Diversity in Biology

Dubbed as the "Hidden Paradise" in Consuelo, Macabebe, Pampanga, the mangrove or bakawan plantation caters to those who are serenity hungry.

MANGROVE FORESTS

Mangrove forest is also known as the “rainforest of the sea.” It grows well in tropical countries, including the Philippines.  Mangroves are an important part of the coastal and marine ecosystem that includes the seagrass and the coral reefs.  Of the world’s more than 70 mangrove species, around 46 species are known to occur in various parts of the country.
 

MANGROVES PROVIDE ECONOMIC AS WELL AS ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS, SUCH AS THE FOLLOWING:

THEY ARE A GOOD SOURCE OF PRODUCTS LIKE ALCOHOL, MEDICINE, TANNIN, CHARCOAL, TIMBER AND HOUSING MATERIALS

THEY SUPPORT FISHERIES PRODUCTION AND AQUACULTURE;

THEY PROVIDE NURSERY GROUNDS, SHELTER AND FOOD FOR FISH AND OTHER SEA CREATURE;

THEY PROTECT COASTAL COMMUNITIES FROM STORM SURGES, WAVES, TIDES AND CURRENTS;

THEY ACT AS CARBON SINK BY REDUCING ORGANIC POLLUTION ALONG SHORE AREAS;

THEY SERVE AS RECREATIONAL GROUNDS FOR WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS; AND

THEY STABILIZE THE COASTLINE BY REDUCING EROSION.

Though mangroves are faced with natural dangers like typhoons, pests and diseases, and rising sea levels due to global warming, their biggest threats are man-made. Human treats include:

• CONVERSION OF MANGROVES TO FISHPONDS AND SALT BEDS;

• RECLAMATION OF MANGROVE AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENTS SUCH AS PIERS, AIRPORTS AND HOUSING;

• POLLUTION AND SILTATION FROM UPLAND COMMUNITIES; AND

• HUMAN DISTURBANCE, OVEREXPLOITATION AND UTILIZATION, SUCH AS OVER-CUTTING FOR FIREWOOD PURPOSES.

In the DENR, management of mangrove areas is a mandate of the Coastal and Marine Management Division of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB). 

www.denr.gov.ph