Several groups are pushing for mangrove reforestation for coastal defense while urging government to stop land-use conversion, destructive mining and infrastructure projects to address flooding, especially during typhoons. In a statement yesterday, militant fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) urged the Marcos administration to pursue reforestation of mangroves as a measure to prevent intense flooding caused by sea-level rise, devastating storm surges and other threats of climate change. “The destruction of mangrove forests exposes fishing families to damaging floods and storm surges. Mangroves are vital to marine ecosystem and biodiversity as they serve as fish sanctuaries, pollution filters and defense for coastal communities,” Pamalakaya national spokesman Ronnel Arambulo said.

Rivera, D., Marcelo, E., Crisostomo, S., Ronda, R. A., Porcalla, D., & Felipe, C. S. (2022, November 3). Groups push mangrove reforestation as coastal defense. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 4.