idealist.org

We are Currently Recruiting for Volunteers to help with Phase 1 of The Marine Mangrove Reforestation project along the coast of Cervantes, Negros Occidental, Visayas, Philippines.

The Project will commence 5th June 2008. The length of the project will be 15 days. Half of the time will be taken up with active planting of the Mangroves and half of the time will be taken up enjoying the tropical area of Northern Negros (i.e. Enjoying yourself). We have included various tours as well as all Accommodation, Travel, Food (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and bottled water and anything else you may need. After the project is finished, you will be free to explore the beautiful surrounding islands or continue with any other travelling you wish to do.

PROJECT SPECIFICS
Marine mangroves need to be planted around the beach coast of Cervantes in order to provide a natural fish nursery for breeding ocean fish. Fishing is the main source of food/income for a lot of the poor local families in Cervantes. Over recent years, fish stocks within the area have declined dramatically. There is now a permanent commercial fishing ban in place (with only local fishermen still free to continue with their livelihood). It is also feared that Mangroves have been gradually disappearing from the area due to some of the local resident's using the trees for wood for use in their houses, for construction of fences, firewood and the conversion of areas into fishponds. This is now being rectified through an education program.

In collaboration with the Planning and Environmental departments of Escalante provincial Government, Island Volunteers have identified and assessed a costal beach area totalling 5 hectares ready and ideally suited for the mangrove reforestation project within the Baranggay of Cervantes; this area was confirmed with a site visit and has been ear-marked for Phase 1 of the Project, a detailed exploration of the area via boat was then commissioned to assess suitability, access and project specifics.

The project has been approved between Island Volunteers and the provincial government of Escalante. Within the signed Memorandum of understanding, the reforested area will be protected and policed from any further destruction and the local community will be shown and educated on why protecting the reforested mangroves is in their future interests.

The area needs approximately 100,000 trees to be planted for Phase 1 (Phase 2 will also have an additional 100,000 trees planted within its site). Island Volunteers is part-funding the project and that is why we need help from volunteers (both physically and financially). Volunteer contributions will be used to fund a 50% contribution needed for the tree seedlings as well as everything else that comes with a well organised project. Planting Mangrove trees is a relatively easy process physically. You will be shown the correct method of planting and anyone of reasonable health could easily plant 200+ in a day without breaking into a sweat. Don't worry if you're not fast, its not a race, you can plant at whatever pace you feel comfortable with and you will be with plenty of people to chat with on the beach, so you won't get lonely. We also plan on bringing a Barbeque with us on planting days, so that everyone gets a hearty lunch.

For more information, or to contact us, please go to our website at: www.islandvolunteers.com