DENR aims to plant 20,000 mangroves

CEBU, Philippines - In line with the declaration of April as the country’s earth hour month and today as the celebration of Earth Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 is set to plant more than 20,000 mangrove propagules in one day.

This will take place on Apr. 26 when a simultaneous mangrove planting and coastal cleanup is scheduled in 12 identified coastal areas in Central Visayas.

The department is the main convener of the celebration every April and the earth month activity is highlighted with the Earth Day today, April 22 with a theme this year of “Earth Day everyday everywhere.” This day is aimed to raise the level of awareness on the gravity of environmental degradation and destruction.

DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo Dichoso said it is vital to sustain mangrove planting activities since mangroves provide nurseries for fish, prawns and crabs and support fisheries production in coastal waters.

The mangrove is a type of forest plant growing along tidal mudflats and along shallow water coastal areas extending inland along rivers, streams and their tributaries where the water is generally brackish.

The activity will be done in partnership with the local government units, non-government organizations, academe, and other stakeholders in the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol and Siquijor.

Among the coastal areas to be planted with mangroves are Guibuangan, Barili town; and Catarman, Cordova town, all in Cebu; and Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental.

“It must be emphasized that DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje wants to see our coastal areas carpeted with mangroves as it is supportive to the national greening program,” Dichoso said.  (FREEMAN)