Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines (CP Foods Philippines) and local communities came together for an annual mangrove reforestation event at the coastline of Samal town, Bataan province.

 CP Foods Philippines’ “Plant Today, Reap Tomorrow” project, which has been held annually for five consecutive years, to boost biodiversity in Bataan’s coastal area.

Together with the support from the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources, local governments, students and communities, the project has managed to plant 38,700 mangroves in the area of 33 rai (52,800 sqm.) so far.

Mr. Udomsak Aksornpakdee, President, Agro - Industrial Business Group (Aquaculture) CP Foods Philippines, said the company initiated the program in 2014 to preserve biodiversity in the coastal area of Samal town, Bataan, which was severely damaged by storms.

Nowadays, the mangrove forest is protecting the coastal ecosystems and the communities from natural disasters. In addition, it has become a shelter for several species of aquatic animals. These animals has become a source of income for the communities.

“For five years, CP Foods Philippines has pushed the number of mangrove in the area. Currently, 38,700 mangroves has been planted. The survival rate is at 95%, which is an impressive result,” Mr. Udomsak said. “The company plans to create “Crab Bank” a hatchery area, as well as releasing fish and crab to boost the number of aquatic animals in the area.”

To create community engagement, local communities are participated as a part of committee to outline the direction of the project.

The company said that the strong local participation is the main reason for the project’s achievement. Representatives from both CP Foods and communities are working together to set up activities and closely monitored the forest. The projects also plans to extend the area of mangrove forest in the near future.