Over the past decades, the Philippine mangrove ecosystems and beach forests have suffered severe degradation to the point that biological diversity is threatened. Based on statistics, the extent of mangroves in the country is now barely 117,700 hectares out from the reported 450,000 hectares in 1920. The continuous degradation of the fragile Philippine mangrove ecosystems stems from both the adverse effects of human activities and natural processes.
Mangrove and beach degraded coastal areas therefore need serious rehabilitation and restoration efforts. Coastal rehabilitation and restoration primarily start from greening the coastline using mangrove and beach plants and associated coastal species with meager scientific planning. To date, however, variable success rates (from very high to very low) have been achieved with different species in small-scale experiments. The likelihood of planting success in abandoned fishpond for instance, is severely limited by the reduction in soil quality as a result of increased erosion, activation of acid sulphate soils, and addition of chemicals.
This compendium hopes to provide insights and guidelines on successful rehabilitation based from updated research information and technologies gathered on a national scale, organized and synthesized by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau.
Download