Mangroves serve as natural barriers, mitigating the impacts of floods, storms, tsunamis, and sea-level rise. Beyond disaster risk reduction, they provide essential ecosystem services, including fish nurseries and water purification. Globally, mangroves contribute an estimated USD 1.6 billion annually in ecosystem services. However, in regions like the Philippines’ Visayas and Palawan, these critical forests are threatened by natural and human-induced factors.
Restoring 1,700 hectares of mangroves to enhance disaster resilience in the Visayas and Palawan, Philippines
Enhancing coastal resilience through mangrove restoration
Mangrove ecosystems are vital for coastal protection, offering natural defenses against environmental hazards.
Project Info
Location
BNC focus
Conservation and restoration of mangrove forests
Funding duration
12 months (2022 – 2023)
Project Partner
More information
Podcast
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Addressing threats to Philippine mangrove forests
In the Visayas and Palawan regions, mangrove forests are endangered by tropical typhoons, illegal clearing for fishponds and boat access, extractive activities, and pollution. These pressures compromise the ecological integrity of mangroves and diminish their capacity to protect coastal communities from natural disasters.
Collaborative efforts for mangrove conservation
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Coast4C (C4C) implement a proven assisted natural regeneration approach to safeguard and rejuvenate extensive mangrove areas. Their objectives include restoring 1,700 hectares of mangrove forests and preventing the degradation or deforestation of an additional 1,000 hectares. This restoration will bolster disaster resilience and create opportunities for local communities through sustainable income sources, such as carbon credits.
How BCAF supports the ‘Mangroves Against Disaster’ initiative
The Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund (BCAF) is instrumental in advancing this project by funding a comprehensive feasibility assessment. This assessment encompasses technical mapping, carbon modeling, and commercial analysis to evaluate the financial viability of scaling and commercializing the blue carbon project. These steps are essential for achieving carbon certification and attracting future investments.
Impacts created
Nature
Restoring mangroves enhances biodiversity, strengthens ecosystems, and improves water quality. Mangroves serve as vital carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO₂ and mitigating climate change. This restoration effort protects coastal areas from erosion and extreme weather events, ensuring long-term environmental health.
People
The project boosts disaster resilience for local communities, reducing vulnerability to floods and storms. It creates sustainable livelihoods, such as eco-tourism and mangrove-friendly aquaculture, empowering local populations. Through education and participation, communities become active stewards of mangrove conservation.
Business
By entering the voluntary carbon market, the project unlocks economic opportunities through carbon credit sales. It demonstrates the financial viability of nature-based solutions, attracting investors and driving sustainable development. Local businesses benefit from improved coastal protection and diversified income streams.
Calls for Proposals
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