Philippines decided to plant mangrove to fight storms

Philippines on November 25 announced that it will plant more mangrove forests to limit the effects of storms like Haiyan.

AFP quoted spokesperson President Benigno Aquino as saying that afforestation would be part of a comprehensive program to protect the environment, a matter of great concern after thousands of people died from super typhoon Haiyan.

'In the presidential directives including the restoration of mangrove forest as a natural shield to protect the coastal areas - spokesman Herminio Coloma said - We are ready and hope to grow early because of the need for words. five to seven years to develop '.

A mangrove forest in southern Manila - (Photo: AFP)

The program will include establishing non-construction areas along the coast, possibly even forcing people to be living in these areas. The Ministry of Environment will be responsible for identifying areas prone to natural disasters such as storms and floods to plant forests.

The program came after about 7,000 people were killed when super typhoon Haiyan swept across central Philippines, many of whom fell victim to waves of up to five meters deep into the shore and destroyed many homes.

The Philippine government had previously encouraged mangrove planting in coastal areas to prevent not only wave break but also erosion and ecosystem protection . However, many forest areas are being destroyed because of being occupied for purposes. trade, cut down for timber.