Mangrove conservation in Eastern Visayas received a boost as Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ABS-CBN Foundation) launch the Integrated Mangrove Citizen Science and Sustainable Livelihood Initiative.
Mangroves are vital ecosystems that act as carbon sinks, fish nurseries, livelihood sources and natural breakwaters, yet they are rapidly disappearing.
The project, made possible by funding from global financial services company Sun Life Canada, aims to improve mangrove conservation by supporting community-based social enterprises and equipping locals with tools and techniques for enhanced mangrove management.
“Protecting mangroves is more important than ever given their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change,” said Sun Life Foundation executive director Kristine Dianne Millete. “We hope that this project will empower communities to actively care for mangroves while sustainably reaping the benefits these ecosystems provide.”
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Roberta Lopez-Felicianostressed the importance of collaboration in the initiative. “The project would not happen if we didn’t have the right partner and the right people in place. Having partners on the ground supporting the initiative is crucial,” she said.
The project involves collaboration with three community organizations from three sites: the San Juan by the Bay Service Cooperative (SJBSC) in Barangay San Juan, Sta. Rita, Samar; the Barobaybay Mangrove and Marine Conservationist Association (BMMCA) in Barangay Barobaybay, Calbiga, Samar; and Naga, Rawis, Villa Corro, Looc Mangrove and Fisherfolk Association (NARAVIL MFA) Inc. in Barangay Looc in Cabucgayan, Biliran.\As the philanthropic arm of life insurer Sun Life Philippines, the Sun Life Foundation supports holistic initiatives that promote health, education and environmental sustainability.
