Bais City Mayor Hector Villanueva said he will plant more mangrove trees on the coastal areas of the city to expand its wetland areas to 500 hectares by next year.

Villanueva said he had observed that the Talabong Island located in his town is a major destination of migratory birds such as cranes, because of the presence of rich food sources in its mangrove area.

He said he will pursue his plan despite warnings about the threat of migratory birds from the Asian mainland carrying the bird flu virus.

Villanueva said that the New York City-based Tortuga Foundation is continuing to give funds for the environmental projects of the city for the last three years.

He added that US Peace Corps volunteer Phil Livingstone has introduced the project to the foundation during his assignment in the city.

For this year, the foundation has given US$40,000 for the additional mangrove project, the mayor said, adding that once completed, the project will encourage more bird migration and improve the fishing industry of the city.

Mangrove wetlands are spawning grounds for fish, seashells, and other marine life, Villanueva added.*RG

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