MANGROVE ADVOCATES CALL OUT CATHAY PACIFIC ON MANGROVE MISPLANTING, LEADING TO POTENTIAL SEAGRASS DESTRUCTION IN CEBU

Quezon City, Philippines — Mangrove Matters PH (MMPH), a youth organization advocating for mangrove conservation in the Philippines, called out Cathay Pacific for observing improper protocols in conducting mangrove planting in Carcar City, Cebu as part of their “1 Ticket, 1 Tree and 1 Tonne, 1 Tree Initiative” as recently posted in their social media account, specifically on Facebook.

Matthew Vincent Tabilog, Founder of Mangrove Matters PH, stated that Cathay Pacific’s massive mangrove planting activity threatens the existing seagrass meadows which was the site for their project.

“Mangrove planting in seagrass beds could threaten the ecosystem as mangroves can potentially dominate the area. Seagrass beds are critical coastal habitats, especially for wildlife and commercially-important fishes, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates for food security. Furthermore, seagrass meadows are sources of livelihood and food for our coastal communities and threatening seagrasses through mangrove planting can extremely cause ecological imbalance and loss of ecosystem function to our seagrasses”, Tabilog said.

Planting mangroves in seagrass beds was not the only case. Genea Nichole Cortez, a lecturer and a mangrove botanist of MMPH, emphasizes that the planted mangroves were not the suitable species to be planted in the area.

Cortez underscores that mangroves from the genera Sonneratia and Avicennia (locally known as Pagatpat and Bungalon, respectively) should be planted in the seaward zones as Rhizophora (locally known as Bakhaw) mangroves should be planted in the midward zone and ideally in abandoned fishponds that used to be a mangrove area to restore the ecosystem.

Meanwhile, marine biologist Jerwin Baure of AGHAM (Advocates of Science and Technology for the People) explains the importance of seagrass beds. “Seagrass ecosystems provide invaluable ecosystem services, yet we are losing seagrass cover each year due to many reasons, including mangrove planting in seagrass areas,” he said. “Not only do they provide habitats and nursery grounds for fish and invertebrates that are an important source of our food, but they also improve water quality, filter pollution, and weaken waves that might be too strong for mangroves. Seagrass beds also provide refuge to organisms that are vulnerable to ocean acidification (e.g., corals and shells). Just like mangroves, seagrasses also mitigate climate change by storing carbon.” 

“DENR has already set specific guidelines on mangrove planting. According to the Memorandum Secretary No. 2024-54 on Supplemental Guidelines for Enrichment Planting of Mangroves and Related Activities for Biodiversity Conservation and Coastal Resiliency,it is prohibited to plant Rhizophora species in seaward zones and to plant seedlings for enrichment planting in seagrass beds. Mangrove zonation should be considered before planting activities”, Cortez emphasized.

While the intent to conduct enrichment planting is commendable, it is best to consult with experts to ensure a high survival rate in planting.

“Mangrove planting is not just simply placing mangroves along the coastal areas. It is best to consult with local experts and with communities to promote a successful activity. We welcome any opportunity with Cathay Pacific on mangrove reforestation efforts”, Tabilog said.

The group has already posted an open message on Facebook and they are awaiting a statement from Cathay Pacific regarding this matter