Schoolchildren visiting Ecopark (© ZSL - Lopez)
Mangrove Eco-park
The establishment of the 44-hectare Kantunggan It Ibajay (KII) Eco-Park is part of CMRP's mangrove conservation projects. The eco-park is managed by local community groups (Bugtongbato Fisherfolk Association (BFA) and Naisud Mangrove and Aquatic Organization (NMAO)) and helps raise awareness of the importance of mangroves, while providing valuable additional income for the local communities who manage the park. The eco-park has over 1 km of boardwalks for visitors to explore the mangrove forest and associated wildlife. Entrance fees are used for park maintenance.
- Empowered and dedicated local communities
- Support of local government
- Importance of political will (over a 13-year period, the ecopark was established only under the 3rd mayor who was pro-environment, unlike the other two)
- Available scientific data (guided the location of footwalks, etc.)