Mangroves protect coasts, fight climate change in PH

Some plants are picky. They either suffocate when buried too deep or require a specific type of soil to grow. They are high-maintenance, but did you know there’s a plant that can thrive both on land and in water?

Mangroves are like the amphibians of plants. Just like their animal counterparts, they’re adaptable to both land and saltwater. Found on tropical and subtropical shores, mangroves have remarkably strong roots that grip and thrive in both environments.

How do mangroves impact our way of living? Their contributions to the environment, food security, and protection of coastlines are especially important, as the Philippines remains vulnerable to the dangers posed by natural hazards and climate change.

Mangrove forests, with their firm roots, serve as protective barriers, shielding coastlines from extreme disasters such as floods and storms, and preventing erosion. Besides being protectors of nature and its inhabitants, they also serve as biodiverse nursery habitats for a variety of fish, crustaceans, and mollusk species. Mangrove ecosystems have become essential food sources for coastal communities and animals.

Moreover, mangroves are key to climate change mitigation as a nature-based solution, according to the World Wildlife Fund. They store carbon three to four times more per acre than tropical forests. However, due to deforestation, their loss contributes to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite their ability to thrive in both land and water environments, mangrove species are endangered. According to the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission, the country has lost more than 450,000 hectares of mangrove forests over the last century. Most recent statistics show this has decreased to 311,400 hectares. Despite the significant reduction in mangrove forest coverage, the Philippines remains home to many mangrove sites and continues efforts to protect, preserve, and rehabilitate these vital ecosystems.

In Region 6, numerous mangrove forests benefit both coastal communities and surrounding ecosystems. Among these is the 220-hectare Bakhawan Eco-Park in Kalibo, Aklan, which offers an immersive nature experience through a 3-kilometer wood and bamboo boardwalk. Another is the 44.22-hectare Katunggan it Ibajay in Ibajay, Aklan, which showcases 25 out of 35 mangrove species found in the Philippines, including a century-old bungalon or api-api tree.

Meanwhile, the 14.28-kilometer Iloilo River Esplanade in Iloilo City showcases a blend of modern design and natural beauty, with lush green mangroves running along both sides of the river.

Ironically, despite their benefits and contributions, mangrove forests are among the most threatened habitats in the world. Overharvesting and overfishing are major causes of mangrove loss, disrupting the ecological balance and threatening the sustainability of these ecosystems. Another serious threat is pollution. Fertilizers, pesticides, sewage, toxic chemicals, and oil can suffocate mangrove roots. These pollutants also affect marine animals and coral reefs.

“Mangrove forests have been an important ecosystem in the region because of the large number of coastal communities. These mangrove forests are essential to the protection of both the communities and the marine ecosystems,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla.

“Mangrove forests will always be a vital ecosystem, and maintaining their purpose primarily lies in the hands of the community and its people. Help us gain enough protection to safeguard coastal areas,” he added.

Climate change directly affects nature, and the environment continues to be at risk because of it—as mangrove ecosystems become increasingly vulnerable. This gives even more reason to preserve and sustain the lives of mangrove trees, not just for the present, but for future generations. (DENR-6)