Mangrove Planting Project Vol. 2 (Aired February 14, 2025)～ Arriving on Olango Island: The Natural Benefits Mangroves Provide

“Weekly Kurashiki Happy Radio” airs every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In the “Mangrove Planting Project” segment, the program’s MC, Charlie Otani, travels to the Philippines to report on the local mangroves and planting efforts.

With the support of kanepackage Inc., and under the guidance of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources, FM Kurashiki has launched a mangrove-planting initiative!

Here is a look at the second Mangrove Planting Project, broadcast on February 14, 2025.

This article was contributed by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. It was edited and published by the Haretoco General Incorporated Association editorial team.

The information in this article was current when it was published in May 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.

Mangrove Planting Project

FM Kurashiki’s Mangrove Planting Project.

To help prevent the decline of mangroves, which play an important role in protecting coastlines and maintaining ecosystems, the project works in partnership with kanepackage Inc..

We headed to Olango Island in the Philippines with Tessei from kanepackage Inc.

Located just under an hour by boat from Cebu Island, it is an island where mangrove planting is actively carried out.

It takes another 20 to 30 minutes to get from Olango Island’s port to the mangrove planting site, so we traveled by “tricycle,” a popular mode of transportation in the Philippines.

Fishing Flourishes Thanks to Mangroves!

The sea around Olango Island is exceptionally beautiful and clear. We hear that the mangrove planting has also helped keep the water clean.

Tessei says that the mangroves have purified the sea and increased the island’s fish catch.

Tessei

The mangroves’ water-purifying effect has enriched the entire marine ecosystem around Olango Island. Seaweed and other plants are growing well, too.

Mangrove roots are like “fish farms” or “nature’s cradles,” providing a protected place for small fish.

As the mangroves have spread, the catch has continued to grow. In fact, the amount of fish caught is dramatically different from what it was when planting efforts began 15 years ago.

Olango Island has a population of about 20,000. Its main industry is fishing.

The increased catch has also raised local residents’ incomes. That is wonderful news.

Olango Island Is Also a Gathering Spot for Migratory Birds from Around the World

Many tourists also visit Olango Island to take part in nature tours.

Tessei

People join nature tours to see the mangrove planting sites and places where many migratory birds gather.

Migratory birds come to Olango Island, with its abundant nature and plentiful fish, from both the south and the north. They feed on small fish and other food on the island to replenish their energy, then fly on to the next region. It is a precious place where you can see birds that are normally found only in the Northern Hemisphere or on tropical islands.

Olango Island is gaining even more benefits from nature thanks to its mangroves.

I felt that this is a wonderful region with a diverse ecosystem that should continue to be cherished.

Next, we’re finally heading to the mangrove planting site.

From the Writer

FM Kurashiki participates in the United Nations’ “SDG Media Compact,” aligning its programs with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and working to promote sustainable development.

The Mangrove Planting Project is also part of a program based on the SDG Media Compact, and it is still ongoing.

For every guest on “Weekly Kurashiki Happy Radio” who arrives by car, we plant one tree per car.

We also plant one tree for every 500-yen button badge purchased. As of February 2025, 80 badges had been purchased!

We will continue to provide information that is useful to everyone in the community.