water is generally brackish.
Said activity will be conducted in partnership with the local government units, non-government organizations, academe, and other stakeholders in the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Siquijor.
Among the coastal areas to be planted with mangroves are Guibuangan, Barili, and Catarman, Cordova, all in Cebu; and Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.
“It must be emphasized that DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje wants to see our coastal areas carpeted with mangroves as it is supportive to the national greening program,” he added.
Aside from mangrove planting and coastal clean-up, a soil potting activity will also be conducted on April 20 in all community environment and natural resources offices (CENROs).
According to DENR 1995 statistics, the conversion to fishponds, prawn farms, salt ponds, reclamation and other forms of industrial development has reduced the mangrove area to 117,700 hectares.
On the other hand, mangroves protect the environment by protecting coastal areas and communities from storm surges, waves, tidal currents and typhoons; and produce organic biomass (carbon) and reduce organic pollution in nearshore areas by trapping or absorption.
(rmn/PIA-7/HFG/DENR-7)