The New Calatagan

The biggest challenges to Human kind

This is not OK. Majority of our citizen are not really serious with regards to global problem that requires global solution. The next President should have a clear understanding of this problem and what solutions to pursue coz 68% of our population is located in coastal area which is front for SEA LEVEL RISE & Extreme storm surge. Why? Because the climate crisis is both the biggest challenge and biggest opportunity we will ever face as a nation and as a human family.

Last week March 14-16, 2016 58 countries with 600 plus participants attended the Leadership Training in Manila led by Mr. Al Gore, chairman of Climate Realty Project trying to replicate his advocacies to the leaders for Climate advocates. When Mr. Al Gore present his keynote presentation, Yes, i told to my self WOW.  but when he represent on the second and third, nothing new.  May expectation is i learned a lot on how to be a good leader in terms of Climate advocate, but my expectation is wrong.  The break out topic is greater than to the presentation of Mr. Al Gore coz the presentation of 2 presentors i attended are from the grass roots level.  The experiences to solved the problem of the effect of Climate change.  I admit there are new data from Mr. Al Gore presentation.  But on the title of the training as LEADERSHIP- nothing new.

For me,  in the END of that training is . . . we need to focus on the grass roots level.  With or without training, i believe majority of the participants from the Philippines knows how to managed the mitigation and adaptation mechanism base on the local approach that we did in our own locality. Like what i said NOTHING NEW.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program for Coral Restoration

Coral reefs are important and unique ecosystems that are self-sustaining and it can provide unlimited resources to us. Coral propagation is a process of introducing and distributing coral genes in areas previously devastated by human development or adverse environmental conditions. By

propagating corals we can create a naturally growing habitat that is self-sustaining for all marine organisms which inhabits it. Self-sustaining means that the structures of the reefs become source of sustenance as well as shelter for its inhabitants.

Coral propagation is one area that can spearhead knowledge development pertaining to corals, coral reefs and the marine ecosystem. It generates interest among the participant to improve diving
skills to perform the tasks involving coral propagation. By propagating corals also the participants will gain first hand information and experience of coral biology. This can propel them to take up higher coral education that eventually allows them to facilitate their own coral propagation programs.  The Ocean Quest Philippines education system is developed to progressively build your experience towards facilitating coral propagation and ultimately achieve conservation objectives. Once established the coral propagation program can host many branch of coral education including coral behavior, species identification, diseases and threats and more. Many parts of this book are written based on experiences learned from previous coral propagation program. Examples of goal for education are listed in the following:

1. Educational coral propagation that conduct experimental coral nursery and research.
   
2. Propagating coral as part of an environmental educational and awareness program.
   
3. Combination of an educational project which also help with rehabilitation of damage
   reefs. 
   

Coral propagation is an excellent platform for coastal tourism. It is an ideal product that can be integrated with corporate programs and help fuel local travel industry. Long term benefits of coral propagation in tourism are seen in creating natural coral garden to attract tourists. The coral propagation program itself can be offered to hotel guests to participate in reef rehabilitation efforts as an ‘eco-experience’.
This coral propagation program can be an activity that demonstrates a company’s social and environmental commitment. Thru sponsoring a corporate body can achieve a combination of set goals that benefits the coastal communities, conservation and education. It also directly supports local tourism. Coral propagation is a medium profile activity that allows sponsor to reach good branding mileage and social acknowledgements.

STARTING A CORAL PROPAGATION PROJECT

There are few things that must be considered before engaging in a coral propagation project. Best way to successfully propagate corals is to learn from others who have done it. The Ocean Quest coral propagation a comprehensive program and provide room for learning about corals through proven materials and expert guidance. Training and experience is important in coral propagation.
Location selected for coral propagation project must also be studied for its condition and legal aspects. Many coral propagation projects failed due to unfamiliar areas and its conditions. It is also a requirement for permits if the program should take place in a marine park. Application for permits is time consuming and it must be submitted early for approval before the program.

Diving safety must also be considered when planning a coral propagation project. One or more divers in the project must acquire first aid and rescue training. Some tasks during coral propagation can be strenuous and these must be handled by experienced divers. Diving competency is also important and refresher training is recommended for those with extended diving inactivity. Diving incompetency can cause injury or damage the corals and the environment.

