Stoked for Surf & Mother Nature: Bluestone ECOSURF Experience

25 March 2023, San Juan, La Union.  As the world celebrated Earth Hour on March 25th, 2023, FEED together with their long-time tree-nurturing partner, Bluestone, gathered for a whole day of stoke for surf and for mother nature with the ECOSURF program as their way of committing to the preservation of the planet; their 7th engagement with FEED in participating in any of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) community-based Ridge to REEForestation programs for the environment.

ECOSURF was first launched by FEED back in 2019, as an integrated program that both tackled climate change action through youth and volunteer (public at large) planting engagement whilst enjoying surfing.  It includes planting of salt-tolerant Philippine Native trees—Bitaog, Botong and Talisay with a brief but meaningful lecture by sir Celso Jucutan, Environmental Science Lecturer at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) North Campus (NULC) both in Bacnotan, San Juan, La Union; and also FEED Ambassador since 2018.

Followed by coral propagation and planting, and fun surfing lessons with Jongky Surf School’s certified surf coaches and coral ecosystem advocates, trained by FEED coral propagation partner Ocean Quest Global.

Thank you always, Celso Jucutan, for imparting your knowledge to the eco warriors!

Surf basics for safety measures before surf lesson via one of Jongky’s Surf School’s professional surf instructors, Ronald Pansit.

Fun under the sun! Welcoming dry season with surf lessons as part of ECO Surf Program in partnership with Jongky Surf School.

Native Trees and Coral Reefs as Integral Part of Coastal Ecosystem

Bitaog, Botong and Talisay are all known for their ability to tolerate high levels of salt in the soil and air, they can also help to prevent soil erosion and provide proper shade and habitat for wildlife. It is the same for coral reefs, its diversity provides important ecosystem services such as coastal protection and fisheries.

But due to careless development that often involves removal of natural vegetation to make way for infrastructures such as massive buildings and roads combined with land-based pollution– water waste drainage, trees and corals alike have been reported to deplete over the years resulting to damage in coastal ecosystem.

Planting our Bitaug, Botong and Talisay trees in this beloved Surftown.

The heat of the sun can’t stop them from protecting the coastal ecosystem!

Education, Awareness and Fun in One

Bluestone Insurance have been FEED’s partner in conservation of the environment since 2020. Now on their 3rd year, they experienced again another Ridge to Reef ECOSurf Program. 25 participants were extremely stoked to experience once again riding the waves of San Juan, La Union and with this activity they were able to appreciate the power of the ocean, the importance of it and the life it brings.

After the fun and fruitful activities, the participants enjoyed a sumptuous boodle fight.

This consistent experience of the company’s employees through their CSR, encouraged them to be more interested as individuals and city dwellers in learning about and preserving the coastal ecosystem through coral propagation and native tree planting, and above all, mindful tourism.

Thank you Bluestone as always for your true passion for the protection of our precious environment, May the Forest be with you always!

Jen Carag Elizabeth Anne Labanon
Clarence Gamboa Raymond Tan
Jhon Razen Patriarca Ella Sace
Zab Pacleb Cristina Apillanes
Jane Penano Mae Magsino
Charmain Addie Pabalan Diane Pamela Quiambao
Mark Angelo Padayao Ioni Mendoza
Shaira Mae Arevalo Neil Clyne Neo
Carmylisa Rivera Leela Andrea Manalo
Alvin Cojena Camille Joy Willy
Claudine Soriano Lynchille Magat
Jeremiah Nicolo Agapito Reymond Subia

Videos

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Related Articles

On Blue Carbon Ecosystems

“Blue carbon refers to the carbon sequestered, stored, and released by coastal and marine ecosystems. Coastal blue carbon ecosystems (e.g., mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses) play a critical role in the sequestration and long-term storage of carbon, thus helping to reduce the impacts of climate change.

Blue carbon ecosystems are found along the coasts of every continent except Antarctica. Mangroves grow in the intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical shores, tidal marshes occur on sheltered coastlines from the sub-arctic to the tropics, though mostly in temperate zones, and seagrasses are found in coastal waters of all continents except Antarctica.”

Source: https://reefresilience.org/management-strategies/blue-carbon/blue-carbon-introduction/

These ecosystems remove carbon from the atmosphere and oceans, and store it in their leaves, stems, branches, roots as well as the underlying sediments.

Source: https://reefresilience.org/management-strategies/blue-carbon/blue-carbon-introduction/

On a per area basis, these ecosystems are more efficient carbon sinks than most terrestrial forests (Mcleod et al. 2011, Pan et al. 2011)”,

For more on blue carbon, visit: https://reefresilience.org/management-strategies/blue-carbon/blue-carbon-introduction/

Coral Propagation – The Organic Approach (Ocean Quest Global)

Source: Ocean Quest Global via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXqBEuP6MvQ  

There are several methods of coral propagation around the world, many of which use questionable methodology including metal grids, PVC piping, leather and even electrolysis. What drew organizations like Sea Shepherd and Reef Guardian to Ocean Quest was its all-natural method. The founder of Ocean Quest, Anuar Abdullah, has spent most of his life on the coral reefs of Malaysia, observing their behavior and life cycles, and conducting his own research.

Nature Is Speaking – Ian Somerhalder is Coral Reef | Conservation International

Source: Conservation International  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVMV3StvLCs)

Contact FEED for your Ridge to REEForestation Advocacy

Contact us at FEED for more details, to join our regular activities or to design your own tree-nurturing event: info@feed.org.ph or call/text +63 (0)917 552 4722.

View original video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPC29Rwr6Pg

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