Global leaders join forces for coastal conservation in Aklan

KALIBO, Aklan — The Katunggan It Ibajay Mangrove Ecopark in Aklan recently became the center stage for global climate action, as the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Aklan served as one of the facilitators for a high-level delegation from the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership.

Leaders from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, alongside experts from the World Economic Forum representing Belgium, the United Kingdom, and France, explored one of the world’s most successful blue carbon models — the Katunggan It Ibajay Mangrove Ecopark.

Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems, particularly mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes. These ecosystems can sequester carbon at rates significantly higher than terrestrial forests, making them critical assets in the global fight against climate change.

Spanning approximately 44.42 hectares across the barangays of Naisud and Bugtongbato in Ibajay, Aklan, the ecopark serves as a living laboratory of biodiversity.

The delegation explored the sanctuary through the newly completed 1.6-kilometer boardwalk, designed to support research and ecotourism activities without harming the ecosystems in the area.

The boardwalk is one of the infrastructure improvements enhanced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6 and the local government unit of Ibajay, allowing visitors to experience and see firsthand the diverse mangrove species in the area, including 27 out of the 35 mangrove species found in the Philippines.

The park is dominated by majestic, century-old bungalon, also known as api-api or pi-api (Avicennia rumphiana), trees that provide a home to 17 recorded bird species, such as the Arctic warbler (Phylloscopus borealis) and the brahminy kite (Haliastur indus).

The diversity of species demonstrates that environmental preservation and vibrant ecosystems go hand in hand.

The success of the ecopark in ensuring the long-term management, conservation, and sustainable development of the ecosystem is rooted in strong partnerships between the DENR, the local government unit of Ibajay, local people’s organizations such as the Amligan Katunggan it Naisud and Bugtongbato, the Zoological Society of London, and other dedicated stakeholders.

By integrating scientific expertise from the World Economic Forum and the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership with the dedication of local Aklanon communities, the Katunggan It Ibajay Mangrove Ecopark stands as a global model for climate resilience and coastal protection. (DENR-6)