Endangered species

Citing the importance of mangroves to the environment, the marine scientists who attended the workshop strongly advocated for the immediate protection of mangrove forests in the country. They pointed out that mangroves provide a vital shoreline protection during storms. It is also a food rich nursery area for juvenile fish, shrimp and other rare and endangered wildlife.

Marine scientists have already identified 36 species of mangroves in the country. With the help of the World Conservation Union and the First Philippine Conservation Inc., 30 top scientists gathered in Lian, Batangas to conduct a study assessing the state of mangroves in the Philippines . They plan to identify whether some of the Philippine mangrove species can be included in the world’s endangered species, thus providing permanent protection to the country’s mangrove forests.

First Phil. Conservation Inc. director Gerry Reyes said that identifying possible endangered mangrove species is just the first in a series of steps to halt the destruction of mangroves. He added that cooperation of all sectors of society, from the affected communities to departments of government, must work together to protect the mangroves in the country and ensure the steady supply of fish for future generations.