GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Endangered Species International (ESI) Philippines is bolstering mangrove forest conservation in GenSan through its Roots Strong Project, launched in 2025 in Barangay Bula.
The initiative provides technical assistance and capacity-building support to local communities, particularly the Zone Six Small Fishermen Association (ZSFA), whose livelihood project contributes to mangrove protection.
“Barangay Bula was chosen because of its existing mangrove stands and the presence of an active people’s organization,” explained ESI Philippines Project Manager Richelda Galapia, noting that the project invests heavily in training, youth camps, and volunteer engagement.
Beyond nursery and planting activities, the program emphasizes youth involvement, instilling the importance of mangrove conservation while mobilizing student leaders and organizations for education campaigns.
In GenSan, identified mangrove areas include Bula, Baluan, Buayan, and Tambler.
Mangroves serve as vital breeding grounds for marine species and act as natural shields against storm surges and the impacts of climate change. They also help absorb carbon dioxide, making them crucial for both biodiversity and climate resilience.
ESI has partnered with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the DENR Protected Area Management Office–Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO‑SBPS), Global Nature Fund, Mercedes‑Benz, and local communities to advance conservation efforts in Sarangani Bay, which harbors more than 25 mangrove species.
Founder and President Pierre Fidenci said the Roots Strong model could be replicated in other coastal barangays along Sarangani Bay, urging volunteers and advocates to take part in mangrove planting and conservation activities.
ESI Philippines’ main project site in Region 12 is located in Tupi, South Cotabato, within the Mt. Matutum Protected Area.
ESI is dedicated to reversing the trend of human-induced species extinction and preserving wild places. The organization works on various conservation projects worldwide, including rainforests, coral reefs, and wetlands, protecting and restoring critical habitats for over 1,200 endangered species.
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