Introduction
Every 26th of July, the global community pauses to acknowledge the significance of one of the planet’s most remarkable ecosystems—mangrove forests. These coastal woodlands, often overlooked and undervalued, are celebrated on World Mangrove Day for the indispensable role they play in protecting communities, sustaining biodiversity, and buffering the impacts of climate change.
Mangroves thrive where few other plants can: in brackish waters, tidal flats, and muddy coastlines. Their tangled roots anchor shorelines against erosion, reducing the force of storm surges and shielding vulnerable settlements from the worst effects of typhoons. For archipelagic nations like the Philippines, this natural defense is not merely ecological—it is existential.
Beyond protection, mangroves are biodiversity hotspots. They serve as nurseries for fish, crustaceans, and countless marine species that support coastal livelihoods. Birds, insects, and mammals depend on these forests for food and shelter. Scientists also highlight mangroves as powerful carbon sinks, capable of storing up to four times more carbon than terrestrial forests, making them vital allies in the fight against global warming.
Challenges in the Philippines
Mangrove status in the Philippines shows severe historic losses and ongoing vulnerability, contrasting with regional growth in Southeast Asia and a fragile stabilization worldwide. Key factors include high local degradation from aquaculture, contrasting regional recovery, and widespread global risks from climate change.
The Philippines has lost over 60% to 64% of cover since 1918, declining to roughly 284,798 hectares today, per the Global Mangrove Watch. About 50% of local mangrove deforestation stems from the impact of aquaculture, i.e. the conversion into brackish-water fish and shrimp ponds. The Philippines is ranked as the second worst country in ASEAN for mangrove losses; roughly half of all worldwide mangrove ecosystems face risk of collapse from climate change and sea-level rise.
Compared with Asia, Southeast Asia is experiencing a regional revival. It has shifted from historic decline to net growth, driving 43% of global mangrove expansion through active reforestation and natural regeneration in abandoned ponds. While neighbors like Indonesia lead in massive growth and conservation success, the Philippines continues to struggle with localized degradation and poorly planned replanting strategies.
Worldwide mangrove loss has largely stabilized, with natural expansion and conservation efforts helping offset losses. International studies however show that 50% of global mangrove ecosystems remain at high risk of decline, threatening carbon storage and coastal storm protection.
Notably, mangroves in the Bicol Region compare favorably with other Philippine regions thanks to strong community rehabilitation, old-growth and primary mangrove stands as well as high species diversity. Bicol harbors around 34 to 36 true mangrove species versus 26 to 34 true species in top biodiversity sites like Bohol. The region, however, continues to be vulnerable to the adverse effects of typhoons.
A Call to Action
Despite their importance, mangroves remain threatened. Conversion of coastal areas for aquaculture, real estate development, and industrial use continues to shrink mangrove cover worldwide. Pollution and rising sea levels further stress these fragile ecosystems.
World Mangrove Day is therefore both a celebration and a call to action. Governments, conservation groups, and local communities mark the day with tree-planting drives, coastal cleanups, and educational campaigns aimed at strengthening public appreciation for mangrove conservation. In many coastal barangays across Bicol, volunteers wade into the shallows to plant propagules—small acts of stewardship that collectively safeguard the region’s natural heritage.
Mangrove Sanctuaries in Bicol
Bicol’s mangrove sanctuaries are scattered across the region’s vast coastal areas, with the largest concentration and best-known ecoparks located in Sorsogon, Masbate, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Albay.
The region’s most prominent mangrove sanctuaries and ecoparks include:
Prieto Diaz Community-Based Program (Sorsogon): A world-renowned, 1,034-hectare mangrove ecosystem, the largest in Bicol, is sustained by community-led management. Locally known as “Ina kan Kadagatan” or Mother of the Sea, this vast mangrove forest serves as a nursery for marine life such as crabs, shrimps, rabbitfishes, and shellfishes. It also provides natural protection against storms, typhoons, sea level rise, flooding, and saltwater intrusion into inland communities. It pairs strict local enforcement against illegal cutting with alternative livelihoods for residents, showing how local government support can yield decades of continuous ecological success. It features extensive boardwalks, diverse marine life, and serves as a global model for coastal resilience and restoration. Prieto Diaz has received several recognitions, including the Best Mangrove Award in Bicol (2020), Champion in the Para El Mar Marine Protected Area Awards (2021), and distinctions as an Outstanding Locally Managed Marine Protected Area and Champion for Masagana at Malinis na Karagatan (MMK) nationwide. Through a 25-year Mangrove Stewardship Agreement, this mangrove project is administered by SEAMANCOR Eco-Developers, Inc., a people’s organization committed to conservation and protection.
Panganiban Mangrove Site (Sorsogon): The eco-tourism site and mangrove forest is located in Barangay Panganiban, Gubat. It received funding in 2019 from Sun Life Foundation and ABS – CBN Foundation, Inc. – Bantay Kalikasan. It features a walkway along the thick mangrove forest named by the people’s organization as “Tulay sa Tibo” (Tibo is a mangrove specie in the local dialect). There are three towers with a 360-degree view of the mangrove forest and the coastal waters of Gubat with Mt. Bulusan also in sight. The boardwalk was destroyed during Typhoon Tisoy in 2019, and the rehabilitation was finished in 2021. By February 2022, the site was reopened as a major tourism attraction in Sorsogon.
Caditaan Mangrove Ecosystem (Sorsogon): A 10-hectare wetland located in Barangay Caditaan, Magallanes, the project won 2nd Runner-Up in the DENR 4th Gawad Iba Ka Juan: Best Mangrove Award in the Bicol Region (July 2026). WWF Philippines is an enabling partner of the Caditaan Mangrove Ecosystem.
Bongsanglay Natural Park (Masbate): Located in the town of Batuan, Ticao Island, BongNP is the only remaining rare primary-growth (old-growth) mangrove forest in the region. With its many unique physical and biological features, the 519-hectare park has won awards at Para El Mar, a biennial national event honoring best-managed Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines. This magnificent coastal forest is home to 34 mangrove species, many of which are century-old trees. At the center of the protected area, is a 149-year-old Miyapi (Api-api) tree, which with a height of 7.6 m. and a diameter of 3.5 m. is recognized as the biggest mangrove tree in Bicol. DENR Bicol spearheads local initiatives here alongside volunteer “Mangrove Warriors” to conduct regular coastal clean-ups and site planting.
Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Mangrove Reserve (Masbate): Found just off the coast of Masbate City, the 250-hectare protected area features a picturesque sandbar and thriving mangrove plantations that serve as fish nurseries. Just like Bongsanglay Natural Park, it has been recognized during the biennial Para El Mar, landing its first for Outstanding Locally Managed Protected Area award in 2019.
Pawa Mangrove Park (Masbate City): A 300-hectare mangrove sanctuary in Masbate City, it features a 1.3-kilometer bamboo boardwalk that winds through the lush mangrove forest. Established in 2005, the park serves as a vital conservation area. The boardwalk provides access to the mangroves, allowing for leisurely walks and birdwatching. The park is managed by the Pawa Women’s Mangrove Guardian Association, reflecting the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Danao Mangrove and Eco-Park (Masbate): DMEP is a 15-hectare naturally grown mangrove forest in Balud, Masbate. It is home to eight magrove species including the threatened species Bantigue mangrove shrub (Phemphis acidula) which occupies a substantial area in the ecopark. Danao is considered one of the two (2) remaining sites of the Bantigue mangrove plant in the province of Masbate. The site won the 4th Runner-Up Gawad Iba Ka Juan award in 2024.
Domorog and Sorosimbahan Mangroves (Masbate): The mangrove conservation and coastal management site in Esperanza, Masbate serves as a natural barrier against coastal hazards and strong typhoons and sustains local fishing grounds and marine biodiversity for residents and fisherfolk organizations. It recently won 3rd Runner-Up in the Gawad Iba Ka Juan Best Mangrove Award for the Bicol Region.
Basud Mangrove Park (Masbate): This prominent mangrove attraction is located in Looc, Poblacion, Palanas. It acts as a protection zone for marine life, birds, and local fish species while promoting eco-tourism and coastal biodiversity. It features boardwalks for sightseeing and enjoying the natural coastal scenery.
Tinambac Mangrove Conservation Area (Camarines Sur): The 376.3-hectare coastal mangrove ecosystem spans across six Tinambac barangays, namely, Old Caaluan, New Caaluan, Mananao, Sta. Cruz, Bagacay, and Bolaobalite. Serving as a natural coastal defense and a vital community livelihood zone, it supports local practices like pagpunaw (gathering shellfish) and pagbobo (crab fishing), provides a nursery ground for marine life, boosting daily catches for local fisherfolk, and promotes community-based practices such as pagpuwag nin hamis (mangrove honey farming). This site has won the 4th Runner-Up Gawad Iba Ka Juan award in 2026.
