Over the past two years, my work on mangroves has primarily focused on research, particularly on blue carbon. During fieldwork, I would collect soil samples, measure trees, and conduct other biophysical assessments. Beyond the science-y stuff, I also had the chance to listen to fisherfolk, local governments, and other stakeholders about the challenges surrounding mangrove ecosystems at both local and national levels. These conversations were a reminder that mangrove conservation and restoration is a multisectoral issue that can’t be solved by research alone.

As time went on, I started to feel like the work I was doing in research wasn’t enough and that I needed to do more. I felt like I had to be some kind of mangrove jack-of-all-trades if I wanted to contribute significantly to mangrove conservation. So when I was selected to participate in the First National Mangrove Youth Summit as one of the 30 delegates from all over the country, I was ecstatic. This was my opportunity to branch out and explore other ways to make an impact.

On March 24 to 25, I joined my fellow youth delegates at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, a Ramsar site in the country’s capital region, for two days of discussions and activities centered on Philippine mangroves. For me, the highlight of the summit was getting to know my fellow youth delegates. Hearing their stories, learning from their ideas, and feeling their passion and determination to help save Philippine mangroves was incredibly inspiring. In just two days, we learned so much from each other and from some of the country’s leading mangrove experts from different fields. Getting to listen to Dr. Jurgenne Primavera for the first time in person is an experience I’ll never forget.

The summit culminated in a workshop where we developed a National Mangrove Youth Campaign Plan that aims to advocate for mangrove-related policies like the National Coastal Greenbelt Act, spark local coastal greenbelt initiatives, and expand the national mangrove youth network. This two-year campaign plan was a result of our diverse perspectives, experiences, and areas of expertise. Through the process, I realized that I don’t need to be good at everything. Just like mangroves, each of us has our own niche, our own zonation, and our own vital role. What matters more is understanding each other’s roles to support and amplify one another’s efforts toward our shared goal.

After all, a single mangrove can’t stop a storm surge on its own, just like how a single person can’t protect the country’s mangrove forests alone. It takes a vast, diverse, interconnected community of individuals working together to weather the waves of environmental, socio-economic, and political issues that Philippine mangroves face. Our youth network is just one part of that larger community. Through our campaign, we hope to contribute meaningfully to the Global Mangrove Alliance’s goals: to halt mangrove loss, restore half of recent losses, and double the protection of remaining mangroves.

So keep an eye out for what we’re katung-GONNA do!