Valuing The Storm Protection Function of Mangroves: A Case Study from Northern Luzon, Philippines

Authors

  • Emma L. Ballad Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office No. 2, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
  • Cecilia B. Mangabat College of Forestry and Environmental Management, Isabela State University, Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines

Keywords:

mangroves, Northern Luzon, storm protection function, valuation

Abstract

The storm protection function value of mangroves was assessed using the Damage - Cost Avoided Approach considering the case of three settings: a community in the shadow of mangrove, a community that is neither in the shadow of mangrove nor an embankment and a community not in the shadow of mangrove, but with an embankment on the seaward side. All the three communities are from the municipality of Aparri. Cagayan in northern Luzon, Philippines. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the socio-economic status and the actual damages on the assets of the respondents. The total monetary loss was estimated from the sum of the cost of repairs and reconstruction of houses and other properties, damage to livestock and loss of agricultural products. Data on the damage assessment in the study villages were also gathered from the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to enhance the accuracy of the information.  A one-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the effect of mangroves on the total monetary damage incurred during the typhoon. The loss incurred per household was greatest (Php 31,600) in the community that was neither shielded by mangroves nor embankment, followed by the community without mangroves but with embankment (Php 15,429) and the community that was protected by mangrove forests (Php 3,143). The results of the study revealed that the presence of mangroves and embankments lessen the total monetary loss in an area.  It showed that presence of mangroves in an area is a way comparable to if not better than embankments. Findings of this study would be helpful in generating support from the community to upkeep the mangrove resources and for the government to continue promoting mangrove rehabilitation programs.

Author Biographies

Emma L. Ballad, Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office No. 2, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines

Dr. Emma L. Ballad is a Senior Fishing Regulations Officer with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Regional Office 02, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. She has 16 years of professional work experiences on a wide range of fields from fisheries and aquaculture, resource/ecological management, environmental economics, fisheries regulations and law enforcement to community organization, training and extension

Cecilia B. Mangabat, College of Forestry and Environmental Management, Isabela State University, Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines

Dr. Cecilia B. Mangabat is currently the Director of the Cagayan Valley Program on Environment and Development. She is an educator with professional, academic and field experiences in research, development and extension activities in forestry and environmental management. She also provides technical assistance to Local Government Units in building climate change and disaster risk resilient communities.

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Published

2021-07-01