Management strategies employed under pnap mangrove rehabilitation project in davao del sur, Philippines

This study was conducted in the 5 selected coastal barangays of Davao del Sur namely Brgy. Tagabuli, Sta. Cruz, Brgy. Punta Biao, Digos City, Brgy. Bucana, Hagonoy, Brgy. Balasinon, Sulop and Brgy. Bagumbayan, Malalag. These barangays were the Program Partners during the implementation of the Philippine National Aquasilviculture Program (PNAP) – Mangrove Rehabilitation Project due to suitability requirements. These were also declared by the Philippine Government as the identified Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the region. The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of the mangroves planted under PNAP, and determined its contributing factors behind its survival and mortality rates. Research questionnaire was also used in data gathering for socio-profiles of the project beneficiaries and management interventions employed. Results of the study revealed that Brgy. Punt Biao, Digos City (98.7%) and 95.85% in Brgy.Bucana, Hagonoy exhibited high survival rates. In terms of area orientation, these Barangays is a midland zone, and hence, expected minimum to high survival rates since planted mangroves in these areas were not directly exposed over strong winds and waves actions. However, lowest survived mangroves were recorded in Brgy. Balasinon, Sulop with 10.22% due to wave fluctuations and other climatic conditions in general. Results further revealed that Mangrove mortalities may result from different factors: change in nutrient availability, grazing animals, deforestation, feral pigs, sea level rises, storms and strong winds, shoreline erosion, altered tidal flows, and climate change which is mainly caused by human pollution and disorderness. Different management strategies includes direct planting method, and regular visitation, cleaning and overall monitoring in the different mangroves areas at least once a month or twice a month. Replanting mechanisms of mangroves were also realized and being practiced in some study areas. Hence, this could be the reason why Brgy. Punta Biao and Brgy. Bucana recorded excellent number of mangroves survived.