To Plant or Not to Plant: MMPH SciComm Head shares tips on how to avoid red flags (on mangrove restoration)

Sampaloc, Metro Manila - “Philippine Mangrove restoration should always be science-based.” emphasized by MMPh’s SciComm Head, Genea Nichole G. Cortez, LPT, MSc., as she gave guidelines on correct mangrove planting during the event, Microves: Exploring the Mangrove Ecosystems. The UST Microbiology Society spearheaded the activity, held last April 3, 2025, at the Central Laboratory Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas. Cortez, a faculty member of the university, was one of the three speakers at the forum. The goals of the event were to discuss the ecological importance of mangroves, the roles of microbiology in their conservation, and how to raise awareness for their protection. 

Cortez’ talk titled, “To Plant or Not to Plant: How to Avoid Red Flags on Mangrove Restoration.” was divided into three parts: (1) Cant’ Conserve What We Don’t Know - Mangroves 101, (2) What Happened Last Year - Stories from the Field, and (3) How to Avoid Red Flags - To Plant or Not to Plant. The first part delves into a crash course on mangroves. Similar to her talk last #1NMYS (First National Mangrove Youth Summit), Cortez introduced her M-A-N-G-R-O-V-E-S acronym to microbiology students to summarize the basics of mangroves.  In the second part, she shared the stories of what transpired during the community service day on the mangroves Brgy. Bucal, Calatagan, Batangas, a partner community of UST College of Science and UST SIMBAHAYAN Development Office. For the last part, Cortez explained the need for genuine mangrove conservation and highlighted the importance of science on mangrove restoration.

Cortez at the Central Laboratory Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas

Cortez proudly showcased the science communication materials of Mangrove Matters PH on Ways to Properly Plant Mangroves for Sustainability. Cortez emphasized that planting should not be done for convenience, such as planting Rhizophora seedlings in their incorrect zone and avoiding the principles of mangrove species zonation. She also highlighted red flags of incorrect plantings, like prop root infestation, curling leaves, and bending of pneumatophores (breathing roots) of mangroves. In conclusion, the MMPH SciComm Head urged the youth to take part in mangrove conservation. She provided a tangible way to protect PH Mangroves by supporting the passage of the National Coastal Greenbelt/Integrated Coastal Management Act. 

Mangrove Matters PH remains true to its statement, “to restoring mangrove forests with you.” from translating mangrove science to the youth and public to actively supporting genuine. mangrove conservation.

#MangroveEducation

#EnvironmentalTalks