Principles

on Mangrove and Beach Forest

Protection and Rehabilitation
Rationale
Super Typhoon Haiyan wrought havoc along the coastal areas
of Eastern Visayas, and the northern ends of Cebu, Panay and
Palawan. Although some areas reported up to 80% loss, most
mangrove forests were untouched or only partially damaged
and are recovering. Some coastal villages were protected from
the destructive wind and waves by existing mangrove stands
that acted as buffers.
Mangroves and beach forests (Primavera and Sadaba, 2012)
protect coastal areas from storm surges, waves and strong
winds. In addition to wave attenuation, these forests have
important ecological functions that support the livelihoods of
coastal communities. The protection and rehabilitation of
mangrove forests and other ecosystems are essential to the
recovery and resiliency of coastal communities.

Restoration of mangroves and beach forests

Restoration or rehabilitation has been defined by the Society
for Ecological Restoration (SER, 2002) as the process of assisting
the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded,
damaged or destroyed.
Restoration or rehabilitation may be recommended when an
ecosystem has been altered to such an extent that it can
no longer self-correct or self-renew. Under such conditions,
ecosystem functions have been severely degraded and
the normal processes of natural recovery from damage are
inhibited.
Site specific and appropriate restoration and management
approaches should be considered as part of integrated coastal
area management. Mangroves cannot be restored, rehabilitated
and protected in isolation from other coastal and
upstream processes.
The participation of local stakeholders, especially community
members, is critical to the success of rehabilitation efforts.
Ensure consultation with and participation of local stakeholders
in all mangrove rehabilitation, protection and
management activities.

Pg. 1

Protection of Recovering Mangroves

Despite apparent damage to coastal areas, mangroves are resilient
and are able to recover naturally without human intervention.
We have documented regrowth of leaves on bare trunks and branches
in natural mangrove stands as early as a few weeks post-Yolanda
to as late as 4-5 months after the super typhoon.
If unavoidable, cleaning of large debris, such as nets, timber, and plastic
materials may be done in mangrove areas. As much as possible, they should be
left to act as tree guards to naturally recovering trees and emerging seedlings.
As they represent the present generation of mangroves, surviving stands should
be protected and maintained. Take note of available seeds or wildlings which
will contribute to the future generation of mangroves. Both surviving trees and
seedlings indicate that mangroves are recovering and should be protected.
Local communities shall be engaged in mangrove monitoring and protection.
Such activities may be integrated into the regular activities of fishermen or
deliberately planned as part of a cash-for-work program

Mangroves and Beach Forests Protection and Rehabilitation

Basic Considerations
In critical areas, establish protection forests using mangroves and
beach forests. A protection forest is developed primarily to keep an area safe
from damaging wave action, and also to provide additional refuge for fauna.
These forests are not meant to be harvested but to maintain ecological
processes, including among others, the capture and storage of carbon.
Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) or planting can restore full cover in 3-5
years and should be applied if the need for rehabilitation is urgent, as natural
regeneration (NR) takes 15-20 years to restore mangroves.
Mangrove plantations should be considered only in areas where
regeneration is not possible. Mangroves should not be planted on mudflats
(where migratory birds feed) nor on seagrass beds.
Stakeholders should aspire to meet the required 4:1 mangrove-fishpond ratio
for ecological sustainability
(Saenger et al., 1983).

