As part of the university’s mandate to provide quality extension services for the empowerment of the people and to promote a community-driven approach to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development, Biliran Province State University  Biliran Campus’ Department of Forest Science, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Biliran, conducted a two-day seminar workshop on mangrove forest management. 

The event, titled Mangrove Forest Nursery Operation Seminar-Workshop, was held on March 5-6 at the Municipal Function Hall in Biliran.

The initiative aimed to equip coastal communities and stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish, operate, and maintain mangrove nurseries effectively. The extension program was a response to findings from four research studies conducted by BiPSU faculty members, which identified gaps in effective community engagement and nursery operations crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of mangrove restoration initiatives.

Results from these studies emphasized the critical role of mangrove ecosystems in supporting biodiversity and enhancing community resilience. Furthermore, they underscored the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to protect and restore the mangrove forests in Biliran.

The two-day workshop gathered fifty fisherfolk from various barangays in Biliran, who actively participated in the discussions and hands-on activities facilitated by faculty members of the forest science department. 

Topics covered in the seminar including introduction to mangrove ecosystems, climate change and coastal ecosystems, mangrove nursery planning and site selection, seed collection and propagation techniques, nursery establishment and operations, community-based mangrove restoration, livelihood opportunities from mangroves, policy and legal frameworks for mangrove conservation, and agri-ecotourism and mangrove conservation.

In an interview, For. Melanie Moncada, program chair of the Forest Science department, shared that the department’s extension program is a response to the needs of the community. “The bottomline of the activity is to help the farmers and fisherfolk to have their sustainable livelihood through nursery mangrove seedlings production,” she said.

She also revealed that the proposal for the activity was initially pitched to Municipal Mayor Hon. Myra Cabrales on February 4, during which the mayor pledged the LGU’s full support for the initiative.

In an interview, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo emphasized that strengthening partnerships between the university and the local government in advancing coastal conservation efforts will create a lasting impact not only on the local community but also in the broader scope of ecosystem preservation.

“By empowering local communities with scientific knowledge and practical skills that our expert faculty members may share, the initiative contributes to long-term environmental sustainability and disaster resilience in coastal areas,” the university president stated.

To strengthen the partnership between BiPSU and LGU-Biliran in recognizing the ecological, economic, and social importance of mangrove ecosystems, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is set to be signed soon.

[This aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.]