One thousand Bakawan propagules were planted during the mangrove planting which was conducted earlier (March 21, 2019) in Brgy. Cayanga, San Fabian, Pangasinan in line with the celebration of International Day of Forests (IDF).

With its theme for this year: “Forests and Education”, CENRO Dagupan personnel filled an estimated one-hectare wetland area along Brgy. Cayanga which is also one of the plantation sites under National Greening Program (NGP).

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed the 21st day of March for the celebration of IDF to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Hence, for this year, CENRO Dagupan aims to highlight the value of mangrove forest.

Mangrove forests play an important role in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. “It holds the soil brought by sedimentation which in turn provides protection to the nearby communities during flooding. During storm surges, it acts as “shock absorber” as it buffers the impact that could reach the communities. Aside from this, mangrove forest absorbs 3-4 times more carbon than upland forests due to its thick leaves”, Senior Ecosystem Management Specialist Norma Laluan explains.

Aside from climate change, mangrove forest also helps in terms of livelihood. “Mangrove forest serves as breeding ground for fishes and crustaceans which greatly benefits our fishermen in support to their livelihood”, SEMS Laluan continues.

All other types of forests, aside from mangrove, are vital. Hence, their conservation and protection against illegal forest activities are highly promoted pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 705 or the “Revised Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines”.

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Provincial Releases
Published: 09 October 2019