pg. 2 Principles on Mangrove and Beach Forest Protection and Rehabilitation

Site Selection, Planting and Maintenance

Since most planting in the country is done along shorelines
exposed to strong waves, it is important to prioritize areas with mangrove
stands at present or in the past. Conditions for growth and regeneration may be
suitable in these areas.
Site assessments are important in evaluating mangroves. It is important to have
baseline information on a given mangrove site. If there are no previous
assessments, mangrove and beach forests site assessment must be conducted to
guide rehabilitation. Immediate assessments must be done right after a severe
disturbance to evaluate the conditions of mangroves and beach forests.
Assessments must also be done four to six months after a severe disturbance to
examine the extent of regeneration of mangroves. The information generated
from these assessments shall provide evidence-based recommendations on
mangrove and beach forest rehabilitation and management.
Site identification should be based on tidal elevation, type of substrate,
presence of mangroves, absence of sea grass beds, and coastal resource use
practices in the area. It is important to assess tidal elevation and hydrology
(duration and frequency of tidal inundation) to determine suitable planting
areas and species. Abandoned fishponds reverted to mangroves give much
higher survival rates (than seafront planting) and should be prioritized.
Choose species of mangroves based on those that are naturally found in the
area, and on elevation, water salinity, substrate and other site characteristics.
The use of nurseries to grow mangrove seedlings for 4 to 6 months
ensures a reliable source of planting materials of the required species and
quantities at the appropriate planting time. Nurseries can provide sturdy plants
with lower outplanting mortality compared to lower survival of
directly planted propagules.
Schedule the planting activity during the season of least wave action and
consult a tidal calendar to determine the best time to plant during the day.
Planting should start from the landward portion in a seaward direction rather
than the opposite. Apply strip planting of a few rows, add new rows
progressively if the first rows show good growth and survival.
Maintenance activities during regular visits include removal of debris,
barnacles and other pests, installation of fences and other structures
to protect the young plants. Replacement of dead and dying plants should be
done regularly (i.e. quarterly).
Meaningfully engage local communities in mangrove protection, planting,
maintenance and monitoring. They are in the best position to take
responsibility and care for mangroves, as de facto onsite managers.
The mere number of propagules or seedlings planted should not be considered
indicators for successful mangrove rehabilitation. Monitor mangrove
rehabilitation areas over time using simple, empirical and standardized
techniques which can involve communities and LGUs. Monitoring of mangrove
rehabilitation should be until 3 years from planting (or at first
maturity/reproduction) and should engage local communities.
pg. 3 Principles on Mangrove and Beach Forest Protection and Rehabilitation

Sustainability
Support partnerships and co-management arrangements involving local
communities, civil society groups, the private sector and government as these
are essential to achieving long-term results.
Build the capacity for mangrove conservation of coastal communities and local
government units through participatory learning activities and support from
local academia and/or scientific groups.
Implement interventions that improve the livelihood of coastal communities,
preferably by providing more income diverse, alternative livelihood
opportunities, to reduce the pressures on mangrove and other
coastal resources.
The full ecological and economic value of mangrove ecosystem goods and
wealth accounting and value of ecosystem services should be estimated so that
sound development planning decisions can be made.
Sustaining mangroves means sustaining communities. As mangrove managers,
the short-term and long-term needs for community welfare should be provided.
To enhance community ownership over the mangroves, land tenure and
resettlement issues must be addressed including other governance and
institutional issues.
Promote payments for ecological services (PES) to local communities who
rehabilitate and otherwise manage mangroves. Incentive/reward mechanisms
such as PES/ecosystem services to local communities and volunteerism must be
explored to address short-term and long term needs of communities.

Adoption and Action

Institutional, organizational, and individual signatories to this Principles on
Mangrove and Beach Forest Protection and Rehabilitation commit to adopt,
live by, and act in accordance to the said Principles. Moreover, the signatories
pledge to advance and integrate the Principles in their respective policies and
procedures as well as in their program, projects and activities. Concretely, the
signatories shall commit to contribute expertise, resources, and time to ensure
that the Principles are applied in protecting and rehabilitating the mangroves
and beach forests damaged by Yolanda as well as other future calamities that
the country may yet again experience. Together, the signatories collectively
aspire to see the Principles guide current and future actions as a concrete
manifestation of the philosophy of building back better.

pg. 4 Principles on Mangrove and Beach Forest Protection and Rehabilitation

Sources:
Melana, D.M., Atchue, J. III, Yao, C.E., Edwards, R., Melana, E.E., Gonzales, H.I, 2000.
Mangrove Management Handbook. Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
Manila, Philippines through the Coastal Resource Management Project,
Cebu, Philippines, 96 p.
Primavera JH and RB Sadaba. 2012. Beach forest species and mangrove associates in
the Philippines. SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department, Iloilo, Philippines and
UNESCO Office, Jakarta. 157 p.
Primavera JH, Savaris JD, Bajoyo B, Coching JD, Curnick DJ, Golbeque R, Guzman AT,
Henderin JQ, Joven RV, Loma RA & Koldewey HJ. 2012.
Manual for community-based mangrove rehabilitation Mangrove Manual Series No. 1.
London, UK: Zoological Society of London, viii + 240 p.
https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/asia/mangrove- philippines/
iucn-mangrove-specialist-group,2261,AR.html
Saenger, P., Hegerl, E.J. and Davie, J.D.S. 1983. Global status of mangrove ecosystems.
IUCN Commission on Ecology
Papers No. 3. Gland, Switzerland, 88 p.
Sinohin, V.O., Garcia, D.C., Baconguis, S.R., 1996. Manual on mangrove nursery
establishment and development. Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, College, Laguna, Philippines, 18 pp.

pg. 5 Principles on Mangrove and Beach Forest Protection and Rehabilitation