Mangrove Afforestation Project Vol.3 (Aired on February 21, 2025) ~ The Vast Forest Spreading by the Seaside! The Hidden World of Mangrove Afforestation

"Weekly Kurashiki Happy Radio" airs every Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM.

In the segment called "Mangrove Afforestation Project", the program's MC, Charlie Otani, actually travels to the Philippines to report on the local mangroves and the afforestation efforts.

With the cooperation of kanepackage Inc., and under the guidance of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources, FM Kurashiki has started activities to plant mangroves!

This article introduces the third Mangrove Afforestation Project broadcast on February 21, 2025.

This article is a contributed piece by FM Kurashiki. It has been edited and published by the Haretoco General Incorporated Association editorial team.

Mangrove Afforestation Project

The Mangrove Afforestation Project that FM Kurashiki is working on.

To prevent the reduction of mangroves, which play an important role in protecting coastlines and maintaining ecosystems, we are working in collaboration with kanepackage Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "kanepackage").

After transferring between vehicles, we finally arrived at the vast mangrove forest on Olango Island in the Philippines.

The waterways flanked by giant mangroves resemble corridors.

The depth of the waterways is shallow enough to reach the ankles in some places, but in deeper areas, it can reach the waist. Surrounded by the salty scent of seawater, we walk while swaying with the waves.

The Amazing Growth of Mangroves

The first thing that surprised me when I saw real mangroves was their size.

I had imagined them to be about human eye level, but the mangrove right in front of me was about 4 meters tall.

Tessei reflected on his years of experience and spoke about the growth rate of mangroves.

Tessei

When I first started planting mangroves, they weren't this tall; they were only tall enough to pat an adult on the head.

After just over 10 years, they have grown to the point where I have to look up at them.

Mangroves show astonishing growth over 10 years. This growth power has created the vast forest we see today.

Additionally, at the base of the mangroves, there are characteristic roots that are thick and clustered together. These roots not only support the trees but also play an important role in "breathing and purifying water".

New Measurement Methods Using Drones and AI

As afforestation progresses and the mangrove forest grows, its density becomes increasingly thick. It is said that the mangrove forest, with its intricately intertwined roots, becomes inaccessible.

In such a densely packed forest where people cannot enter, drones are being used to accurately count the number of mangroves.

Tessei

To count the planted numbers, we are using drones to capture images from above. The drones are programmed for autonomous flight and capture accurate images of the entire forest.

The captured images are analyzed using AI (artificial intelligence), allowing us to accurately count how many mangroves are planted.

Drones and AI are indeed active in the mangrove afforestation field.

The Key to Project Success is Cooperation with Local Residents

Tessei states, "To sustain large-scale mangrove afforestation, we cannot continue without the cooperation of local people."

Tessei

Among the local people, there are those who oppose mangrove afforestation, and even those who later cut down the planted mangroves. If this situation continues, even if we plant them, we cannot sustain the efforts, and this initiative will end up being half-hearted.

The continuation of the project is based on good relationships with the local community. The reason we have been able to continue so far is because of the cooperation of the local people.

Furthermore, it is essential to collaborate with the government, such as the Ministry of Environment, in advancing the project.

The mangrove afforestation project not only contributes to the protection of the natural environment but also leads to job creation and community contributions, which is why it is supported by local residents. Tessei remarks, "A good cycle is being created across the entire island."

As of 2025, 15 million mangroves have been planted. This success is supported not only by technology but also by the trust-based collaboration with local residents and the government.

After this, I would like to meet the Mangrove Doctor, who obtained a doctorate in mangroves.

Conclusion

FM Kurashiki participates in the United Nations' policy of "SDG Media Compact", clearly linking the programs it broadcasts with the 17 goals set forth in the SDGs, and is committed to promoting sustainable development goals.

The Mangrove Afforestation Project is also a program based on the SDG Media Compact and is still ongoing.

For guests of "Weekly Kurashiki Happy Radio" who arrive by car, we plant one tree for each vehicle.

Additionally, for each 500 yen badge purchased, we plant one tree. As of February 2025, 80 badges have been purchased!

We will continue to deliver useful information to the local community.