10 years after Haiyan, are mangroves protecting Philippine coastal areas?: Analysis

A pig farmer in the Philippines named Alejandro Sumayang has been planting mangrove plants along the shoreline near his home every month for the past decade. This practice has proven to be effective in protecting Sumayang’s home from the destructive forces of typhoons. In 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan hit his home, leaving only broken wooden beams standing. However, due to the presence of the mangrove plants, Sumayang’s house was shielded from the waves during a recent typhoon in 2021.

The Philippines is highly susceptible to typhoons, with about 20 typhoons affecting the country each year. According to the World Risk Index produced by Germany’s Ruhr University Bochum, the Philippines consistently ranks as the most vulnerable country to natural disasters. In response to this vulnerability and the destructive impact of typhoons, some coastal communities have taken to mangrove reforestation as a way to combat the effects of climate change.

Four villages in Silago, where Sumayang resides, were among the first to establish mangrove reforestation projects after Typhoon Haiyan. With the support of NGOs and village officials, these communities have planted mangroves along 215 square kilometers of the town’s coastal area. The Leyte Center for Development (LCDE), a humanitarian organization that assisted in the planting efforts, believes that the mangroves saved about 2,000 residents from the onslaught of a recent typhoon.

However, despite the success of these community-led initiatives, the government has chosen to prioritize man-made interventions, such as the construction of a concrete sea wall in Tacloban City, the capital of Leyte. The Storm Surge Protection Project (SSPP), which costs 16.9 billion Philippine pesos, began in 2016 but has experienced delays in its completion. Some experts argue that even if the sea wall is finished, it may not be enough to protect the city from future typhoons, as climate change will likely result in more intense storms. Moreover, there are concerns that the sea wall could potentially worsen the effects of climate change by trapping water during storms and causing prolonged flooding.

The mangrove forests in the Philippines are also under threat. The country has lost nearly half of its mangrove forests since 1920. Despite the multiple benefits provided by mangrove ecosystems, including acting as a natural barrier against waves, stabilizing shorelines, and serving as nurseries for fish, there have been instances of mismanagement and improper methods in mangrove reforestation projects led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Overall, while community-led mangrove reforestation efforts have proven effective in protecting coastal areas from typhoons, there is a need for comprehensive planning and support from authorities. The government’s focus on engineering interventions, such as sea walls, raises concerns about the displacement of coastal residents and the potential loss of valuable ecosystems like mangroves. Proper planning, taking into account the local practices and knowledge of coastal communities, is crucial to address the challenges posed by climate change.

In terms of source credibility, the article references Al Jazeera as the main source, which is a reputable international news organization. It also includes statements and insights from experts and individuals directly involved in mangrove reforestation efforts. However, it is important to note that the article does not provide specific data or statistics to support some of the claims made, such as the number of lives saved by the mangrove plants.

There is a potential bias in the article towards promoting the effectiveness of nature-based solutions, specifically mangrove reforestation, as opposed to man-made interventions like sea walls. This bias may be influenced by the growing global recognition of the importance of ecosystems in mitigating climate change and protecting vulnerable communities.

The article’s impact lies in highlighting the success of community-led mangrove reforestation efforts and raising concerns about the government’s focus on concrete infrastructures. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive planning, support for local practices, and the preservation of valuable ecosystems like mangroves.

In the context of the political landscape and the prevalence of fake news, the article provides reliable information from credible sources. However, the lack of specific data to support some claims could potentially be misleading or limit a nuanced understanding of the topic. Additionally, biases in favor of nature-based solutions could influence public perception and discussions around climate change adaptation strategies. It is important for the public to critically evaluate the information presented and seek out a range of perspectives and evidence when forming their understanding of the topic.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/22/10-years-after-haiyan-are-mangroves-protecting-philippine-coastal-areas