What if planting a single tree could change the future of our planet? On September 21, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris (RCCGM) proudly joined hands with fellow Rotary clubs and local partners for the District 3860-wide Mangrove Planting Activity at the picturesque South Población Coastal Area in the City of Naga, Cebu. United by a shared commitment to protect the environment, participants gathered at Alferez Beach Resort under the inspiring theme "The Magic of Rotary."
RCCGM members, along with fellow Rotarians, planted a total of 30 mangroves, with each member contributing 10 seedlings.
Each mangrove planted is a promise for a greener, more sustainable planet—a tangible effort to reverse environmental damage and protect our future.
The event brought together clubs from Areas 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E, and was supported by the Rotary Club of Cebu Naga Central, CEMEX, the City Government of Naga, Barangay South Población, and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office. This collaborative effort marked a significant milestone in the movement to restore and protect vital coastal ecosystems.
Mangroves are an essential part of our planet’s ecosystem. These trees not only serve as critical buffers against storm surges and coastal erosion but also absorb carbon, helping mitigate the effects of climate change.
Did you know that mangrove forests are capable of storing up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests?
Their preservation is not just important—it’s urgent. As a result, mangroves are now seen as a frontline defense in the battle against climate change, especially in areas like Cebu, where coastal communities are vulnerable to natural disasters.
In Cebu, the preservation of mangrove forests has become a matter of great importance.
Over 75% of commercial fish species in the Philippines depend on mangrove ecosystems during their early life stages, making these forests crucial for both the environment and local livelihoods.
The City of Naga, along with other areas in Cebu, once boasted extensive mangrove areas, but due to deforestation and unsustainable development, many of these ecosystems have been lost. Today, local efforts, such as those led by RCCGM, are essential to reversing this trend and restoring what has been lost.
The importance of mangroves on a global scale cannot be denied. In the Philippines, mangrove restoration has become a key part of the nation’s climate action plan, as these forests provide vital protection for coastal populations.
For every hectare of mangrove restored, approximately 1,000 tons of carbon are sequestered, combating the devastating effects of climate change.
The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris continues to stand as a beacon of environmental responsibility and community service. As Rotarians, they understand that every tree planted represents a step toward ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
These actions highlight the power of local efforts in the global fight against climate change, showing how small, purposeful steps can lead to monumental positive change.
This event is not just a one-time initiative—it’s part of a larger, ongoing effort.
Each mangrove planted is a seed of hope, a pledge to safeguard the environment and secure a brighter, greener future for all.
Join RCCGM and others in this global movement, and together, let’s make a lasting impact on our planet.
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