Iloilo partners with ZSL-Philippines for mangrove rehabilitation and blue carbon projects

The Iloilo provincial government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines to strengthen coastal conservation efforts. The partnership focuses on mangrove and beach forest rehabilitation, marine protected area management, and blue carbon initiatives. Blue carbon refers to carbon captured by coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrass meadows, which are key to climate mitigation. ZSL-Philippines will provide technical assistance, training, and research, while the province will identify planting sites and support protective policies. The collaboration also covers disaster risk reduction, community participation, and environmental policy development. ZSL reports that its projects in the Philippines have restored and protected over 900 hectares of mangroves in abandoned fishponds, showing a track record of tangible results. For those tracking carbon offset projects, this partnership could generate verifiable blue carbon credits if properly measured and monitored. The involvement of a respected international organization like ZSL adds credibility. However, the article lacks specifics on monitoring protocols or how carbon sequestration will be quantified, which are critical for market viability.