Promoting biodiversity, livelihood and the National Greening Program
Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte / June 2014 – In observance of the “Month of the Ocean” in May this year, and in support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) focus on helping communities adapt to climate change, TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) recently expanded its Adopt-a-Mangrove program from 2.0 hectares to a total of 6.7 hectares in its host municipality of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. To date, the company has planted a total of 13,440 Nipa and Bakhawan saplings – which when fully grown – will serve as a natural canopy against storm surges.
In light of the massive destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the country’s Visayas region, the DENR emphasized the importance of mangroves as a natural protection from storm surges, and in the case of coastal communities, from tsunamis. Moreover, the agency highlighted the contribution of mangroves in cleaning the air and water.
TVIRD has operated in Sitio Canatuan of the same town since 2004. To date, owing to the company’s environmental programs, Canatuan’s forests are five times ‘greener’ than before mining operations started, elevating the company to reap the country’s Best Mining Forest Award from national award giving bodies.
On biodiversity
“It is important for everybody to realize the importance of mangroves and the need to restore and conserve these ecosystems,” said TVIRD Environment Manager Nilda Callora. She also noted that the company’s current mangrove program comes in addition to its current reforestation and sustainable development programs that help propagate biodiversity.
“Mangrove forests are the breeding and nursery grounds for a number of marine organisms including shrimps, crabs and fish species. Many of the young swamp species hide in the dense root system for protection. Without mangroves, they would have fewer places to hide and the populations of all those species would suffer,” Callora added.
Siocon’s mangrove forests
In 2011, the company signed an MOA for the adoption of a 2-hectare area in Barangay Matiag, town of Siocon. The memorandum was co-signed by the local government and DENR’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
TVIRD employees, community residents and representatives from CENRO planted some 4,500 mangrove in propagules that are used for the purpose of plant propagation. The company also committed to maintain the area for a period of one year, after which it was turned over to the community under the DENR’s monitoring.
Following its success in Barangay Matiag, the company expanded its efforts into nearby Barangay Tibangao where it planted 8,940 mangrove propagules in two plantations spanning 4.7 hectares, covering a coastal area and a roadside swamp.
The initiative is in fulfilment of a memorandum signed TVIRD and Tibangao’s Barangay Council. The company also maintained the area until its final turnover to the community, as witnessed by the DENR.
Sustainable livelihood
Callora noted that the main sources of livelihood of Barangays Matiag and Tibangao are aquaculture and fishing. She added that in the years to come, the development of mangroves will ensure the place’s rich bio-diversity and continued sustainability, especially for the Muslim community that comprises the barangays’ majority.
“Mangroves are so productive that they are the source of livelihood for many people. Basic necessities such as food, shelter and medicines are all obtained from mangroves,” she said.
The company likewise aligns itself to the Government’s National Greening Program, committing the benefits for overall environmental sustainability for its indigenous Subanon hosts. Since 2009, a total of 95,000 rubber seedlings and 4,000 fruit tree seedlings have been planted in 190 hectares in favor of 238 Subanon families.
To date, TVIRD has planted and grown over 380 thousand trees as part of its progressive rehabilitation program. This includes previously mined-out areas, overburden stockpile areas and the tailings impoundment areas. Varieties planted include indigenous and endemic hardwood species like Red and White Lauaan, Palo Negro, Tanguile, Apitong, Narek, Narra, Yakal, Mangasinoro, Lumbayao and Gibo as well as fast-growing species like Acacia Mangium and Acacia Auri.
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