In partnership with the Culion Foundation Inc., Baldat Fisherfolk and Farmers Association (BAFFA), along with local government units, the GCASH-Gforest Mangrove Rehabilitation Project seeks to reforest the 50-hectare Mangrove areas in Culion jeopardized by large-scale deforestation mostly for commercial consumption and use.
GCASH-Gforest Mangrove Rehabilitation Project aims to plant a total of 200,000 seedlings covering eight ( 8 ) barangays in Culion.
In 2022, the first phase batch 1 of the project kicked off in Barangay Carabao, Burabod, Halsey, Binudac, Galoc, Malaking Patag, Osmena and Barangay Baldat which recorded a total of 75,000 mangroves being planted, which the PCSDS along with its partners intend to closely monitor and assess for success.
Phase 1 Batch 2 also started on February 7, targeting to plant 50,000 seedlings in the same barangays.
The Mangrove Monitoring ensures for the survival of the mangrove seedlings after plantation, while Carbon Assessment aims to evaluate the capacity of the plant species to become carbon sinks which mitigates the impacts of climate change, among others.
Another 75,000 will be also added for the phase two of the project implementation.
While the G-Cash G-Forest project bolsters the rehabilitation of Culion’s Mangrove covers, it also creates economic opportunities for the locals. The Gcash Gforest Project inked an agreement with communities/ residents of respective barangay to have a remuneration for the propagules or seeds which they will provide, nurture, and plant.
The GCASH-Gforest Mangrove Rehabilitation Project is a project-collaboration among USAID, PATH Foundation through Culion Foundation Inc.- Fish Right Program and with the full support of Culion LGU.
It is expected to be concluded in 2024.