Clean-up Drive at Sama-Badjao Community in preparation for the mangrove propagules planting
“The long-term goal is to have a healthy mangrove biodiversity within the Sama-badjao community that would provide eco-friendly livelihood activities that may enhance food supply and additional income to the people. In complement with the LGU of Bato, the mangrove area will soon rise as an eco-supportive business enterprise(s) run by the communities alongside the mangrove area through initiating discussion for an eco-tourism enterprise.”
– Dominic Carangue, ERMFPI Programs Head
Complementing the Sama-badjao Women’s Livelihood and Community WASH project, is a one year Mangrove Rehabilitation project that started last January 2022. In collaboration with Bato LGU’s MENRO, the long term goal is to have healthy mangrove biodiversity within the Sama-badjao community that would provide eco-friendly livelihood activities that may enhance food supply and supplementary income to the people.
As part of Climate Justice Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity strategies, 228 people coming from different organizations and backgrounds worked hand-in-hand for the clean-up drive where the mangroves are situated within the Sama-badjao community. Members of Tau Gamma Phi-Bato Chapter, Alpha Kappa Rho-Bato Chapter, Sama-badjao Home-based Women’s Association, Sama-Badjao Youths, BLGU of Dolho and Daang-Lungsod and MLGU of Bato, Leyte worked tirelessly to clean up the area in preparation for the planting of the mangrove propagules. “Although this project is short lived, I am confident that the Sama-badjaos themselves will carry on this initiative. ERFMFPI has been with them for over 4 years, and we have seen a significant change in their behaviour in such a way that they are now regularly cleaning their yards”, these were the optimistic words of the project Community Development Facilitator – Mr. Rodrigo Taliser, Jr.
The final date for the mangrove propagule planting will have to be set together with Bato LGU MENRO, as technical assistance is needed to ensure that efforts will bear the intended results. A “Bantay Bakhaw” volunteers will also be organized once the mangrove nursery is up and running to protect against illegal activities that would derail mangrove rehabilitation and biodiversity enhancement.
