LIKE: From fishponds to mangrove forest

Like it or not, the Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark (LIKE) in Leganes, Iloilo, stands as one of the most successful mangrove restoration projects not only in Western Visayas but across the Philippines.

From an initial reforestation target of 9.5 hectares, the park has since expanded to 15 hectares.

The area was once filled with abandoned, underutilized, and undeveloped (AUU) fishponds used for milkfish production.

After a powerful typhoon caused extensive damage, the site was surrendered to the Leganes local government unit (LGU).

The LGU transformed the AUU fishponds into a mangrove forest through science-based natural restoration and active monitoring.

Motivated by the area’s progress and potential to boost productivity, support marine biodiversity, and mitigate climate change, the LGU signed a memorandum of agreement in 2009 with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines.

ZSL Philippines, a global conservation and educational charity, partnered with the LGU to implement its community-based mangrove rehabilitation project.

Of the 39 mangrove species that can grow in the Philippines, 10 were identified as suitable for planting in the ecopark.

These include Bungalon (Avicennia marina), Bungalon/Apiapi (Avicennia rumphiana), Pototan (Bruguiera cylindrica), Baras-baras (Ceriops decandra), Lipata (Excoecaria agallocha), Tabao (Lumnitzera racemosa), Bakhaw Lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata), Bakhaw Babae (Rhizophora mucronata), Bakhaw Bato (Rhizophora stylosa), and Pagatpat (Sonneratia alba).

The restoration of LIKE also led to the return of seagrass beds, increasing fish populations and attracting marine species like the dugong (Dugong dugon), which is listed as vulnerable by the Philippine Red List of Threatened Wild Fauna.

The project has also improved local livelihoods.

By selling mangrove seedlings and helping maintain the ecopark, many housewives who once relied solely on their husbands’ income are now contributing to household earnings.

Communities have also become more aware of the ecological and economic value of mangroves.

These ecosystems provide soil stabilization, carbon storage, wildlife habitat, and protection against storm surges.

The ecopark serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of community engagement. Its success also highlights the crucial role of volunteers, teachers, students, and other sectors in driving environmental restoration forward.