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FPE-Funded Researches

[2012] Mangrove Cover and Coral Reef Assessment in Ilocos Sur

In northern Luzon, a research initiative was proposed with the aim of assessing and protecting the biophysical resources of the Abra River, as well as the constituents of the local communities traversed by the said body of water.

Project Proponent/Partner: Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA)

In northern Luzon, a research initiative was proposed with the aim of assessing and protecting the biophysical resources of the Abra River, as well as the constituents of the local communities traversed by the said body of water.

Nestled between mountains and hills and drained by a mighty river that empties into the sea, the towns of Santa and Caoayan, as well as the city of Vigan, are ideal settlements that provide a variety of naturally produced resources. Unfortunately, given the inherent vulnerability of the location, its people have also borne the brunt of human and material loss caused by natural calamities and man-made disasters. 

The assessment project proposed by the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) hopes to contribute to efforts aimed at the restoration of natural habitats and ecosystems of the two towns with the help of the communities and the Save the Abra River Movement (STARM) and affiliate Solidarity of Peasants Against Exploitation (STOP Exploitation). The comprehensive project was launched by gathering baseline data on the health and socio-economic conditions in the project sites and also determining the diversity of plant and animal species in its lowland and mangrove forests, beaches, and freshwater marine areas. Another project component will sensitize different sectors to destructive mining practices through mass media and produce a training module on the impact of mining activities. 

The collaborative research initiative is also significant in the sense of realizing a practical application of the “reef-to-ridge” strategy of environmental protection and rehabilitation. It also addresses considerations for disaster risk reduction and food security mechanisms for Ilocos Sur as a whole, and in particular, for the communities that depend on the livelihood-supporting services provided by the Abrariver.

Overall, the results of the research are intended to translate into the achievement of high-impact objectives such as mainstreaming the awareness of the population on the state of their environment and natural resources; establishing and enabling leaders who will rally the peoples’ organizations toward protecting and preserving the environment; and creating communities unified against the serious threats posed by destructive mining.

Reference: http://www.cpaphils.org/campaigns/STARM.MOA%20signing.Aug102012.pdf