The mangrove restoration case in the Philippines is closely linked to SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Restoring mangroves reduced disaster risks, protected livelihoods, and strengthened coastal ecosystems.
Environmental restoration in this case clearly connects to poverty reduction, gender inclusion, and resilience. Mangroves protected fishing communities from storm surges, improved fish stocks, and created alternative livelihoods such as Eco-tourism and mangrove honey production. Women’s leadership in nurseries and cooperatives increased income opportunities and decision-making power, strengthening community resilience.
Comparison with Nigeria: In Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta and coastal Lagos, common climate hazards include flooding, coastal erosion, storm surges, and oil-degraded ecosystems—worsened by climate change. Coastal and riverine communities are most affected because their livelihoods depend on fishing and farming, and many live in low-lying, poorly protected areas.
Similar to the Philippines, mangrove loss in Nigeria has increased vulnerability. However, restoration efforts in Nigeria are more limited and often constrained by pollution, weak enforcement, and funding gaps. Communities cope through local flood defence, migration, and livelihood diversification, while support comes from government agencies, NGOs, and international partners through mangrove restoration, climate adaptation, and livelihood programs.
Overall, both cases show that ecosystem restoration is not just environmental, it is social, economic, and deeply tied to community resilience.