Seamancor Eco-Developers Inc.

Forests and mangroves in the country have been depleted due to massive logging and land use conversions. From being a densely covered archipelago, the remaining forests in the Philippines were reduced to less than a fifth of its original since the Spanish colonial rule. Since the American occupation, forests were cut down in a greater rate and scale.

Due to the alarming massive deforestation in the country, various peoples organization sought to stop the destruction of the forests in various forms, from protesting against the export-oriented timber pro- duction to rehabilitation and reforestation.

The concerned peoples of Sorsogon responded to the challenge of preserving and protecting their environment by organizing and practicing a sustainable farm management.

SEAMANCOR ECO-DEVELOPERS INC. is engaged in social forestry by managing mangrove areas. The organization recognizes the importance of social participation and mobilization can help the community and country, raise environmental awareness and achieve livelihood gains. The organization is committed to preserve, conserve and manage the environment. It also provides incentives and appropriate access to the coastal resources particularly in the mangrove areas.

Due to the sense of social ownership in managing the mangroves, members actively participated in taking care and developing the coastal resources awarded to them. Active social participation and mobilization is the most significant element in the success of the organization.

The organization manages a 112 hectare natural mangrove forest. They rehabilitated another 267 hectares of mangrove. This reforestation efforts contributed to the preservation of the natural flora and fauna of the site.

Alternative livelihood programs were set up for the members like sea-weed farming, home- based shellcraft industry, crab fattening/culture, goat raising and dispersal, nip plantation and prawn culture.

Due to the impact of their practices, they frequently visited by several organizations to learn from their experience. Students from different universities go to their site to conduct research and ecological studies. The site has also been a tourist destination.