Current Status, Distribution, Threats, and Conservation of Mangrove Forests in the Bicol Region, Philippines: A Review

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are critical coastal habitats that provide ecological, economic, and climate resilience benefits. In the Bicol Region, Philippines, mangroves face multiple threats, including land-use conversion, pollution, sedimentation, climate change, and resource extraction, which collectively undermine forest health and ecosystem services. This literature review synthesizes current knowledge on the status, distribution, threats, and conservation initiatives of Bicol mangroves, drawing from peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and community-based programs. Findings indicate that while significant conservation and rehabilitation efforts, including community-based management and scientific restoration, have improved local mangrove conditions, gaps remain in longitudinal monitoring, species-specific ecology, socio-economic integration, climate adaptation modeling, and policy implementation. Addressing these gaps through coordinated management, adaptive restoration, and inclusive governance is essential to ensure the sustainability and resilience of mangrove ecosystems in the Bicol Region.