Successful Mangrove Reforestation Efforts in Mexico

Subject: Opportunity to Learn from Successful Mangrove Reforestation Efforts in Mexico

His Excellency Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr.

President of the Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang Palace
Manila

Your Excellency,

I am writing to bring to your attention an inspiring and potentially beneficial initiative in mangrove reforestation that has been successfully implemented in Mexico.

A recent article published on www.news.mongabay.com titled "After trial and error, Mexican fishers find key to reforesting a mangrove haven" highlights the work of Mr. David Borbon and his wife Ana Maria Peralta. They are the founders and leaders of a community effort to restore mangrove forests in a fishing village within Mexico’s El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, one of the country’s largest protected areas.

Despite not being a scientist or an engineer, Mr. Borbon has developed innovative methods of propagating mangrove plants. A study published in Nature Magazine noted that his method of planting mangrove propagules under natural conditions successfully replanted 30,000 new plants in three years. To date, their project has planted more than 1.8 million mangroves with an impressive survival rate of 92-94%, according to Mr. Borbon.

While the Philippines is home to experts in mangrove cultivation, including internationally renowned Filipino scientist Dr. Jurgenne Honculada Primavera, I believe there is value in learning from Mr. Borbon’s methods. The successful mangrove forest in Kalibo, Aklan, initiated by the late Congressman Allen Salas Quimpo and the late Secretary Fulgencio Factoran, Jr., demonstrates the importance of such initiatives in our country.

Mangrove forests are invaluable ecosystems that offer numerous benefits:

1.   Biodiversity Support: They provide habitats for diverse species, serving as nurseries for juvenile fish and supporting marine life.

2.   Climate Change Mitigation: Mangroves sequester up to five times more carbon than terrestrial forests, making them vital in combating climate change.

3.   Erosion Control: Their root systems stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion.

4.   Water Quality Improvement: Mangrove roots filter pollutants and trap sediments, enhancing water quality.

5.   Economic Resources: They support local economies through fishing, ecotourism, and other activities.

6.   Disaster Risk Reduction: Mangroves act as natural buffers against storms, tsunamis, and flooding.

7.   Food Security: They support fisheries and provide a habitat for marine species crucial for food security.

Mr. President, I respectfully suggest that you instruct our Embassy in Mexico City to reach out to Mr. Borbon to directly obtain information on his methods and explore how we can adapt them for use in the Philippines. By copy of this letter, I am also requesting the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources to act on this opportunity. Additionally, I request the Secretary of Science and Technology to collaborate with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) to study and potentially implement Mr. Borbon’s techniques in our mangrove reforestation programs.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am confident that under your leadership, we can strengthen our efforts to protect and restore our invaluable mangrove ecosystems.

Respectfully yours,

Ramon Ike V. Seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

cc: Hon. Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Hon. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources
Hon. Secretary of Science and Technology

01-06- 2025

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