On June 8, 2024, the weather was unpredictable as participants from Pixel Mafia made their way to the base camp of the UP Laguna Quezon Land Grant. This is common in mountainous regions like the Sierra Madre, where micro weather patterns dominate. In such environments, the weather can change rapidly, as was the case on this day. Light morning showers quickly escalated into heavy downpours by the afternoon. Despite the rain, Pixel Mafia’s determined eco-warriors pressed on, eager to contribute to nature’s recovery. They successfully planted 200 native trees, including 50 Marang, 50 Apitong, 50 Lipote, and 50 Calumpit, showing their unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
Native Philippine trees are essential to the ecosystem due to their adaptability to local conditions and their deep-rooted relationship with the biodiversity of the area. These species are specifically chosen to restore and enhance native habitats, providing food and shelter for wildlife that depend on these unique ecosystems. Marang, Apitong, Lipote, and Calumpit trees, for instance, help stabilize soil and improve water retention, preventing erosion and landslides in upland areas. They also support pollinators, native birds, and mammals, creating a balanced ecosystem that thrives naturally. Planting endemic trees reduces the risk of introducing invasive species, which can disrupt local flora and fauna. In a country like the Philippines, where deforestation has threatened both biodiversity and local communities, native trees play a pivotal role in ecological recovery and sustainability.
Before the group set out on their trek, they were led in a morning exercise by Diane Penales of FEED, Inc., setting an energetic tone for the day’s event. Penales also spoke about the Ridge to Reef program, emphasizing its importance in environmental conservation. This initiative focuses on the holistic restoration of ecosystems, starting with upland reforestation to prevent floods and landslides in downstream cities and coastal areas. By stabilizing slopes and improving water absorption in mountainous regions, the program significantly mitigates flood risks in lowland communities. The Ridge to Reef strategy extends further, including mangrove and coral planting to reinforce coastal resilience, ensuring that every layer of the ecosystem thrives in harmony.
Forester Rey Lorida highlighted the mutual relationship between humans and nature during his talk. He explained that by giving back to the environment, we allow it to recover and support us in return, especially in the face of climate change. The program also empowers local communities, offering alternative livelihoods through the facilitation of environmental events, turning them into independent stewards of the land. Lorida’s insight reminds us that environmental recovery is not a one-sided effort—it requires humans to actively nurture nature for both to flourish together.
The significance of the Sierra Madre Mountains as a natural barrier cannot be overstated. This mountain range is a shield against strong typhoons, breaking the brunt of winds and rainfall before they reach urban areas. As climate change intensifies these storms, the Sierra Madre’s role as a protective wall becomes even more critical. However, illegal logging has severely damaged parts of this forest, making it vital to ramp up conservation efforts. Decades of logging have not only destroyed wildlife habitats but also weakened the natural defense that the Sierra Madre provides. Restarting reforestation efforts, as Pixel Mafia has done, is a crucial step in reversing this damage and fortifying the region against future environmental threats.
A special thanks goes out to the Pixel Mafia eco-warriors for their resilience and dedication during the planting event. Despite the rain, they worked with determination, showing true passion for the cause. Their efforts were rewarded with a hearty meal prepared by the local community, whose involvement was integral to the event’s success. Special appreciation goes to the forest guardians for preparing the site and guiding the participants throughout the planting process and securing us and rerouting us to the quickest way back. Forester Rey Lorida and Ms. Rose Bocado also played key roles in facilitating this memorable day, ensuring that both participants and nature were well taken care of.
About Pixel Mafia
Pixel Mafia, a premier art development studio based in Manila, delivers top-tier art and development services for AAA games and movies. Trusted by game publishers and developers, they provide expertise at every production stage, making them a valued industry partner. The studio’s greatest asset is its team, whose skill and dedication are reflected in every project. Years of training and development have shaped Pixel Mafia into a leader in the field.
On Carbon Sequestration – How Much CO2 can our trees absorb?
Trees are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” as they are able to store carbon and produce oxygen, which is essential to many life forms. Trees also stabilise soil and reduce air temperature and humidity, whilst also reducing flooding and improving water quality. Without trees, most fauna and flora would not survive, what more humans?
It is widely accepted that a typical tree can absorb around 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year when in fully grown status, meaning that saplings, seedlings and younger trees – whether mangroves or primary or secondary forest trees – absorb around half, so conservatively say 11 kgs per year (also widely used by most international forestry agencies around the world).
So, over a lifetime of a tropical tree (100 years), one tree can absorb around 1 tonne of CO2. Although this figure seems large, it should be measured in perspective: to date we humans generate around 40 billions tonnes of CO2 each year on Earth. Which means, that we need to plant 40 billion trees annually to offset these emissions.
NATURE IS SPEAKING (Narrated by Julia Roberts)
What can I do to stop climate change?
“As the world warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, sea levels are rising, prolonged droughts are putting pressure on food crops, and many animal and plant species are being driven to extinction. It’s hard to imagine what we as individuals can do to resolve a problem of this scale and severity.
The good news: We are not alone. People, communities, cities, businesses, schools, faith groups and other organizations are taking action. We’re fighting like our lives depend on it — because they do.
In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket.” – David Suzuki
Check out some of the ways you can take more climate change action.
For example, Climate Action groups are the local solution to a global crisis. Right now people just like you are coming together to develop practical, local solutions and make their towns and cities more climate-friendly. Are you ready to join them? Find out what’s happening near you.
More here: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/what-can-I-do-to-stop-climate-change
Contact FEED
In 2015, the Philippine government submitted to the United Nations the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. The carbon dioxide reductions will come from the sectors of energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry. Join us! Help us reverse the Earth’s “hothouse climate” tipping point.
Tree-Planting with FEED
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.
© Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc.