TACLOBAN CITY -- The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Arteche in Eastern Samar has tapped former illegal loggers and timber poachers to rehabilitate its Beri Mangrove Forest.
Mayor Roland Boie Evardone said that 24.4 of the total 538 hectares of mangrove forest had been reportedly destroyed in the illegal activities such as cutting of mangrove for housing, timber, and charcoal production, as well as an illegal fishpond and fishing.
"In the next two years, we plan to reforest 40 hectares of mangrove forest, wherein we will create a Mangrove nursery," said Mayor Evardone, citing that 12 existing mangrove species are growing in the area.
"The poachers will be keepers of the mangroves. They will also be looking for ‘tawin’ or mangrove propagules for the nursery, while their wives will also serve as tour guides in the future," he added.
Evardone said they will also be partnering with schools, agencies, and fraternities for the program.
"We plan to create activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, riding the local baluto, etc. We will promote the area for Mangrove Education among schools," stressed Evardone.
He said the Sangguniang Bayan will pass an ordinance requiring couples to plant mangroves before they could secure marriage certificates.
The mayor has laid out their ecotourism plans that involve the declaration of protected areas for snapping shrimps (tabakla), crabs, and marine and fish sanctuary.