Siruma Mangrove Local Conservation Area (Camarines Sur): Situated along San Miguel Bay, this is an important women-led local conservation area that shields the coastline from erosion and supports local aquasilviculture. Protecting 197 hectares of mangrove forest across five coastal barangays, this project focuses on reforestation and environmental monitoring while training local People’s Organizations to combat illegal fishing and logging. Gayon Park Mangrove Nursery located inside the Siruma Mangrove Learning Center serves as a community-led conservation hub for coastal rehabilitation and education. It maintains key local species including Avicennia marina and various Rhizophora varieties.
Isla Agua ni Cion (Camarines Norte): The Isla Agua ni Cion mangrove project is a coastal and eco-tourism conservation initiative located in Barangay Salvacion, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte. It is a dense mangrove plantation which features a 130-meter-long boardwalk, a sturdy bamboo path which winds through the trees, leading to a 3-storey view deck with a 360-degree look at the sea and nearby islands. Unlike typical murky brackish mangrove areas, the waters here remain remarkably clear. It is about a 20-minute boat ride away from Larap Port.
Barangay Salvacion, Santa Elena (Camarines Norte): The 41-hectare mangrove plantation in Capalonga is a successful implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) in Camarines Norte. Established in 2011, the project involved the propagation of Bakauan babae (Rhizophora mucronate) mangrove species by the Sta. Elena Agri-Fisheries Cooperative (SEAFC). The mangrove plantation is accessible through a 2.92-kilometer walk from the Barangay Del Pilar in Capalonga which is responsible for its maintenance, management, and conservation. Watch video by DENR.
Mercedes Critical Habitat (Camarines Norte): This is a 308-hectare protected mangrove and wetland area spanning the barangays of Catandunganon, Manguisoc, and Gaboc in Mercedes, Camarines Norte. It serves as a vital sanctuary for endemic and threatened wildlife, most notably the endangered Philippine Duck and other native wetland species. It is co-managed by local groups including the Catandunganon Fish Farmers/Mangrove and Mudcrab Association to balance protection with sustainable local livelihoods. It won the 2026 Champion Award in the Gawad Iba ka Juan competition.
CNWD Mangrove Rehabilitation Project (Camarines Norte): The Camarines Norte Water District (CNWD) runs mangrove rehabilitation efforts focusing on coastal protection. Located in Barangay Manguisoc, Mercedes, Camarines Norte, its partners are local government units, police, coast guard, fire protection, and school groups. Its goals are to protect coastal areas, rebuild fish habitats, and support nature conservation.
Mambalite Mangrove Forest (Camarines Norte): This is a thriving coastal ecosystem located in Barangay Mambalite, Daet, Camarines Norte, known for its rich biodiversity, local seafood, and a notable population of fruit bats (paniki).
San Nicolas Mangrove Forest (Camarines Norte): It is located in the San Vicente – Talisay River System in Talisay. It features a short boardwalk for birdwatching and a dock for kayaking on the waterways
Manito Mangrove Forest (Albay): This lush mangrove haven features a sprawling canopy of 12 unique mangrove tree species and is home to at least 36 species of birds and 16 marine species. Spanning more than 193 hectares, this marine coastal zone also serves as a source of food, breeding ground for fishes supporting local fisheries, and buffer against typhoons and storm surges. The Manito Mangrove Forest was once a degraded forest reserve in the 1990s, a consequence of deforestation, pollution and exploitation. It has been restored into a closed mangrove forest through a collaboration between the Alliance of Bacman Farmers Association (ALBAFAI), as grantee, and EDC BINHI in partnership with Forest Foundation Philippines.
Recognition
The Gawad Iba Ka Juan awards program is a regional environmental initiative by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), specifically recognizing the Search for Best Mangrove Award. This event, held each year on July 26, is in observance of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystems. It recognizes outstanding contributions to the preservation of Bicol’s vital mangrove habitats. It highlights local government units (LGUs), people’s organizations, and communities protecting coastal mangrove ecosystems. The winners represent DENR in the Para El Mar biennial competition, which recognizes and honors Outstanding Locally Managed Marine Protected Areas, Outstanding Marine Protected Area Networks and the Best Mangrove Award.
