The lush foliage of mangrove forests are now the pride of their host communities – a badge for environmental conservation, a natural protection from storm surges, and a potential tourist draw. This is a far cry from the times mangrove areas were seen as unproductive wastelands and were soon cleared to make way for aquaculture ponds. “Mud crab culture in mangrove pens is the most lucrative and environment-friendly mangrove-friendly aquaculture system,” says Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, scientist emerita of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), referring to the grow-out of crabs, also locally known as alimango, a prized commodity with year-round demand in the market.

Dianala, R. D. B. (2020, February 29-March 1). Daily Guardian, pp. 7, 10.