Former prawn farm now a Mangrove Reserve
by MLopez, SJ 

To view the report (Click here)

Under the management of the previous owners, the area saw the most drastic changes in landscape. In the 1970s, 3 hectares of the mangrove portion were converted into a prawn farm. In the 80s, more mangroves were cleared until over one third of the area had been converted into ponds. Unfortunately, the site was later found to be unsuitable for prawn culture due to difficulties in sourcing fresh water. After some years of trying alternative aquaculture ventures like milkfish or salt production, the ponds were finally abandoned in the late 1990s. By 2005, several of the abandoned ponds were seen to have hosted naturally regenerating mangroves.

Marden began this project on his own but eventually requested the ESSC to conduct a study on the ecosystems in the area. Having heard of the resource conservation work ESSC had done in various areas throughout Asia, he thought the institute could be of assistance in developing this private property into a mangrove sanctuary.

After some visits and careful study of the area by Peter Walpole (Executive Director of the ESSC), a clearer vision of how to develop the area into a mangrove and swamp reserve, was conceived. By June of 2006, only 2 months after ESSC's involvement in the area began, much was already underway. The area had been thoroughly cleaned of plastic and debris that had been brought in by the tides and accumulated over months and years. (The effort was massive and took about eight workers over several weeks to complete.) About that time, certain portions of pond dykes were already being torn down (to increase the inflow and outflow of the tides to a level that was more ideal for mangrove regeneration.)

In the months that followed, a comprehensive plan for management action was drawn up by ESSC as the blueprint for the restoration of the area. The objective of the management plan was to restore the area to its pre-pond condition. This plan was based on several data sets that were collected and processed into useful overlay-maps and transect illustrations to help determine the hydrological considerations. A survey of the flora of the area also determined that there were some species of mangroves (e.g. Nipa and Avicenia Marina) that were no longer growing the area. Fortunately, wildings of these specie, among others, were found in the other site in San Juan, Batangas, that ESSC had just began to work in.

Consequently, further modification of dykes was undertaken, and mangrove propagules of various species were planted in strategically chosen areas in the ponds. Beach trees like the Talisay were also planted along some of the dykes, especially where they needed further reinforcement from erosion caused by wave action and water flows.

Now, only two years later, many of the seedlings planted are already young trees. The area is remarkably greener and the wild duck and other birds have consequently reappeared.

Mangrove specialists like Dr. Jurgenne Primavera (one of Time Magazine's heroes for the environment of 2008), upon recently visiting these ESSC project sites, have said that the hope that springs from such privately initiated efforts is remarkable. This holds promise for several thousands of hectares of idle and abandoned ponds in private properties throughout the country. Thus far, majority if not all of the government and non-government mangrove regeneration projects have focused on public lands. Through this project ESSC hopes to involve more of the private property owners like Marden.

Of the factors that contributed to the success of this project, three were crucial. First, there was Marden's commitment, initiative and willingness to invest in this endeavor. Much of his time and financial resources have gone into the project (e.g. for the wages of workers who helped to clean the area, modify the pond dykes, plant the trees and supervise the work n the area). Hopefully, his example will lead many other property owners on whose lands remain precious ecological resources like mangroves, to think of what they can do to help protect or rehabilitate such natural resources.

Secondly, the presence of the adjacent strip of old growth mangroves was also key. The said strip is a natural greenbelt or buffer zone, protecting the pond sites which were being regenerated from strong winds, waves and currents. Furthermore, the mature trees there were the primary source of wildings and propagules which made it possible for the area to regenerate. It was fortunate that the former owners retained the seaward strip of mature mangroves. Had they not done so, assisted regeneration would have been doubly difficult. The vigilance of the locals against illegal cutting of the mangroves under the Bantay Dagat program was also a factor.

Lastly, the local fishers of the area are well organized as the Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Calatagan(SAMMACA). Their level of organization is indicative of the awareness of environmental concerns that directly affect their livelihood and their commitment to do their share it protecting the coastal resources. The organization also serves as a venue for their political participation in issues and concerns of the locality. Their records contain various cases and concerns of the locality (e.g. illegal extraction of coral, illegal conversion of mangroves to fishponds, the threat of the mining operations of the Asturias group in the area and opposition to the illegal land reclamation in Papagas Bay adjacent to the property.)

The improper garbage disposal of the surrounding communities,particularly up-wind , is one of the concerns that most directly affects the Gerry Forsgate reserve at the moment. This results in a deluge of plastic, non-biodegradable waste that is brought into the reserve by the tides. Not only is this unsightly, but if not managed, can be detrimental to the growth of the young mangroves.

These issues highlight the fact that no matter how effective local environmental protection initiatives can be, the lack of awareness, concern or involvement of the larger communities, the failure of government to implement environmental laws, and the profit agendas of groups like mining companies and other individuals will undermine and threaten the gains of environment work.

Marden however remains hopeful and is committed to doing his part and taking a stand on these issues, especially given the time, energy and resources he already has invested in the mangrove reserve.

The Mardens were the first of mangrove enthusiasts that the ESSC has tried to help in the regeneration of mangroves and beach forest. Other smaller initiatives have since then emerged, in other parts of Batangas, Quezon, Bataan, and Panay.

To learn more about ESSC or how we can help you make a difference for the Philippine environment, write us at mangroves@essc.org.ph.