The Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark (LIKE) in Barangays Gua-an and Nabitasan, Iloilo, is a 15-hectare mangrove reserve developed from a typhoon-damaged fishpond, now protected under local ordinances. Through community efforts and partnerships, especially with the Zoological Society of London, the area was restored with mangroves, increasing the species from 6 to 11, and now serves as a biodiversity hub for 49 bird species, including endangered ones. The park features a bamboo bridge, community kitchen, and biodiversity training center, and follows scientific principles for planting and managing mangroves. It plays a big role in local livelihoods through ecotourism, seedling sales, and tour guiding by the local association, Coastal Barangay Mangrove Seedling Growers Association, CBMSGA. LIKE is also a training site and model for mangrove conservation, visited by researchers, students, and LGUs nationwide. Conservation efforts face challenges such as illegal settlers and waste issues, but fees and partnerships help sustain protection and education programs.
Domain:
Photo Credit/s:
Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark Facebook Page
Mappers:
Stephany O. Sollera, Christine Anne L. Lunasco
Tags:
biodiversity iloilo, birdwatching iloilo, Community-Based Conservation, conservation efforts Philippines, ecological park philippines, endangered bird species philippines, environmental education philippines, iloilo ecotourism, iloilo protected areas, Iloilo tourism, Leganes Iloilo, leganes integrated katunggan ecopark, like mangrove reserve, local livelihoods iloilo, mangrove conservation philippines, mangrove forest philippines, Mangrove restoration, sustainable tourism philippines
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