Lake Coastal Ecopark
Lake Mainit, Mainit, Surigao del Norte,
PHILIPPINES
Mainit Lake Shoreline Reforestation is an Environmental Management Intervention and Climate Change Mitigation priority project of Barangay Quezon, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, Philippines in partnership with Philippine Red Cross Surigao del Norte Chapter, PfR Netherlands Red Cross (2013) with support from Mainitnons who members of Mainit Dot Org (2006), Tambayayong Mainit, Inc (2009, 2012), and Mainitnon Gihapon- MG Yokers (2015)
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| Punong Barangay Gaudencio Mondano of Barangay Quezon showing officials of Red Cross the 9-year old (2006 batch) and 2 year old (2013) Bangkal Trees in the 5-kilometer Panayakpan Shores (eastern part of the barangay) on July 2015. Photo: Barangay Quezon |
“Trees provide oxygen, improve air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil and supporting wildlife. Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen we breathe. Trees control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind. Leaves absorb and filter the sun’s radiant energy, keeping things cool.”
Background
In late 1800’s, the lakeshore of Mainit were documented to be heavily forested with indigenous trees like Magcono, Hagashas, Toog, Ma-hogany, Bangkal, Bitan-ag (Arcilla). More than a hundred years later, no such forest exist anymore. With 28 river tributaries flowing into the lake and only one outlet in Kalinawan River, the lake experiences annual flooding especially during the rainy months of June to February. Locally known as guob, this annual phenomenon destroys millions of pesos worth of food supply from hundreds of hectares of riceland and rootcrops and displacement and diseases among hundreds of residents from 8 municipalities around the lake.
Goal
Massive tree planting drive to reforest the 62-kilometer shores of Lake Mainit starting from the Municipality of Mainit’s Panayakpan (Eastern) and Bitan-ag (Western) shores.
Evidence and Policy
1. Tree planting project experiments in Lake Mainit were conducted in 2006, 2009, 2013. Among those involved were Punong Barangay Gaudencio (Bebot) Mondano and the officials of Barangay Quezon, together with concerned Mainitnons from around the globe. These projects proved that both Bangkal (Nuclea orientalis) and Susot (Terminalia surigaensis Merr) trees are flood-resistant
(can survive long term flooding) and are suitable in lakeshore reforestation.
2. The heavily forested and beautiful lakeshore park of Lake Pinamaloy in Don Carlos, Bukidnon is among the successful experiences that proved the possibility of greening an entire lake. Grade 5 and 3rd year high school students were required by schools in Don Carlos to plant and take care 5-10 trees for at least a year as a requirement for graduation.
3. Presidential Decree 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, declares that among the areas needed for forest purposes are “strips of land at least twenty (20) meters wide facing lakes”. And in 2014, the Barangay Quezon Council passed a resolution in 2014 declaring the lakeshores of Lake Mainit as reforestation area.
Process
- Establish a barangay plant nursery.
- Conduct massive information awareness campaign about the program. It may take some social issues since most of the river banks have been farmed already.
- Raise funds to maintain the nursery and the planting areas.
- Plant trees along the lakeshores targeting around 5 hectares a year.
- Ensure regular clear tending . 1st and 2nd year, 4 passes; 3rd year, 3 passes, and 4th year, 2 passes.
Immediate Results (1-6 years)
- A barangay plant nursery is created and maintained.
- Trees are planted and area maintained along the 10-kilometer shores of Barangay Quezon specifically the Eastern (Panayakpan) and the Western Shores (Bitan-ag).
- A tourism ecological park (ecopark) is developed featuring areas for picnics, jogging and biking.
- Increased awareness among residents on the importance of forests in the lake’s ecosystem.
Longterm Results (30 years)
- The 62-kilometer shoreline of Lake Mainit is fully reforested and a tourist ecopark is being enjoyed by tourist, kids, and families.
- Panayakpan and Bitan-ag forests are spawning area of lake fishes especially hayuan (mudfish).
- Reestablish the Biodiversity of the area and its ecological balance and the entire lake ecosystem.
- The presence of the forest vegetation within the lake shorelines plays a crucial role in the rise of water level.
- Trees create economic opportunities.
- Trees as landmark can give a community a new identity and encourage civic pride.
References
- Jesuit Missionary Letters from Mindanao (1875-1901), the Surigao and Agusan Missions.Translated and edited by Fr. Jose Arcilla, SJ. 2002.
- Lake Pinamaloy in the Pidjanga Blog. http://pidjanga.blogspot.com/ 2009/02/lake-pinamaloy-don-carlos-bukidnon.html
- Presidential Decree No. 705 (May 19, 1975). http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1975/pd_705_1975.html
For more information, contact;
Hon. Gaudencio Mondano, Punong Barangay, Barangay Quezon, Mainit, Surigao del Norte
Phone: +63-9287944526 | https://www.facebook.com/barangay.quezon.9?fref=ts
MAINIT LAKE SHORELINE REFORESTATION: a priority project of Barangay Quezon, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, Philippines in partnership with Philippine Red Cross Surigao del Norte Chapter PfR Netherlands Red Cross and Other Major Partners: Mainit Dot Org (2006), Tambayayong Mainit, Inc (2009, 2012), Mainitnon Gihapon- MG Yokers (2015)
"The 9-year old Bangkal Trees in the Panayakpan shores of Lake Mainit. Planted in 2006, some are measuring more than 20 feet in height and up to 8 inches in diameter."
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| Lakeshore Reforestation Flyer (front) |
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| Lakeshore Reforestation Flyer (back) |
