Mangrove area developed to cut carbon emissions

ILOILO CITY – The 35-hectare mangrove area in Barangay Ingore and Hinactacan in La Paz district here is being developed to cut carbon emissions in the atmosphere.

Global Business Power Corporation, through its subsidiaries Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC) and Panay Power Corp., now develop this mangrove area as a bird sanctuary and wetland eco-park -- in a five-year project partnership with the City Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local communities near the adjoining power plants.

PEDC plant manager Engr. Nilo Madrid said the project also aims to provide a recreational area for the community to enjoy and at the same time, increase awareness for the protection and management of the ecosystem.

Carbon sequestration through forestry plays a significant role in solving global environmental problems such as accumulation of greenhouse gases and climate change.

The project also aims to educate the public to be more conscious in protecting and conserving the environment.

Madrid said they are also developing an additional seven hectares as an ecological park on top of rehabilitating and enhancing the natural mangrove area. It will include a mangrove nursery, nursery rearing shed, jetty port, and floating bar. Already in place are the wooden pathwalk of more than 200 meters and two park gazebos.

It will become an integral part of the coastal eco-tourism project of the city. At present, it is home to 14 different species of mangroves and more than 50 species of migratory and endemic birds. (Lydia C. Pendon)