Empowering Local Stewardship: Citizen Science for the Validation of Mangrove and Seagrass Ecosystems in the Philippines

Mangroves and seagrass ecosystems in the Philippines are paramount for biodiversity conservation and the provision of essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and coastal protection. These critical blue carbon ecosystems have faced a 50% decrease in coverage since the 1980s, underscoring the need for effective conservation strategies. In response, a pioneering Citizen Science (CS) project has been implemented in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, to validate the recently launched Philippines Mangrove Vegetation Index (MVI) map created by the University of the Philippines. Leveraging local Indigenous knowledge and expertise, the project engages two mangrove-dependent villages, Poblacion Fisherfolk Association and Aras-asan Fisherfolk Association, as citizen scientists to map and identify mangrove and seagrass species, enhancing the accuracy of the MVI map through the integration of Indigenous perspectives with scientific methods.

 

The initiative represents a significant step in incorporating local ecological knowledge in the validation process, ensuring the identification of species and the extent of habitats are grounded in the lived experience and understanding of community members. By equipping local fisherfolk with GIS tools and training, this project fosters community empowerment and ownership over local conservation efforts. The expected outcomes include an enriched MVI map, a community-informed field validation protocol, and strengthened local capacity for environmental stewardship. This approach not only provides invaluable data for scientists and policymakers but also promotes sustainable management practices informed by those who intimately depend on and interact with these ecosystems.