Since 2000, non-profit environmental organization Seacology has been working with various barangays in the Philippines, developing and implementing sustainable livelihood programs that benefit the local community and preserve the environment at the same time.  One of the new programs is in the coastal village of Malhiao in Moalboal, Cebu, where Ferdie Marcelo, a Seacology Field Representative in the Philippines, recently went to review a “covenant” that the organization entered into with the mangrove-protecting community.  The “covenant” involves Seacology funding the construction of a boardwalk and viewing deck for 15 years, in support of Malhaio’s conservation and tourism initiatives.  In exchange, Malhaio will commit to protecting and developing their 180-acre mangrove forest.

In his blog, “Nature Calls”, Ferdie Marcelo describes that Seacology projects are usually simple and straightforward.  ”The village will sign the covenant, and the construction will commence.”  But, this time, a unique situation came up when the barangay captain died suddenly from a stroke in late June.   Instead of simply taking over on the project, the new leadership had some interesting questions.  ”Of the many concerns they raised, I found four to be particularly incisive, which I have listed…along with my response to each.”

Read on to find out what they are.