Marine Mangrove Reforestation Project, the Philippines, June 2008

 100,000 tree plantation site on the Tropical Island of Negros Occidental, Philippines. They are currently recruiting volunteers to join us for Phase 1 of the project.

Fishing is the main source of food/income for a lot of the poor local families of Cervantes and Rizal. Over recent years, fish stocks around the costal area have declined dramatically. There is now a permanent commercial fishing ban in place (with only local fishermen still free to continue with their livelihood). It is also feared that Mangroves have been gradually disappearing from the area due to some of the local residents using the trees for wood for use in their houses, for construction of fences, firewood and the conversion of areas into fishponds. This is now being rectified through an education programme. 
 
Project

In collaboration with the Planning and Environmental departments of Escalante provincial Government, Island Volunteers have identified and assessed a costal beach area totalling 5 hectares ready and ideally suited for the mangrove reforestation project within the Baranggay of Cervantes; this area was confirmed with a site visit and has been ear-marked for Phase 1 of the Project, a detailed exploration of the area via boat was then commissioned to assess suitability, access and project specifics.
 

The project has been approved between Island Volunteers and the provincial government of Escalante. Within the signed Memorandum of Understanding, the reforested area will be protected and policed from any further destruction and the local community will be shown and educated on why protecting the reforested mangroves is in their future interests.

 
The area needs approximately 100,000 trees to be planted for Phase 1 (Phase 2 will also have an additional 100,000 trees planted within its site).

 

They require volunteers to contribute funding towards the project as well as a little physical help also. Volunteer contributions will be used to fund seedling stocks as well as everything else that comes with a well organised project (i.e. Food, Accommodation, Transport, Cleaning, Security etc).

 

Planting Mangrove trees is a relatively easy process physically. You will be shown the correct method of planting and anyone of reasonable health could easily plant 200+ in a day without breaking into a sweat. Don't worry if you're not fast, its not a race, you can plant at whatever pace you feel comfortable with and you will be with plenty of people to chat with on the beach, so you won't get lonely. They also plan on bringing a Barbeque with them on planting days, so that everyone gets a hearty lunch.

Start date

The project will commence 5th June 2008. The length of the project will be 15 days. Half of the time will be taken up with active planting of the Mangroves and half of the time will be taken up enjoying the tropical area of Northern Negros (i.e. Enjoying yourself). They have included various tours within the fees as well as all Accommodation, Travel, Food (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and bottled water.

 
About the Location, people, accommodation and food

The main industry on the Island of Negros Occidental is Sugar Cane Farming. The location of the Mangrove planting project - phase 1; is located within the still waters of the northern coast of Negros, a 2 hour drive from Bacolod City or a 30 minute boat ride from the beautiful island of Cebu. 
 
When you arrive in Negros, you may experience a few days of cultural adjustment. The way of life and some of the poverty can take a little getting used to - this is quite normal, what will help you adjust quickly is the very friendly nature of the locals here. They call Bacolod (the main city) ' The City of Smiles' and it doesn't take you long to figure out why.
 
The local people of Cervantes are not used to seeing many foreigners, from time-to-time, you may get stared at out of curiosity, but don't worry - this is usually because they just want to engage you in conversation.
 
You will be housed within an educational campus building with around 12 other volunteers, most of whom we are expecting to be from the West (but who knows?). Your accommodation will be clean but basic with washing and cooking facilities provided. You will be supplied with all meals during the 15 days, along with 2 full-time cooks and security guards. The food for your meals will be purchased fresh on a daily basis by the cooks. If you are a Vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements then please provide these details within your application.