In celebration of the Month of the Ocean, various stakeholders planted 7,500 Rhizophora sp. propagules during a simultaneous mangrove tree-planting program in Loon and Talibon, Bohol on May 26, 2023.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), through the Bohol Provincial Environment Office (BPEMO), with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bohol, as part of the Trees for Unity Program of Governor Aris Aumentado: a program mobilizing Boholanos to involve themselves in environmental conservation through tree-planting.
7,500 propagules were planted by 346 stakeholders at the Loon Uplifted Marine Terrace, an identified geosite part of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark in Brgy. Basdacu, Loon. Meanwhile, 10,000 propagules were planted at Brgy. Sto. Nino, Talibon by 174 stakeholders.
The Trees for Unity Program is part of PGBh’s Strategic Change and Development Agenda of the Aumentado-Balite Administration under Environmental Sustainability, which aims to create a resilient and green Bohol by implementing sound environmental programs.
“This is a very important initiative, as mangroves play a vital role in protecting our coastlines from erosion and storm surges,” said BEMO. “They also provide a home for a variety of marine life, and help to improve water quality.”
The mangrove tree-planting program is just one of the many environmental initiatives that the PGBh is undertaking to protect Bohol’s natural resources. The province has also implemented a ban on single-use plastics, and is working to promote sustainable tourism.
“We are committed to making Bohol a leader in environmental conservation,” said BEMO. “We believe that by working together, we can create a better future for our province.