Vulnerability assessment to climate change hazards of the mangrove ecosystem in Gloria, Oriental Mindora, Philippines

Coastal vulnerability assessment is essential for the management and conservation of coastal resources. This study is an assessment of the vulnerability of mangrove ecosystem to climate change hazards in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro using the GIS-CoRe VA tool developed by Phil-LiDAR 2. Geospatial-based methods and data collection activities were employed in this study to generate various outputs such as mangrove extent, coastal development, aquaculture, and river mouth extraction, among others. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and collection of other pertinent data activities were also conducted in this study. Combination of these methods allowed the author to validate the accuracy of the collected information and to assess the vulnerability of the mangrove ecosystem. The results showed, that two out of eight coastal barangays [villages] in Gloria have a medium level of vulnerability, while the other six have low rating of vulnerability. Brgy. San Antonio and Bry. Maragooc are included in the list of those that have a medium vulnerability. These vulnerability ratings were affected by several factors such as (1) its relative distances to built-up areas, aquaculture, and river outlets; (2) presence of anthropogenic activities; (3) the mangroves' habitat characteristics.; (4) no established MAs; (5) lack of effort in habitat restoration; and (6) low-medium percentage of coastline covered with mangroves. Priority actions of adaptation for the two medium vulnerable barangays were recommended in the study. With this, the LGU [local government unit] can include these results in their coastal management reports and/or plans so that the mangrove ecosystem can be constantly monitored and protected. In addition, it can also further improve the resource condition. Likewise, map produced can be utilized as an input to coastal management plan, baseline studies, and comprehensive land use plans.