Between 1970 and 2015, the Philippines lost 40 per cent of its mangroves due to aquaculture and other coastal development. Currently only 19 per cent of mangroves here are protected; the global average is 39 per cent. We hope to prove the value of mangrove restoration for biodiversity recovery using innovative monitoring techniques such as bioacoustics, as well as quantifying the benefits local communities.
Community and government members have been trained in how to restore the ecological conditions required for mangrove rehabilitation, which in this area involves raising the soil level in abandoned fishponds. By the end of Year One, approximately 25,000 trees will have been planted. To support long-term conservation and stewardship of restored areas, the local community will be supported in developing sustainable alternative livelihood models of aquaculture.
With growing recognition of the importance of mangrove ecosystems globally and the recent launch of the Philippines National Blue Carbon Action, we believe the desire to conserve and restore of mangroves could motivate the establishment of new marine protected areas across the Philippines – a contribution towards the country’s 30 x 30 commitment.
In the provinces of Surigao del Sur and La Union we are supporting Oceanus Conservation to restore abandoned aquaculture ponds to mangrove forests by following the community-based ecological mangrove restoration methodology.
Launched in 2023 and led by our Blue Climate unit, Blue Marine’s partnership with Oceanus aims to improve biodiversity recovery, enhance climate mitigation and adaptation potential, and at the same time support the livelihoods of coastal communities. The founder and leader of Oceanus is National Geographic explorer Camille Rivera, who is quickly becoming a leading voice advocating for marine conservation in the Philippines.
From kelp forests and cold-water corals to blue whales and orcas, Patagonia teems with exceptional biodiversity. Blue Marine works with multiple partners to promote the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) that can keep this wild place wild.
Posidonia Oceanica seagrass is one of the most important blue carbon ecosystems in the Mediterranean, and supports crucial fisheries. To counter threats from pollution, coastal development and anchoring, Blue Marine is pioneering techniques to restore it.
The reef ecosystem of the island nation is the seventh largest in the world and the most extensive in the Indian Ocean. Blue Marine is working with our locally affiliated NGO to make the reefs more resistant to climate change.
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