Filipino Communities Lead the Way in Mangrove Restoration, Seaweed Farming & Earth Hour Records

Melissa Santañez
Jun 11
2 min read

Local coastal communities in the Philippines are embracing sustainable livelihoods, including mangrove planting and seaweed farming. In April, Filipinos contributed over 1.3 million hours during Earth Hour, setting a global example in climate advocacy.

🌱 1. Grassroots Mangrove Restoration & Seaweed Farming

Coastal communities like Casiguran in Aurora have built on decades of mangrove replanting efforts. Since 1996, volunteers have replanted over 1,160 acres—creating natural buffers for storms, restoring fisheries, and capturing carbon.
In Mindanao and the Bangsamoro region, local groups are combining:
- Mangrove planting
- Seaweed farming
- Sustainable fisheries - These initiatives help diversify livelihoods and support climate resilience. Models such as community mangrove management empower residents to steward their own environment for both ecology and economy.
- Verde Island Passage, called a global “Hope Spot,” has seen private groups like Wovoka Philippines develop seedling nurseries and eco‑tourism trails, enhancing habitat protection and livelihood options.

🌍 2. Earth Hour 2025: Beyond Symbolism to Sustained Action

March 22, 2025 marked the global Earth Hour, where Philippines joined over 180 countries in a lights‑out event (8:30–9:30 pm). This year encouraged “Biggest Hour for Earth”—pledging Earth‑supportive actions beyond switching off lights.
While past events focused on plastic pollution and energy saving, 2025 expanded participation through the Hour Bank, inviting people to commit 60 minutes to any eco‑action—be it nature walks, waste cleanup, or sustainable meals.
Earlier in 2024, the country saw electricity savings rise by 132 MW (a 110% increase from 2023), with 132 GWh of energy conserved—enough to power thousands of homes .

🌿 3. Why This Matters

Impact Area	Outcome
Ecological Protection	Mangroves absorb storm surges, prevent erosion, restore marine habitats
Economic Benefits	New incomes via seaweed, ecotourism, sustainable fisheries
Community Ownership	Projects driven by locals, increasing agency and care
Climate & Eco Awareness	Earth Hour fosters long-term eco habits and national solidarity