Assessing Lawis for Mangrove Restoration
BOHOL - The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, is strengthening coastal conservation efforts through a science-based mangrove assessment in Lawis, Inabanga. Through the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), the province conducted a site inspection and mangrove assessment on August 18, 2026, together with DENR CENRO Talibon, LGU Inabanga, Barangay Lawis community members, and The Regenesis Project. The proposed mangrove reforestation and coastal greenbelt project covers at least five hectares, with the area already mapped by DENR CENRO Talibon.
Using Science to Guide Mangrove Planting
The assessment examined important environmental conditions that can determine whether mangroves will successfully establish and survive. These included substrate characteristics, tidal conditions, wave action, site exposure during the Habagat and Amihan seasons, existing vegetation, mangrove species, and other ecological factors. A mangrove zonation activity was also conducted to identify suitable planting areas and determine which species are most appropriate for the natural conditions of the site. By using these observations as a basis for planning, the project can develop rehabilitation strategies that are better suited to Lawis while improving the potential of the mangrove area to protect shorelines, provide aquatic habitats, and conserve coastal biodiversity.
Empowering Communities for Long-Term Coastal Protection
The initiative also places local communities at the center of long-term environmental management. As the next step, the Lawis community will undergo training on mangrove nursery establishment, including seedling propagation, maintenance, and nursery management. Developing local skills can help ensure that restoration efforts continue beyond the initial planting phase and that community members become active partners in protecting their coastal environment. The project supports the Strategic Governance Roadmap by advancing community-based environmental management and strengthening shoreline protection and resilience within the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark. Through science, local participation, and sustained conservation efforts, Bohol continues to protect its coastal ecosystems while creating healthier and more resilient communities.