2024: The 3rd Gawad Iba Ka Juan Awardees were a) Champion – the Siruma Mangrove Local Conservation Area in Siruma, Camarines Sur; b) 1st Runner-Up – Coastal Barangays of Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte which include Barangay Salvacion, Isla Agua ni Cion and Dahican (out of 27 total barangays in Jose Panganiban, 19 are coastal, 14 of which maintain thriving mangrove ecosystems managed alongside by local agricultural and tourism offices}; c) 2nd Runner-Up – Caaluan Mangrove Area in Tinambac, Camarines Sur; d) 3rd Runner-Up – Mercedes Critical Habitat in Mercedes, Camarines Norte; e) 4th Runner-Up – Danao Mangrove and Eco-Park in Balud, Masbate.
2026: The 4th Gawad Iba Ka Juan Awardees are: a) Champion – Mercedes Critical Habitat from Mercedes, Camarines Norte (represented by Barangay Catandunganon and CFFA Officers); 1st Runner-Up – CNWD Mangrove Rehabilitation Project from Mercedes, Camarines Norte; 2nd Runner-Up – Caditaan Mangrove Ecosystem from Magallanes, Sorsogon (managed by United Caditaan Mangrove Conservation Inc. and the Barangay Council of Caditaan); 3rd Runner-Up – Domorog and Sorosimbahan Mangroves (Esperanza, Masbate); 4th Runner-Up – Tinambac Mangrove Conservation Area from Camarines Sur (overseen by the Provincial Government through EDMERO).
Notable Developments
In parts of Camarines Sur and Bohol, communities are implementing advanced restoration methodologies. This includes constructing specialized bamboo fences to slow storm surges, allowing suspended sediment to drop and keeping tidal channels oxygenated so young roots can survive.
National tracking data from Tinambac, Camarines Sur, has verified that successfully restored mangrove cover directly caused the return of vanished species like red snappers, boosting local fish catches.
Organizations like the Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol regularly execute multi-sector operations, recently planting hundreds of mangrove propagules to establish natural tidal wave barriers, in coastal areas such as Barangays Humapon and Lamba, Legazpi City; Bagacay (Albay); Malilipot (Albay), Barangay Gatbo in Bacon District, Sorsogon City; Barangay Famosa, Monreal, Masbate.
Meanwhile, the Bicol Blue Mangrove Rehabilitation Project is planned for Capalonga, Camarines Norte in 2026-2027. Managed by environmental developer Wovoka, it is a scalable 5-year pilot initiative targeting 39 hectares (with an initial 10 hectares) of abandoned fishponds. It focuses on science-based restoration, community-led monitoring, and boosting local blue carbon and biodiversity outcomes. The participants are 137 local community members to be organized through a people’s organization. The objective is to convert unused shrimp/fishponds back into thriving mangrove ecosystems to capture carbon and protect the coast.
Conclusion
For Bicolanos, mangroves are more than environmental assets. They are part of the cultural landscape, woven into stories of resilience and renewal. Protecting them ensures that future generations inherit coastlines that are not only beautiful, but alive and thriving.
As the world observes Mangrove Day, the message is clear: these forests at the edge of land and sea are essential. Their preservation is a shared responsibility—one that begins with recognizing their value and committing to their care.
The header features photos of the Prieto Diaz Mangrove Forest (credit: Sorsogon FB).
About the author
JOJO DE JESUS is one of the content curators and co-founders of Dateline Ibalon, an online magazine dedicated to amplifying Bikol voices. Born in Cebu City, he grew up in Labo, Camarines Norte, and attended Ateneo de Naga High School. He is a management engineering graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University and has held key management positions in Philippine and Northeast USA companies
References:
- Science / UP Diliman, January 17, 2023: https://science.upd.edu.ph/uncertain-future-looms-for-philippine-southeast-asian-mangroves/
- Eco Business, July 17, 2026: https://www.eco-business.com/news/mangroves-are-making-a-comeback-in-southeast-asia-study/
- Inquirer, July 23, 2026: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2268716/protecting-the-protectors-racing-to-save-ph-mangroves
- Content was also sourced from the FB pages of DENR Bicol and various Bicol LGU’s (provincial, tourism, municipal, barangay).