Theimportance of mangroves was highlighted when Supertyphoon Yolanda pummeled the country. Experts observed that the impact of Yolanda’s storm surge would have been minimal if the mangroves near Leyte’s shoreline were not destroyed. “Mangroves are among the most important ecosystems on the planet. They provide food and protection for a huge variety of marine and land-based species, sustain livelihoods of coastal populations, and provide protection from ocean swell and extreme weather events,” according to author Sriyanie Miththapala in her book Coastal Ecosystems Series (Volume 2) published by Ecosystems and Livelihoods Group Asia, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Reyes, R. R. S. (2020, November 25). Mangroves and essential part of Hamilo Coast's sustainable roadmap. Business Mirror, p. B7.