Hagonoy Mangrove Reforestation Program

Size of area being restored
10 hectares

Geographical features of site
Coastal

Objectives of restoration
To reforest Hagonoy mangroves to help mitigate climate change and sustain livelihood of local people.

Type/method of restoration
Planting Science-based and community based activities such as planting the appropriate mangrove species, conducting training, advocating for environment protection, and building partnerships.

Natural / biodiversity assessments done
Mangrove assessment conducted in a few patches of mangrove forests in January 2021. Report can be shared where necessary.

Challenges and threats to the area
The mangrove forests in Hagonoy, Bulacan are a major contributor to the local economy, over-all health and wellness of the population. But the same economy that benefits from this ecosystem also poses a major threat to its survival. Clearing operations and reclamation projects cause half of the destruction of mangrove forest. Mangroves are developed into fishponds, shrimp aquaculture and other development projects. This aquaculture practices also causes too much siltation which mangroves can no longer tolerate, thus, suffocate the trees.

Our main challenge is lack of fund. Although the LGU has approved budget following its approval of the ordinance declaring the area as a protected mangrove area, the disbursement of funds is curtailed by bureaucratic processes. It is taking time for them to write the implementing rules and regulations of the said budget.

There is also small scale quarrying in the mangrove forests, resulting from the lack of awareness of people.

Communities involved (indicate size)
local government units municipal and local level, community people represented by some leaders, local elementary school.

Solutions/interventions being done in response to challenges and objectives
The project will involve the community as the main planners and implementers coming from private, public, NGO and community levels. The people will be made aware of the importance of mangroves in the ecosystem and eventually will initiate the planting, nurturing, and protecting the mangrove forests. Equally important is the cooperation and support of the local government and other environmental groups who will continue to provide their technical support and expertise. Including possible co-financing in a true public-private-partnership spirit.

The project is community-empowering and enabling with the ultimate objective of fostering its ownership by the community from the outset. Members of the community will be involved in all stages of the project and will also be the ones to monitor and sustain it. The project will invest in research, education and community development to ensure the ability of the community to manage it in the long term.

To date, we have established a coalition of local groups which will act as a forum for sharing resources and will also oversee the program. We have also presented our long term plan to the LGU and they have expressed support, though the support is slow.

We have close to 50 volunteers from all walks of life and across different ages but mainly youth. We have also partnered with FEED, Inc. in proposal making and have submitted a few to different potential sponsors. We are part of the Central Luzon Blue Carbon Network spearheaded by BlueCares and UP Diliman.