Strengthening Coastal Resilience through Science-Based Mangrove Governance in Davao Occidental, Philippines

Abstract

Mangrove rehabilitation represents a significant public investment in Davao Occidental; however, outcomes remain inconsistent and, in many cases, inefficient. Empirical field evidence from the municipalities of Malita and Santa Maria indicates survival rates ranging from 70% to more than 95%. This variability is primarily attributed to persistent site–species mismatch, continued overreliance on Rhizophora species, and weak post-planting monitoring systems. These systemic issues undermine the ecological and economic objectives of mangrove rehabilitation, including coastal protection, fisheries productivity, and climate change adaptation, while also resulting in inefficient use of public resources. Local empirical studies further demonstrate that science-based and site-specific mangrove rehabilitation approaches particularly those incorporating soil and hydrological assessments, species diversification, and sustained community-based monitoring can consistently achieve survival rates exceeding 95%. Despite this evidence, such approaches remain fragmented and are not fully institutionalized within provincial and municipal policy frameworks. These policy brief therefore calls for the institutionalization of a standardized, science-based mangrove governance framework at the provincial level. Such a framework must mandate site–species matching, promote diversified planting strategies, and establish community-based monitoring systems, all supported by formalized partnerships between local government units (LGUs) and academic institutions. Given the increasing intensity of climate-related hazards, failure to reform current rehabilitation practices will continue to weaken coastal resilience and result in the inefficient allocation of public funds. Immediate and decisive provincial action is therefore necessary to translate existing scientific evidence into sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient coastal governance mechanisms.