Considerations in Assisted Beach Forest and Mangrove Regeneration

Jesuit scholastics preparing to plant seedlings in San Juan, Batangas (October 2008)

The major objective of an assisted regeneration effort is to restore the natural ecosystems that were stripped from an area over the last 3 to 4 decades. As such, the multi-specie approach in propagating the locally available varieties of trees is key. Several considerations will determine the success of the said approach. The following should be among the things to consider in planning to assist the regeneration in a forest area.

Specie-suitability

In planting mangrove and beach forest, there are key factors to consider so as to ensure the survival of the planted trees. Soil/substrate type, drainage and flooding patterns, water depth, exposure to salt and wind are among these. Ideal conditions will vary per species. (see section on Species Recommended for Planting)

The highly adaptable Talisay - from swampy areas to sandy beaches. Few tree species can adapt to various environments as well as this.

Wind and sun exposure

Planting beach forest species in sandy areas will be tricky and will need extra attention. Constant sea winds and harsh sun exposure will need to be carefully considered. Ideally, choose areas that have natural buffers from these elements. Otherwise, you may have to adopt countermeasures (e.g. creating temporary windbreakers and sun screens ). Local materials like palm branchs/ old nets, etc.) can be used with improvisation.

A newly-planted Botong seedling with temporary wind screen.

Security and privacy

Access to the property is a major consideration for a regeneration site. The precariously thorny aroma, as well as the bougainvilla and other such plants can be used as natural fencing to prevent the intrusion of outsiders who may easily trample upon newly planted seedlings or  indiscriminately cut mature trees.  

The aroma bush makes for  excellent natural fencing (left, foreground) with its precariously vicious thorns (right)

Area Management

The regeneration area should ideally be treated and managed like a nature preserve or sanctuary. This will mean the demarcation of no-fishing zones, stricter implementation of no cutting of mangroves, and controlled cutting of the nipa. The planting of species that are most commonly cut (e.g. Nipa) will also be avoided in areas that are more difficult to monitor.

Aesthetics and accessibility

The different zones to be regenerated and preserved in a property should viewed and experienced as accessible by the owners, guests and visitors looking to do the same in other areas. As such, it will be important to consider the view from specific look-out points in the property (entrance, rest house, elevated areas, etc.) . Panoramic views and natural forest tunnels (as when viewing from a boat on a river or from a dry riverbed) should as much as possible, be preserved. From the  resthouse, for example, the surrounding areas should look lush, expansive, and yet inviting so that one who looks out from the balcony or windows will feel drawn forth, wanting to walk through the area. In some areas, elevated bamboo walkways, bridges and decks may also be constructed.