A variety of fruit-bearing, endemic, and high-value trees were recently planted in Marilog by Therma South Inc. (TSI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power. This brings the total number of trees planted to 1 million, completing TSI’s Carbon Sink Management Program (CSMP) in the Marilog District.
With the goal of fostering sustainable development, TSI, in collaboration with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), has partnered with local indigenous groups including the Matigsalug Council of Elders Marilog District Davao City, Inc. and the Matigsalug Manobo Tribal People Council of Elders Davao, Inc, to restore and rehabilitate IP ancestral land.
The program started in 2015. Since then, TSI has collaborated with more than 500 farmers and IPs. Together, they have restored and rehabilitated over 845 hectares of ancestral domain, securing a vital carbon sink in the district.
What is a carbon sink?
Carbon is the stuff of all life. It is present in our bodies and in the air we exhale. It is also present in the ocean and in rocks, soil, and plants.
Carbon is released through several ways such as when we exhale, and when plants and animals decompose. It is also released when fossil fuels are burned or in the process of farming cattle. Conversely, carbon is absorbed by forests and oceans. Forests and oceans are carbon sinks or “places that absorb more carbon than they create” (National geographic, n.d.).
When there are not enough carbon sinks, too much carbon is released in the atmosphere, producing greenhouse gas emissions and causing climate change.
To keep the planet habitable, it is important to have a good balance of carbon in the environment. We can do this by ensuring the health of our oceans and forests.
Environmental stewardship
Taking care of the carbon sinks helps ensure the survival and prosperity of future generations. This is why TSI is committed to caring for denuded forests.
Aside from tree planting, TSI is actively involved in educating IP communities and assisting them with livelihood programs. A new location for CSMP is also being explored.
Forests play a critical role in the health of the planet and its inhabitants. Through programs such as CSMP, TSI and local indigenous communities can share in the environmental stewardship of Davao and look forward to a greener future.
Source: AboitizPower’s TSI plants a million trees to complete Carbon Sink goal in Davao
