SIBONGA, Cebu — To show its support for the Trees for Life (TFL) project, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)-Cebu Chapter recently signed a Memorandum of Partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the rehabilitation of a 20-hectare mangrove area in this town.

DENR Secretary Horacio C. Ramos and KBP-Cebu Chapter President Florito Carlo Dugaduga signed the partnership for the rehabilitation of the mangrove here that is expected to enhance the greening efforts.

DENR7 Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca said “the TFL calls for all sectors and every citizen of the society to collaborate and unify efforts towards the natural resources development and environmental management.”

TFL is in support of President Arroyo’s Green Philippines Program (GPP) which is made up of four components, namely, reforestation, preservation of reefs and waterways, cleansing the land and air of toxic pollutants, and energy independence.

“Mangrove is a type of forest growing along tidal mudflats and along shallow water, coastal areas extending inland along rivers, streams and their tributaries where the water is generally brackish” Sibbaluca explained.

Mangroves provide nursery grounds for fish, prawns and crabs, and support fisheries production in coastal waters; protect the environment by protecting coastal areas and communities from storm surges, waves, tidal currents and typhoons; produce organic biomass (carbon) and reduce organic pollution in nearshore areas by trapping or absorption.

Sibaluca said mangroves contribute 1,800-4,200 grams of carbon per square meter per year, approximately the contribution of the tropical rain forest and 10 times higher than primary production in the open ocean.

The DENR, in collaboration with stakeholders and partners, has spearheaded the massive tree planting to mitigate climate change, ensure water supply security, conserve biodiversity, establish agro-forestry and sustain supply of forest-based raw materials and the production of alternative source of fuels.

Meanwhile, prior to the actual conduct of the activity, the DENR will hold surveys and prepare the sketch plan of the area and facilitate briefing and orientation on how to plant mangroves as it explains the importance of mangrove forest in carbon sequestration.

Moreover, the KBP-Cebu Chapter will conduct the actual planting of the 20-hectare mangrove area and will provide the necessary personnel compliment and other material inputs in accomplishing its establishment and maintenance activities.