The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas (DENR 6) on Wednesday emphasized the role of mangroves in protecting communities and preserving marine habitats.

DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Raul Lorilla, in a forum on Wednesday, said a coastal community in Capiz that survived Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 planted mangroves, which lessened the impact of succeeding typhoons.

“That is how nature-based solutions are being pursued by the DENR in relation to various strategies that are being espoused by the government. We still maintain that the nature-based solution is worth being implemented, considering its long-lasting impact on the community,” he said.

DENR data showed that around 9,727 hectares of coastal areas in the region were planted with mangroves.

These include the Bakhawan Eco-Park in Kalibo and the Katunggan It Ibajay Mangrove Ecopark in Aklan; the Madulano Mangrove Rehabilitation Project in Capiz; and established areas within the Taklong and Tandog Group of Islands Natural Park.

In Iloilo, there is the Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark in Leganes town, and mangrove plantations in Iloilo City.

“Nature-based solution is a system wherein we adopt the course of nature,” he added.

Other benefits of mangroves include mitigating the impact of climate change, providing a breeding ground for marine life, fuel wood, medicines, and carbon sequestration.

“Mangrove has a lot of benefits, that’s why we emphasized that planting of mangroves and other tree species is crucial in terms of the global challenges that we are facing on climate change,” he added.

Other than mangrove planting, the DENR aims to increase the forest cover in the region, currently at 12 percent.

He said they are partnering with local government units and encouraged private and survey claimants, and lot owners to plant trees in their vacant spaces.

“We are more particular on forest cover that is implemented in forest land because that is its ecological component and requirement to address the vulnerability of the environment,” he said. (PNA)