As a Forester exposed to mangrove-related knowledge and activities, I was predisposed to understand them holistically. They are regarded as a stable and long-lived species, unlike humans who suffer a fragile life – the root of most human woes. A realization that led me to submit my application to the 1NMYS.

The thought of being instrumental in ensuring their survival in perpetuity, coupled with a legacy helping mangroves flourish, sufficed to keep me grounded in the advocacy of conserving and restoring them.

I gave it my all during the process, so I was over the moon upon selection.

Fast forward to the summit proper, I was hyped to meet the other youth delegates, organizers, and speakers; their burning passion and unfettered dedication for mangroves were palpable. Like leafing through the pages of your favorite book, each turn was as interesting as the next as they shared stories of their familiarity and involvement with mangroves. Having THE Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, who spent years studying and guiding the path of research towards mangroves, as one of the presenters was immensely inspirational. Truly a cornerstone of mangrove conservation and restoration initiatives.

Neymatophores, a mangrove botanist/artist, showcased her extensive botanical knowledge on mangroves with an introductory acronym. Balancing the scientific with the creative, we went in for a visual treat of mangrove artworks full of childlike wonder and elements that make mangroves an enigmatic and wondrous sight. Featuring artworks of magical mangrove sceneries filled with lightning bugs where children play helped lift misconceptions about mangroves as mere places of mud, mosquitoes, and “nik-nik.”

The organizers struck gold having LPPWP as the venue. Hearing Sir Junrey discuss its establishment as a PA and Ramsar Site of Wetland Importance raised my appreciation of it. It must be a dream preserving the integrity of a coastal PA smack dab in the middle of urban scenes and skylines! We even had the privilege to go birdwatching with some of the organizers, basking in the morning calm while spotting waterbirds with our trusty binoculars. Foraging raw and ripe figs elicited some laughs from “Tropagules.” Perhaps “YOLO” doesn’t apply to foraging? (wink wink)

Exploring a mangrove forest on a boardwalk reminiscent of bayous got me ready to sing “Dig a Little Deeper” with the wildlife ensemble in the area. But God had other plans when He gave me my voice.

“When you find out who you are,
You’ll find out what you need”

Mentally vibing with the song, I contemplated about finding myself through mangroves and how the summit launched a mangrove youth network and a 2-year campaign plan we’ll mobilize to strengthen causes that support their conservation and restoration.

“Can't tell you what you'll find
Maybe love will grant you peace of mind
Dig a little deeper, and you'll know”

Digging deep, I found love for mangroves. A love fortified by the summit through the panel discussions comprised of speakers from DENR, Mangrove Matters PH, Oceana Philippines, Wetlands International, Forest Foundation Philippines, One Pawikan Initiative, and the Global Mangrove Alliance – Philippines Chapter. Learning about them and their initiatives to advance mangrove causes sparked my resolve to pursue endeavors necessary to mobilize our citizenry in pushing for the implementation of policies and programs that will highlight the crucial role of mangroves in environmental integrity and the ecosystem services they provide.

My sincerest gratitude and appreciation to everyone who made 1NMYS a success. It was definitely no easy feat, but I felt the dedication, passion, and love for mangroves from everyone involved.

What you do matters because mangroves matter!