MANGROVE PLANTING PROJECY

MactanMangrove trees have continually been cut over the years and have despoiled fisheries resources.
In 1918, the Philippines had an estimated 450,000 hectares of mangrove cover.
After 75 years, over 310,000 hectares of the country’s mangrove cover has been lost due to cutting, conversation of mangrove swamps to fishponds, and in general, poor management by communities and local governments.

Mangroves play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the coastal ecosystem. Mangrove forests act as sieves in the coastal zone, preventing the damaging effect of upland sediments that wash down to the coasts on sea grass beds and fragile coral reefs.
Aside from promoting clear water for the growth of corals and sea grass, mangrove roots serve as hiding places for young animals and fishes, the branches and leaves provide shelter for birds and wildlife.
Mangrove leaves fall and decompose into microscopic detritus that serve as food for animals and fish in the mangrove areas.
Aside from this, the crown and stem of mangrove trees serve as physical barriers that absorb the force of winds and waves that can cause damage to the coastal communities.

Rotary Club of MACTAN, together with its Interact Clubs, is taking a step to rehabilitate our mangroves habitat and conserve what is left after all the destruction. We are looking for an International Rotary Partner who can help us fund the planting of 10,000 mangrove seedlings.

One mangrove seedling is P/ 15.00 or US$ 32 cents or HK$ 2.40.