The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc., a non-government organization (NGO), to restore and maintain a 74-hectare mangrove plantation in this city.

DENR senior forester Julie Cruzada, the regional coordinator for the National Greening Program (NGP), said in an interview on Wednesday that the partnership will rehabilitate sites covered during the early implementation of NGP.

Cruzada said several areas identified as graduated NGP sites require rehabilitation due to damage from disasters and the construction of a tide embankment project.

Graduated NGP sites are those that have completed the three-year planting contract and no longer get government funding for maintenance.

“To ensure sustainability, the DENR central office has directed that such sites may be adopted by NGOs, private sector groups, or other government agencies through an adopt-a-site scheme,” Cruzada told the Philippine News Agency.

Established in 2014 under the NGP, this plantation spans the coastal villages of Anibong, Bagacay, Old Kawayan, Cabalawan, Naganaga, Lower Nulatula, Diit, San Isidro, Tagpuro, and Tigbao.

The DENR reported that about 185,000 mangrove trees have been planted in the area.

PH Haiyan has committed to funding the maintenance and protection of the 74-hectare plantation and may undertake additional activities to preserve the area.

DENR, through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Palo and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Leyte, will help PH Haiyan develop a five-year work plan, including boundary marking of the 74-hectare site.

Cruzada said the community has been informed about the transition, with PH Haiyan set to lead sustainment efforts once the agreement is finalized.

PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc. is a community-based organization focused on climate resilience and environmental protection.

Founded after Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, the group aims to build Tacloban as a model of climate resilience. (PNA)