A visual documentary and environmental reflection on the community-managed mangrove forests of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon. Charting over thirty years of local ecological stewardship, this essay showcases the thriving marine nurseries, seagrass meadows, and community wardens of SEAMANCOR.

Philippines / Luzon / Sorsogon

Tides of Renewal: How a Coastal Town Rebuilt Its Seas and Its Livelihood

By Marky Ramone Go •

Livelihood

"Danggit processing anchors the economy of Prieto Diaz, a coastal town in Sorsogon."

Habitat

"Here, rabbitfish thrive across nearly a thousand hectares of seagrass meadows."

Ecosystem

"These waters are home to a healthy marine ecosystem."

Biodiversity

"It is composed of seagrass, coral reefs, and mangrove forests."

Recovery

"The ecosystem has steadily rebounded."

Stewardship

"This recovery followed more than 30 years of community-led protection."

Expansion

"Today, the mangrove forest spans over 1,000 hectares."

Milestone

"It is now the largest community-managed mangrove forest in the Bicol region."

Beginnings

"The transformation began in 1993."

Intervention

"That was when the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) chose Prieto Diaz as a pilot site for coastal rehabilitation."

Community

"The program led to the creation of SEAMANCOR, whose members serve as bantay dagat, mangrove wardens, and tour guides."

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Filed Under:

Photo Essay Sorsogon Luzon Conservation Ecosystem