CCEF conducted a Mangrove Identification Training for the Bugas Farmers Fisherfolk and Livestock Owners Organization (BUFFALOO) Peopleβs Organization on July 3-4, 2024, at the Dapdap Receiving Area in Bugas, Badian, Cebu. This initiative is part of the βπππ¨π©π π πππ«π’π§π ππ«π¨ππππππ ππ«ππβ program, sponsored by Booth & Partners in collaboration with CCEF, which awarded BUFFALOO to improve their ecotourism service through interpretation and improvement of their physical facility.
DAY 1
The BUFFALOO members gathered in the morning for a lecture session led by CCEF. Evelyn Deguit, Executive Director of CCEF, outlined the objectives of the training and provided an in-depth explanation of the ecotourism concept. Nicholson Tan, ERMS of CCEF, discussed the fundamentals of mangroves, including their uses, benefits, and habitats. He also emphasized the importance of zonation when planting mangroves and explained which species are best suited for each zone.
In the afternoon, Dionel Molina, Project Staff of CCEF, introduced the various types and species of mangroves. He discussed how to identify them by their local and scientific names, as well as by their leaves, fruits, bark, and stems. The participants were highly engaged, sharing their own knowledge about mangroves. They were then divided into three groups, each tasked with identifying different species. The groups later presented their results, confirming whether their identifications were correct.
Lastly, the participants were assigned to visit their local mangrove area and identify the species they encountered. They were divided into three groups, each led by a CCEF staff member. The activity lasted for an hour, during which they collected valuable information about the mangroves in their area. The session concluded at five in the afternoon.
DAY 2
On the second day, participants were invited to share their experiences and insights from the training. They reflected on the importance of mangroves and emphasized the need to preserve, conserve, and protect them due to their significant benefits to humanity.
The participants, working in groups, were assigned to create a script for guiding visitors at their floating cottage, focusing on how to share and impart knowledge about their mangroves. Each group showcased creativity in presenting their approach to introducing the mangroves and other services they offer. The CCEF team provided feedback on the performances, offering suggestions for improving both the scripts and the participants’ presentation skills. The participants took note of all the recommendations.
The participants successfully completed the two-day mangrove identification training and were awarded certificates of participation.
