Mangrove ecosystems play an integral role in coastal communities. They are crucial in mitigating climate change, supporting coastal ecosystems, and providing habitat for marine fauna, making them both ecologically and economically significant. The Province of Davao Oriental has the longest coastline in the country with a stretch of 513.2 km. In addition, the City of Mati, the Capital City of the province of Davao Oriental is home to diverse floral and faunal species within its coastal ecosystems, including 18 estimated rare and endangered mangrove species. Despite their importance, mangrove populations are deteriorating due to anthropogenic factors such as the booming tourism industry, increasing population, mining, overfishing, fishpond and beach resort conversion. This alarming decline has spurred increased efforts in mangrove planting and conservation.
In response, the Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center XI (RIC XI) of the Davao Oriental State University, in collaboration with Mama Earth Foundation Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the local government unit, has spearheaded the Community-based Mangrove Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project in Pujada Bay. This initiative aims to restore mangroves through reforestation while also providing livelihoods for indigenous people and members of non-governmental organizations like the Women’s Association of the City of Mati.
This report presents the community-based efforts focused on mangrove reforestation by the Women’s Association on its economic and environmental opportunities, and challenges at the mangrove sites of the Malizia Mangrove Park within Pujada Bay. The Mangrove Park, initiated by the Mama Earth Foundation, is a reforestation project that encourages active community participation in planning and implementing mangrove rehabilitation and development. The project goal is to plant 1,084,000 of local species of mangroves present in their sites like Rhizophora stylosa, R. mucronata, R. apiculata, Avicennia marina, A. officinalis, Ceriops tagal, Sonneratia alba, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza seedlings within coastal barangays of the City of Mati. Approximately 380-400 women participated from the Women’s Association of nine coastal barangays. About 854,500 mangrove seedlings were planted as reported in 2023. Results indicated widespread recognition among the women’s stakeholders and other local people of the social and economic benefits of the reforestation and enhancement of the mangrove park. Despite there being economic and organizational challenges, there is a strong desire to develop the area for mangrove ecotourism in the City of Mati. Empowerment and strengthening community involvement in planning and decision-making are recommended for sustainable socio-economic development for the coastal communities.