In the heart of the Philippines, the impact of climate change is increasingly palpable, particularly in coastal communities where rising sea levels threaten livelihoods and ecosystems. Fairtrade, as the primary funding partner of this initiative, is at the forefront of addressing these pressing challenges through projects like the recent Mangrove Tree Planting initiative, aimed at mitigating climate change while supporting local communities.
A Community-Centric Initiative
The Mangrove Tree Planting initiative, conducted in collaboration with local groups such as the Fairtrade Farmers Coconut Multipurpose Cooperative (FFCC) and the Santa Cruz Organic Fairtrade Farmers Association (SCOFFA), aims to restore and protect vital coastal ecosystems. By planting Bakhaw mangrove seedlings, Fairtrade not only contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but also bolsters eco-tourism opportunities for local communities, enhancing their sustainable livelihoods. This project embodies Fairtrade’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
Engaging Participants and Fostering Learning
During this collaborative effort, over 100 participants from various local organizations came together in Barangay Palili and Barangay Zone 2. The planting of 800 seedlings marks a significant step toward restoring these critical ecosystems. The initiative served as a dual opportunity, combining the environmental activity with a comprehensive learning session on climate risks and effective disaster risk reduction strategies.
Nicole S. Gonzales, a Fairtrade Youth Ambassador, played a pivotal role in facilitating the learning sessions, engaging participants in meaningful discussions about the impact of climate change on their communities. Through these sessions, attendees gained valuable insights into the consequences of global warming, particularly the devastating effects of sea level rise and mangrove deforestation. The project also fostered essential linkages between local barangay officials, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and the communities, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in tackling climate issues.
Immediate Impacts and Long-term Goals
Immediate impacts of the project are evident. Participants not only planted mangroves but also left with a heightened awareness of climate change and its implications for their lives and livelihoods. The initiative highlighted the urgent need to act collectively to prevent and mitigate the impacts of climate change. As these young mangrove trees grow, they will create nurseries for marine life, protect coastlines from erosion, and serve as natural barriers against storm surges, ultimately fostering resilience within the community.
Commitment admist Challenges
However, the journey does not end here. Fairtrade emphasizes the importance of follow-up activities, including monitoring the growth of the mangroves and addressing any seedling mortality. Coordination with local government units and MENRO will be crucial to ensure the long-term survival and health of the planted mangroves.
Despite the success of this project, challenges remain. Mobilizing community members for participation in such initiatives can be daunting, as seen in the case of SCOFFA, where time constraints and scheduling conflicts hindered broader involvement. Nonetheless, opportunities for development persist, particularly with abandoned fishponds that could be transformed into sustainable livelihoods for local residents.
Voices from the Community
The testimonials from participants like Melissa Brigote and Bernadita Romero illustrate the profound connection between the community and their environment.
Melissa Brigote, a 36-year-old member of the Fairtrade Farmers Coconut Multipurpose Cooperative, shared her heartfelt reflections: “I am Melissa L. Brigote, 36 years old. We live here, and we get our food here. These fishponds were built long ago, even before I was born, maybe before 1970. My parents and relatives used to work here. These were abandoned by the owner back in 2019, due to severe damage caused by the sea level rise that encroached these fishponds and rendered them unrepairable. He spent millions every time they were damaged, only to be damaged again. Eventually, he gave up and declared to their workers, ‘I’ll return it to nature.’ So now everyone is welcome here. I thank FTNAPP for implementing this mangrove planting here. We’ve been planting mangroves here, but not all the vacant space is planted.”
Bernadita Romero, a 55-year-old resident and member of the Santa Cruz Organic Fairtrade Farmers Association (SCOFFA), expressed her gratitude: “I am Bernadita Romero, 55 years old, a resident of this place. I am very thankful that you chose to plant mangroves here. Our place has changed due to an earthquake that damaged the weakened concrete dikes at the end of this road last year. Since then, during high tide, seawater has reached this area, up to the main road. In June this year, the high tide met with heavy rain and a hurricane that hit the upland area. The combined sea and rainwater flooded this area up until the Municipal Hall and Market. Our chickens and pigs were submerged, and some of our chickens died. This was the first time it happened here. Thank you very much for your time and efforts in planting these mangroves.”
These narratives highlight the real-life impact of Fairtrade’s initiatives, showing that the restoration of mangroves is about more than just planting trees—it’s about safeguarding a way of life for future generations.
A Vision for the Future
In conclusion, Fairtrade’s Mangrove Tree Planting initiative is a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. By restoring coastal ecosystems and raising awareness about climate change, Fairtrade not only combats global warming but also nurtures the very fabric of local communities. As the seedlings take root and flourish, so too does the hope for a resilient and sustainable future.
