The Philippines reportedly has misplaced about half of mangrove or “bakawan” over the previous years.
According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras”, mangrove areas went down from 500,000 in 1918 to 240,824 hectares in 2010.
Among the explanations for the disappearance of mangrove forests had been reclamation initiatives and creation of fisheries.
Severino Salmo III, UP Diliman Institute of Biology affiliate professor, mentioned the Philippines is second when it comes to misplaced mangroves within the ASEAN area.
“We need to complement conservation, limit the mangrove losses that is the conservation side. But, it is no longer enough to provide protection against typhoons. We really need to come up with a strategic restoration program,” Salmo mentioned.
Mangroves function coastal safety in a number of communities within the Philippines in opposition to pure calamities and different environmental threats.
It additionally serves as dwelling to marine life and improves the standard of air. —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
