Mangrove Green Wall to protect Oriental Mindoro’s vast mangrove

PARTNERING with Conservation International (CI) Philippines, the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro conducted the First Forum on the Mangrove Green Wall Initiative of Mindoro on April 4, 2018 at Café Angela and Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark, Calapan City. The goal of the “Mangrove Green Wall of Mindoro” Initiative is to protect Oriental Mindoro’s 2,500 hectares of mangrove forests and restore over 1,000 hectares of mangrove areas to establish and maintain the “Mangrove Green Wall of Mindoro” which will help mitigate climate change impacts, enhance coastal security, and provide diverse livelihood opportunities.

Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali Jr., Department of Tourism (DoT) Mimaropa Regional Director Maria Luisa Diploma, Provincial Board Member Rafael Infantado, Naujan Mayor Mark Marcos, and representatives from eight other towns (Calapan City and the municipalities of Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, Baco, Pola, Pinamalayan, Gloria and Bansud), as well as representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and civil society organizations all committed to support the Green Wall Initiative through the signing of a ceremonial pledge board.

Governor Umali reaffirmed his strong commitment to conservation and people-centered initiatives in Oriental Mindoro and the Verde Island Passage. He lauded the efforts of CI Philippines in serving as a catalyst. OrlanTizon, the head of the Provincial Tourism Investment

(PTIEDO), expressed his heartfelt appreciation to CI Philippines for naming the initiative as the “Green Wall of Mindoro” because he considers it an early achievement in tourism marketing and in communicating the endeavor of bringing back the harmony between people and nature.

In response, “Farmer Jon” Sarmiento, program manager of PAKISAMA (Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka), a national alliance

- ers, women, youth and indigenous peoples, commit himself and his organization to the grassroots efforts of the Green Wall.