A multi-sectoral forum has renewed the Philippines’ commitment to mangrove conservation, citing its critical role in safeguarding food systems, livelihoods, and climate resilience for millions of coastal Filipinos.

The *Mangrove Blue Carbon Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond* forum, held at Century Park Hotel, was led by the UP Los Baños Forestry Development Center (FDC) and the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), with support from ZSL Philippines, WWF-Philippines, KLIMA, the Global Mangrove Alliance, and the British Embassy Manila.

Dr. Dixon Gevaña, FDC Director, said the forum was a step toward uniting science, policy, and grassroots perspectives: “We are creating a space where researchers, policy makers, and local communities can align priorities and translate valuable research into evidence-based and actionable policies.”

At the center of the roadmap discussion were legislative priorities, including the proposed Integrated Coastal Management Act and the Coastal Greenbelt Bill. These aim to institutionalize science-based, community-led approaches to managing the country’s shrinking mangrove cover—down to 62% of its original 500,000 hectares.

Coastal community leader Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon of KGMC in Zamboanga Sibugay stressed the vital link between mangroves and local livelihoods. “Kung aalisin mo kami sa aming kabuhayan, malayo kami sa dagat, sa ilog, sa mga mangrove—wala na kaming buhay,” he said. “Ang panawagan namin: huwag kaming ilayo. Palakasin ang proteksyon—lalo na ang mangroves—dahil nandiyan ang aming kabuhayan, ang aming pamilya, at ang aming kinabukasan.”

Dr. Yasmin Tirol of Aklan State University noted that mangrove loss directly affects food access for many families who rely on gleaning, while Dr. Severino Salmo of UP Diliman highlighted the need for reliable, site-specific data to support blue carbon inclusion in national climate commitments.

Germaine De Ruña of NBCAP-ZSL Philippines added, “Protecting mangroves is about securing food systems, livelihoods, and climate resilience for millions of Filipinos.”