CIFOR-ICRAF Photo Competition 2024

The Bakhawan Eco-Park is a 220-hectare man-made mangrove forest located in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. Established in 1990 through a collaborative effort between the local government and various non-governmental organizations, the park transformed a polluted, muddy shoreline into a thriving reforestation project. Its primary goal is to prevent flooding and storm surges during severe weather, while also mitigating the impacts of climate change. Now one of Kalibo’s most popular eco-tourism destinations, the park serves as a habitat for a variety of fish, mangrove species, birds, and other marine life. Beyond protecting the environment, the project has significantly improved the livelihoods of local fishing families, leading to a substantial increase in fish and crab yields, providing both food security and economic benefits to the community. Recognized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) as one of the most exemplary forest management initiatives in Asia and the Pacific, the Bakhawan Eco-Park has also been honored with the Golden Eagle Award for Excellence in Environmental Preservation.