Local Mangrove Planting in the Philippines: Are Fisherfolk and Fishpond Owners Effective Restorationists?

background

This paper evaluates ecological characteristics of mangrove plantations planted by local communities in the Philippines and compares them to natural mangrove forests nearby. 

research goals & methods

33 mangrove plantations and 19 natural mangrove forests were surveyed for species composition, density, DBH, basal area, canopy height, canopy closure, and other ecological factors. Additionally, coastal residents were interviewed to gather information on the history of mangrove change, their motivations to plant mangroves, and their experience with planting.

conclusions & takeaways

The study found that planted mangrove forests contained a high density of small stems, shorter and narrower canopies, and fewer species than the natural mangrove forests. The interviews indicated that the communities mainly used Rhizophora mucronata, planted close together to create high densities of small, straight stems for use in fish trap construction. The study suggests that while the plantations do serve the needs of the communities in certain ways, they will not effectively catalyze regeneration of a diverse mangrove forest.