Choi Min-ji
In January, ASEZ WAO members in Tacloban, Philippines, teamed up with visiting members from Korea to plant 2,500 mangrove trees in Santa Rita, Samar Province.
Mangroves, which take root along riverbanks and coastal mudflats in tropical and subtropical regions, have gained attention as carbon sinks due to their remarkable capacity to store carbon and help combat climate change. These forests help prevent soil erosion, shield coastlines from tidal surges, and provide habitats for countless species of marine life. However, careless deforestation, wetland reclamation, and the expansion of fish farms have led to the widespread destruction of these mangrove forests.
Restoration of mangrove forests is essential for protecting the environment and preserving marine ecosystems. Thus, ASEZ WAO members in Tacloban have actively contributed to habitat restoration by consistently planting mangrove trees.
On the day of the volunteer activity, raindrops pattered against the ground in the midst of the rainy season, but the members’ faces were bright with smiles. Carrying armfuls of mangrove saplings, they stepped barefoot into the mudflats to plant them. Although their clothes were covered in mud, and a few even slipped while walking through the marsh, they remained cheerful as they focused on the meaningful task at hand.
The day’s activity was attended by the chief of the Santa Rita Maritime Police, along with police officers, firefighters, and local government officials. Moved by the consistent volunteer efforts of Tacloban members, Philippine government agencies and local municipalities have signed agreements with ASEZ WAO and are now participating in their initiative. The mayor of Santa Rita expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are grateful for your continuous tree-planting efforts and your contribution to preserving the natural environment and marine ecosystem of Santa Rita. We hope you will continue these meaningful activities in the future.”
We hope that the mangroves, planted with love and dedication by the members, will grow and flourish, making a positive impact on the environment and becoming a home to diverse life forms.