ROXAS City – The Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO) recently led a participatory mangrove assessment in President Roxas town, marking the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.
Also known as World Mangrove Day, the occasion is slated every July 26 of each year to raise awareness on the importance of mangrove ecosystems as “a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem” and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses.
The three-day activity was in partnership with the Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya, Inc. (SIKAT Inc.) and with assistance from the Capiz Ecology and Conservation Center, Capiz State University, the local government unit of President Roxas, and barangay officials of Madulano and Pinamihagan.
SIKAT is a non-government organization that aims to enhance coastal community resiliency by implementing community-based Coastal Resource Management and Disaster Risk Reduction programs and promoting good governance practices in the country.
Several groups, including Capiz Eco-Youth Volunteers, on-the-job training students from Capiz State University – Dayao Satellite College, research volunteers from the Fisheries and Food Research Development Center and members of the Madulano Mangrove Association and Pinamihagan Fisherfolk Association, came together to ensure the success of the initiative.
The assessment process involved table assessment and ocular visits to determine the total mangrove area and map out prospect sampling sites.
Transect walks were conducted to measure the distance from point 0 to point 100 of each sampling site, with a 30- to 50-meter easement perpendicular to the shore, to check the current status of the proposed mangrove protected area. The growth, survival and regeneration rates of the mangrove forest were assessed.
The efforts aimed to promote better biodiversity conservation planning and management in the area.
It also intends to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves in maintaining ecological balance and inspire more people to actively participate in conserving these crucial ecosystems. (PIA Capiz with reports from CaPENRO)/PN
