In the morning of October 11, 2014, the Primavera Residences team trooped to barangay Bonbon in Cagayan de Oro City to join the mangrove planting activity conducted by Philippine Air Force TOG 10 and students from the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS). 

 As the first eco-friendly building in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences advocates environmental protection and conservation, and is therefore, honored and happy to support the activity.

Students from MOGCHS, Primavera Residences staff, and members of the PAF-TOG 10 after the mangrove-planting activity in Bonbon, CDO

Mangrove forests are among the most productive ecosystems and are especially helpful in coastal areas such as Cagayan de Oro City. Aside from providing goods worldwide that account to approximately US$186 million each year, mangroves also serve as protection and shelter against extreme weather conditions – something Kagay-anons are unfortunately quite familiar with.

Here are more reasons why planting mangroves is one of the extremely important things you can do to save our community and our planet.

1. Mangroves provide a habitat for various animal species

Different varieties of fishes, crabs, shrimps, mollusks, and other marine life seek shelter and thrive in mangrove forests. Mangroves are also home to birds and mammals such as the mangrove monkeys of South Asia, and also serve as nurseries and breeding grounds for several types of fishes and invertebrates. These natural fisheries provide food for thousands of coastal communities around the world!

2. Mangroves create livelihoods for communities

Fishing, gathering of crustaceans, and use of mangrove timber are just some of the livelihoods being provided by mangrove forests. Mangrove wood is very valuable because it is resistant to rotting and insects, and this is why several communities around the world rely on it for construction and for fuel.

Other opportunities created by mangrove forests include tourism (imagine snorkelling in and around mangrove trees and marvelling at the diverse marine life amidst a backdrop of interwoven mangrove roots!), plant products (some medicinal plants thrive in mangrove ecosystems, and mangrove leaves are also used as animal feeds), and myriad other economic potentials.

In a study made in 2007, it was reported that one hectare alone of a mangrove forest has an annual economic value of around US$12,000. That’s roughly P540,000 in Philippine pesos. Now can you imagine how that would help the local economy and the local communities?

3. Mangroves protect coastal areas 

Mangroves have been known to provide a buffer against extreme weather conditions like storms, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, and hurricane winds. There are several reports of villages being saved from tsunami destruction by the wide belt of mangroves protecting the shoreline. Because mangrove trees absorb and disperse tidal surges, coastal communities which are prone to calamities can definitely benefit from more mangrove reforestation programs.

Aside from these, mangroves also filter pollutants and trap sediments coming from land, thereby maintaining the clarity and quality of water.

Want to organize your own mangrove-planting activities? Contact the nearest DENR – CENRO (Department of Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office) to inquire.

 

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Primavera Residences is a twin tower, 10-storey mixed-use development located in uptown Cagayan de Oro City. It is internationally awarded due to its eco-friendly design that allows residents to save up to 32% in energy consumption because of the building’s natural ventilation and heat reduction features.

The structure of Primavera Residences is also designed to withstand strong earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural calamities, while its elevated location at 110 meters above sea level makes it flood-free and ideal for safe, hassle-free, and convenient eco-friendly living.

For more information about Primavera Residences, visit www.primaveraresidences.com or call 088-880-5002.