BY GERRY LEE GORIT
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – An estimated 50,000 mangrove seedlings have been planted off the seas of Cagayan de Oro to help the eco-system of the sea, a report reaching MDN said Sunday morning March 17. 2024.
Rolly Delfin, caretaker of the mangrove seedlings in Punta Bonbon, this city, claimed that out of an estimated 50,000 mangrove seedlings planted by the government and non-government organizations (NGOs) only 30,000 of them were able to grow and survive. “Ang uban wala na motubo kay naigo ug nabanlas sa dagkong balod.
January to December dili nami magpatanum kay mao nay bulan nga dako ang balod ug mabanlas usab ang mga magroves nga bag o lang natanum.
(Othe mangroves are not able to survive because of the big waves. We are not allowing them to plant mangroves during the month of January and December because the big waves would only destroy the planted mangrove seedlings.)
Delfin said him being a fishermen and caretaker of the Mangroves planted in the 13 hectare area would always see to it that the growing process of this mangrove would be okay and they can survive.
“Importante kaayo kining mangrove kay makatabang sa mga isda aron mangitlog.
Karon aduna nay mga shells ug uban pang produkto sa dagat ang makuha namo nga naatiman na ang mangrove nga natanom,” he said. BENEFITS OF MANGROVE PLANTING Planting mangroves in the sea offers a myriad of ecological, social, and economic benefits, making it a vital component of coastal conservation and restoration efforts worldwide.
Ecologically, mangroves serve as crucial habitats for numerous species of flora and fauna, including fish, crustaceans, and birds.
Their intricate root systems provide nurseries and breeding grounds for marine life, contributing to biodiversity and supporting the health of marine ecosystems.
Mangroves also act as natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges, helping to stabilize shorelines and protect coastal communities from the impacts of climate change-induced sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
Furthermore, mangroves play a significant role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation.
Their dense vegetation stores large amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Additionally, mangrove forests act as sinks for nutrients and pollutants, improving water quality and promoting the overall health of coastal waters. On a social level, mangroves provide various ecosystem services that directly benefit local communities.
They offer valuable resources such as timber, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products, which support livelihoods and economic activities for millions of people living in coastal areas.
Moreover, mangrove ecosystems contribute to fisheries productivity, providing sustenance and income for fishing communities. From an economic perspective, investing in mangrove restoration and conservation yields long-term benefits.
Healthy mangrove ecosystems enhance tourism and recreational opportunities, attracting visitors interested in experiencing the natural beauty and biodiversity of coastal regions.
Additionally, mangroves contribute to the resilience of coastal communities by reducing vulnerability to natural disasters and enhancing food security through sustainable fisheries management.
In conclusion, planting mangroves in the sea offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond their immediate coastal surroundings.
By safeguarding biodiversity, protecting coastlines, mitigating climate change, supporting local livelihoods, and boosting economic development, mangrove conservation and restoration efforts are essential for building resilient and sustainable coastal ecosystems.
