Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, made landfall in the Philippines in November 2013 with unheard-of intensity. The cyclone killed thousands of people and left extensive damage in its wake.
The tale of Yolanda survivor Gary Dabansol, who transformed his sorrow into hope by establishing a mangrove forest to shield his village in Matalom, Leyte from future storms, is one of the several tales of bravery and tenacity that have come out of this disaster.
Shielding through mangrove
Gary, a survivor of Yolanda, was committed to preventing another disaster from destroying his village. He was aware that mangroves might serve as organic barriers that lessen the effects of storm surges and stop coastal erosion because of their intricate root systems.
Because they give fish and other marine species a place to live, mangroves are also crucial to the preservation of marine ecosystems. Equipped with this understanding, Gary set out to restore the mangroves that the storm had damaged.
Gary, who had little background in environmental work, turned to neighborhood environmental organizations for assistance, and they gave him mangrove saplings and guidance on how to care for them. Gary started planting mangroves along the shoreline, frequently by himself.
It was challenging to deal with the soil around the beach, which had been destroyed by Yolanda's storm surge, and many of the seedlings did not make it. Gary, however, persisted, increasing the area covered by mangroves and replanting where needed.
The locals gradually came to appreciate the significance of Gary's work. As they realized that this forest was about more than simply trees—it was about protecting their future—many people started to assist him in planting and maintaining the mangroves.
Leaving a legacy
The mangrove forest that Yolanda survivor Gary Dabansol created today is a testament to his tenacity and foresight.
A sizable section of the coastline is now covered in forest, which serves as a barrier against typhoons in the future. Its thick roots shield the community from erosion and flooding by absorbing the energy of storm waves.
Gary made the decision to not just survive but to flourish, harnessing the force of nature to make sure his town endures for many generations to come.
