Making Mangrove - Seameo-SPAFA

The Site Development of the MangroveForest, Tabon Cave ComplexWilfredo Vendivil andErnesto B Toribio Jrlife and birds, protecting the complex from strongwaves, becoming a buffer zone as such that shelters thecultural resources of the complex.The mangrove eco-museum features a naturalwinding trail along the beach forest, with a 175-metreboardwalk equipped with observatory platforms, thusserving as a living laboratory to observe the mangroveecosystem. The signage has been installed to createawareness of the need for communal protection andpreservation of the mangrove forest. The signageprovides invaluable information on the geologicalevolution of the area; the location of the mangroveeco-museum in the complex; and the typology of plantsand animals in habitation. In particular, it highlights theimportance of mangrove eco-system.The paper emphasized that at the end of experiencingthe eco-museum, the visitor must carry away withhim/her the message that the mangrove forest isendangered. The illegal cutting of trees and theconversion of swamps into fish and prawn ponds andfor urban expansion have become widespread. Ifthese unhealthy practices persist, ecological stabilitythat has been in existence of thousands of years willbe destroyed and the environment faces extinction.The importance of the mangrove forest must bereiterated. It protects the coastal areas by reducingthe damages caused by typhoons and strong winds. Italso acts as a buffer zone protecting the sea grass bedsand coral reefs. It provides sanctuary to fish and othermarine organisms. It is a source of timber, firewood,dye, tannin, charcoal, thatch, alcohol, and medicine. Itis an essential recreational area for bird-watching andobservation of wildlife.Finally, as a living museum, the mangrove forest is anideal place to study the interaction of plants andanimals with the environment. The presenters believedthat every visit is an opportunity to understand thatthe forest helps to sustain the coastal and marineenvironment for the survival of many organisms, includingman. It stresses the awareness of communal protectionand the preservation of our natural heritage.62 Making Mangrove Eco-MuseumsMaking Mangrove Eco-Museums 63