Co-designing with coastal communities: Values-based Approach to Mangrove Restoration in Balabac Island, Palawan.

Posted Jan 19, 2026    Updated at Jan 20, 2026    By admin    Views 57

Tag C1. Good Governance, Effective Leadership & Partnerships English Case studies B3. Climate Resilient Communities Philippines Climate change Governance (co-management) Fisheries for food security A1. Thriving Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Beds

This case study details a values-based mangrove restoration project in Balabac, Palawan, that prioritizes "scaling deep" by integrating the spiritual beliefs and traditional knowledge of the indigenous Molbog community with modern scientific approaches. Moving away from traditional top-down methods, the project was codesigned with local leaders and the municipal government to ensure it addresses specific community needs, such as mending the "mangrove fence" that protects villages from storm surges and floods. A central component of the initiative is the establishment of a legally registered People's Organization, Kosombilugan Ngoni Molbog Suku Ka'ay Koboh'kowan (KNMSKK), which empowers the community to manage conservation funds, lead technical restoration activities, and develop biodiversity-friendly enterprises like small-scale crab aquaculture and community-managed Starlink internet services. Despite facing significant climate-related challenges, such as prolonged droughts that impacted seedling survival rates, the project achieved the successful restoration of several hectares of mangroves and established a tailored Site Action Plan that targets the protection of endangered and vulnerable species. Ultimately, this collaborative model fosters long-term climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods by placing local ownership and shared cultural values at the heart of ecosystem restoration.