1. PRELIMINARY SURVEYS 

Visit the site you intend to conduct your coral propagation project. Bring a notebook, pencil and underwater slate to record important data for the coral propagation. Take note on environmental conditions like waves, tide, currents and accessibility. Observe the underwater environment and take note of depth, bottom composition and marine life. The more you understand the mechanics of the area the better for the coral propagation project.  Make at least 3 survey dives in the areas you choose to propagate corals. Observe temperature changes in the water. Abrupt temperature changes are detrimental to corals and can cause high rates of mortality. Observe the type of corals that is most abundant in the area. If there is sufficient time, it is also recommended to map the area.

2. SOURCE OF CORAL BROODSTOCK 

Source of broodstock must also be established prior to the project. Areas with plenty of broken corals that are still alive should be marked as the source where broken fragments of corals can be collected. A massive boulder coral that has been toppled by waves is also source of broodstock. Coral broodstock can also be extracted from damaged colonies. The species of coral that colonize the area can tell us about the habitat preference of local colonies. Observing coral colonies and threatened species also help you plan better on equipment or tools needed to extract them. Broken fragments of branching corals are the easiest to collect but in some locations they are simply not available.
Extracting coral broodstock from healthy coral colony must be avoided. There are plenty of coral colonies that in need of help. Soft coral colonies often affected by infectious disease. Parts of the colony that is healthy can be extracted, rescued and propagated to the nursery and let to grow.

3. THE NURSERY SITE 

Look for shallow and sheltered bay that is not over populated by people for the project. Human activity can cause damage to the newly propagated corals. Coral thrive in areas that are
shallow and plenty of sunlight. In most coral propagation project 2.5 to 3 meter deep during low tide is ideal for coral propagation. Shallower depth also allow for easy monitoring later.
Shoreline composition must also be considered as most activity in coral propagation involves processing the corals on shore. Sandy shores with gentle slope are ideal location for coral nursery as it is easy to enter and exit the water. Rocky shores or shores with rubble provide easy access to substrate needed for coral propagation. Combination of sandy slope and rubble on the shoreline is best for coral nursery as the rubble make good substrate for coral propagation while sandy slope provides easy access.
Shoreline contour must also be considered. Bays and lagoons are the most suitable place for coral nursery. The sheltered nature of bays makes coral propagation possible in varying conditions. Shoreline open to the sea have more environmental challenges. Littoral drift of sand often affect these areas. This can hinder progress of coral nursery as the shifting sand
is potential threat to the corals.
River runoff and estuaries must also be observed carefully prior to establishing the nursery. Input of brackish water can is detrimental to coral and must be avoided. Permanent rivers and streams with steady flow can easily be seen, but transitional streams like the ones existed on most offshore islands is hardly notice during dry seasons. In rainy season they break into raging rivers washing everything in its path.

4. WATER QUALITY 

Water quality parameters are the most crucial factor in coral propagation. By measuring the water parameters we can determine if the area is suitable for coral propagation. Salinity, pH, Calcium concentrations, Magnesium concentrations and other related data must be obtain to ensure that coral can survive in the area. If the area is in close proximity to industry or human settlements, concentrations of Ammonia must also be measured as these are derived mostly from pollutants.
Carry out preliminary tests on water parameters. The preliminary survey need not be a full scaled
scientific research. You do not need to invest in expensive
water monitoring instruments to begin coral propagation. Cheaper test kits are available for onsite water tests. In the Ocean Quest coral propagation program you will learn how to use these test kits. By determining the water quality in the area can prevent waste of time and resources. If the water did not meet acceptable quality for coral propagation it is best to consider another site.

5. Community Acceptance as Project Managers

Coral propagation programs goals can be beneficial to coastal communities by providing better and safer fishing grounds close to a village. This saves the fishermen from long and dangerous trips to distant sites. Those who are not dependent their livelihood on fishing can propagate corals as environmental project for clubs, society and groups. Coral farming can bring sustainable income for local community. It's also promoting the stewardship as MANAGERS of the project and do the implementation and Management.

 

Sonrkeling is FUN. . . .

Be A Gentle Visitor To Our Mangroves

When is a good time to visit our Mangroves?

-Anytime.  Low tide unveils bustling activities as organisms such as birds, crabs, and mudskippers footage.  High tide brings a multitude of fishes!

What do I have to bring?

