With the support of the Blue Marine Foundation, we successfully wrapped up the project’s first year of mangrove rehabilitation activities. In partnership with the Bitaugan West Fisherfolks Association (BWFA), we planted the last batch of mangrove saplings, 9,764, hitting our target of 25,000 saplings for the year!

The BWFA, with 55 members (24 women and 31 men), actively participated in this crucial project phase. This milestone is a testament to the power of community involvement in environmental conservation. The success of this initiative also reflects the continuous support and partnership between Oceanus Conservation and BWFA, ensuring the effective implementation of Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR).

This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the BWFA, a group of 55 dedicated members. Their commitment shows how powerful a community can be when it comes together for the environment. Through a series of training and workshops, community engagement, and community dialogues, this idea turned into reality.

Back in March 2024, BWFA members took part in training on CBEMR. This gave them the knowledge and skills that lead the restoration efforts in their community. For this rehabilitation phase, we planted four mangrove species that are naturally occurring in the area: Avicennia alba, Aegiceras corniculatum, Bruguiera sp., Ceriops sp., Rhizophora sp., and Sonneratia alba. 

We set up three accretion bamboo posts in the rehabilitation site to ensure these efforts lead to lasting change. These will help us track soil buildup over time, a key part of mangrove recovery. Starting in 2025, we’ll also be checking the saplings’ survival rate every month, recording monthly soil accretion rates, and taking photo-time series and drone photos to document progress. 

Together with the BWFA, we’ve built a strong foundation for restoring Bitaugan West’s mangroves. With continued monitoring and support, we’re optimistic about what’s ahead. Bit by bit, we’re making sure that these mangrove forests thrive—for the community, for the environment, and for future generations.

Written by Emmanuel Cababarros Jr.