The thrill of acceptance into the summit was overwhelming, and now, reflecting on its conclusion, I find myself deeply inspired and more determined than ever to champion the conservation of mangroves and its fauna.

Throughout the summit, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the community that I once worked with because a recurring theme in the discussions was the vital role of the community. Researchers and conservationists may select study sites, but it is the local community who will sustain the efforts and reap the long-term benefits of their study. Doing fieldwork is not merely an academic pursuit—it is a commitment to the people who live alongside these ecosystems. Comprised mostly of fisherfolks, these communities possess invaluable indigenous knowledge honed from their daily interactions with the coastal environment, which is why integrating their experiential wisdom with scientific understanding is crucial for a successful conservation management.

Additionally, building strong relationships with communities and stakeholders is essential for successful conservation. Their active participation, through citizen science initiatives like data collection, nursery maintenance, and growth monitoring, fosters confidence and ownership. This collaborative approach not only empowers them with a sense of responsibility but also ensures the long-term sustainability of conservation efforts.

At the summit, we had a public hearing simulation for a reclamation project that will affect a mangrove forest. It was an eye-opening experience into the complex dynamics and perspectives of different stakeholders (Business sector, LGUs, NGOs/CSOs, POs, and the Youth) involved. This experience reinforced the necessity of strategic communication and negotiation to navigate stakeholder concerns and find acceptable compromises.

On the other hand, my first camping experience happened at the summit, and it provided a realization on collaboration. Struggling to pitch our borrowed tent, my two fellow delegates and I were met with the generous assistance of other delegates. Witnessing their collective effort, I felt both amused and deeply grateful. This experience underscored the power of teamwork, where individual weaknesses are offset by collective strengths. It solidified my belief in our ability to collaborate effectively over the next two years.

Our batch, named “Ugat ng Kinabukasan” (i.e., Roots of the Future in English), embodies the responsibility we bear for shaping the future. Just as diverse mangrove root systems support the mangrove forest, our diverse backgrounds, skills, and personalities form the foundation of our network.

Initially, I thought 500 words would be enough to capture my summit experience. However, I find myself overwhelmed by the desire to share every insightful moment. But in essence, the First National Mangrove Youth Summit was an inspiring, transformative, and undeniably worthwhile experience.

As emphasized during the summit, this is not a singular event. We are committed in doing more for the conservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of mangroves towards environmental justice and a climate-resilient future. As they say,
“It starts with commitment and everything else will follow.”