 - Sufficient drinking water and food such as high-energy snack bars.

 - A raincoat and a simple first aid kit.

 - A small notebook to record the interesting plants and animals.

 - Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.

 - Environment-friendly insect repellent

 - Keep your backpack light!

Where should I walk?

Staying on the paths and boardwalk ensures that mangrove roots and seedling are not destroyed and avoid harming small animals living in the mud

What should I know?

 - Speak and walk softly to experience the sights and sounds fully.  Observing animals require patience and silence for they will hide if there is too much noise.

 - Organisms living in the mangroves have special adaptations to survive in the harsh environment.  Releasing domesticated animals is cruel as they will not survive or may spread diseases to our native animals.

 - Keep a lookout for some insect and do not go near them!

 - Do not feed wild animals such as monkeys and squirrels.

 - Do not disturb or harm the animals

What can I take?

 -Only photographs.  Collecting of plants and animals is ILLEGAL in mangroves area and nature reserves.

 - Each organisms has a vital role in the ecosystems.  Even dead leaves, empty shells and rocks are important!

What can I leave?

Only Footprints.  Litter is unsightly and destructive to habitats, plants and animals.  It is a crime to deface trees, boardwalks and other structures.

Know more about our mangroves

Visit our mangroves.  Join guided walks by trained volunteer guides.  You will see and learn more with an experienced guide.  If you enjoyed your visit, write to the organizers.  Your support will encourage them to continue their work.

Share our mangroves

Encourage friends and family to visit the mangroves.  Share the things you have learnt and post the photos of your visit on the internet.

MANGROVE TREE PLANTING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

Coastal Resilience

Mangrove forests provide protection and shelter against extreme weather events, such as storm winds and floods, as well as tsunamis. Mangroves absorb and disperse tidal surges associated with these events – as indicated by Hirashi and Harada (2003), a mangrove stand of 30 trees per 0.01 hectare with a depth of 100 m can reduce the destructive force of a tsunami by up to 90%.

Biodiversity

Mangrove forests are rich in biodiversity providing a habitat for wide varieties of animal and plant species. They are dynamic areas, rich in food. Live and decaying mangrove leaves and roots provide nutrients that nourish plankton, algae, fish and shellfish. Many of the fish caught commercially in tropical regions reproduce and spend time in the mangroves as juveniles or adults. Mangroves are also home to many birds and mammals – such as mangrove monkeys in South Asia.

Livelihoods Increase

Traditional economic activities vary from fishing and gathering of crustaceans

Carbon Storage

Storage of carbon in mangroves takes place through accumulation in living biomass and through burial in sediment deposits. With living biomass typically ranging between 100-400 tonnes/ha, and significant quantities of organic matter being stored in the sediments, mangroves rival the sequestration potential of rainforests.

http://www.wetlands.org/Whatarewetlands/Mangroveforests/tabid/2730/Default.aspx

Solving the Climate crisis is within our grasp, but we need people like you to STAND UP and ACT.

Understanding Climate Change, with the rise of sea level, stronger storms, extreme heat, less agricultural produce, more tropical diseases. Mangroves will mitigate to lessen the risk and help everybody adapt to the climate change.

Benefits of Mangroves Tree Planting

1. Nursery for baby marine life that increase the production of fisheries;

2. Produces leaf litters and detrital matters as food source for marine life;

3. Protection barrier for storm surges, tidal currents and tsunamis;

4. Produce organic bio mass;

5. Reduce organic pollution by trapping or absorbtion;

6. Recreational ground for bird watching and other wildlife;

7. Good source of medicine and food (using poles for fish traps);

8. Prevents beach erosion

9. Traps sediments washed down from upland from getting to the seagrass & corals.

Marine Ecosystem Orientation and Tour, Mangrove Clean up, Planting, Re-planting, Bird Watching, discussion the importance of mangroves to the community and Environment.

I. Marine Ecosystem Lecture/Orientation

II. Lifevest demo - how to use it

III. Travel to Mangrove Reforestation site

IV. Mangrove Clean up, Planting & Re-Planting

V. Lunch at the middle of the Oceans - Sea Food.

- With Secure Parking area

- Oriented Community Leaders

- Floating House

- Good facilities for refreshment ( Shower & Comfort Rooms)

- Oriented Local Tour Guide and Boatman