ONE HEART FOREST: PHILIPPINES
EXPANDING OUR REACH
Due to our global climate crisis, we're expanding our reach in a race against time.
We're all facing higher temperatures, more frequent and stronger storms, devastating hurricanes and tornadoes, wider spreading and more damaging wildfires, rising sea levels, floods, droughts, famine, and loss of precious habitat and species... the time to act is now.
WHY THE PHILIPPINES?
The World Risk Index 2022 identified the Philippines as the most disaster-prone country in the world due to its high risk, exposure, and vulnerability to disasters and calamities. This annual risk report calculates the disaster risk for 193 countries worldwide (representing 99% of the global population).
2022 was marked by three major storm events – two of them were in the Philippines. Typhoon Megi in April led to 346 fatalities and $200M in damages. Typhoon Nalgae in October affected 3.3 million people and caused $20M in damages and agriculture loss.
The most damaging natural disaster in 2021 caused by climate change was in the Philippines; Typhoon Rai killed 410 people and caused over $794M in damages. in 2013, Typhoon Haiyan caused more than 6,000 dearths and over $2B in damages.
Mangroves create forested barriers between the wrath of the seas and our coastal communities providing benefits in coastal defense and fisheries. Without mangroves, flooding and damages to people, property, and infrastructure in the Philippines are estimated to increase annually by approximately 25%.
In 1918, there were 500,000 hectares of mangroves in the Philippines.
Today, that number is down to 250,000 hectares.
TYPHOON DAMAGE & DEFORESTATION
In October 2022, Typhoon Nalgae affected 3.3 million people and caused $20M in damages and agriculture loss
(Credit: TheJakartaPost)
Typhoon Megi in April 2022 caused 346 fatalities and $200M in damages
(Credit: BBC News)
The most damaging natural disaster of 2021 caused by climate change occurred in the Philippines - Typhoon Rai - causing $794.72 million in damages, killing 410 people, and displacing more than 680,000 people. (Credit: Aljazeera)
Typhoon Haiyan alone caused more than 6,000 deaths and over US $2 billion in damages.
(Credit: Washington Post)
A recent study estimates that without mangroves, flooding and damages to people, property and infrastructure in the Philippines would increase annually by approximately 25%.
(Credit: Vatican News)
Mangrove loss is occurring at an alarming rate, primarily due to conversion of land to other uses, including aquaculture and development. Hundreds of thousands of hectares have been lost to pollution, aqualculture, and other developments.
(Credit: ADNChronicles)
GLOBAL OCEAN PLASTIC WASTE CONNECTION
Based on a study by Science Advances in 2021, the Philippines is the leading country on the list of top 10 ocean plastic contributors.
The research highlights that countries with smaller land areas, lengthier coastlines, increased rainfall, and inadequate waste management infrastructures are more prone to having their plastic waste end up in the ocean.
Many people think that the top ocean plastic polluters are also the most plastic waste-producing countries, but that is not the case.
According to the World Population Review, the US ranks first in the top 10 countries that generate the most plastic waste – producing 34 billion kilograms annually.
STRATEGY
The Philippines has set a goal to plant over 7 million hectares of mangroves by 2028 given the layers of benefits they bring for disaster prevention, environmental, and social impact – this includes collecting plastic pollutants.
Through our partnerships, we have the ability to plant a million mangroves a year for the next 5 years. Our first milestone goal is to plant one million trees along the coastal areas of the Philippines.
To start, we’ll plant in Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines, to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Here, residents rely heavily on fisheries as their main source of income - home to approximately 50% of the fisherfolk in the Bulacan province. Frequent flooding and the degradation of mangrove forests in the coastal areas of Hagonoy result in refuted harvest and disruption, thereby affecting the social and economic life of the people.
Social, Economic and Environmental IMPACT
Educating Children
One for One – For each tree that we plant, one child will be provided with green education, ensuring that they understand the importance of our ecosystem, inspired to protect and preserve the environment for us as well as future generations.
Sustainable Livelihoods
75% of income for Hagonoy coastal residents is derived from fishing or fish-related activities. Planting trees and cultivating mangrove forests creates a rich biodiverse ecosystem where fish can thrive.
Water Quality
Mangroves are essential in maintaining the water quality for locals and wildlife by filtering and trapping sediments, heavy metals, and other pollutants.
Protecting Upland Forests
Mangroves provide protection for upland forests from landslides due to heavy rains.
Prevention of Coastal Erosion and Flooding
Mangroves serve as an interface between land and water, playing a vital role in the prevention of coastal erosion and flooding due to rising sea levels and storm surges.
LET'S GROW TOGETHER
Your donation will have a meaningful environmental and social impact. Thanks for making a positive difference! Every dollar counts. 🤍