Philippine island uses bamboo and oyster shells to combat rising seas
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Residents of Pamarawan Island, a small landmass north of Manila in the Philippines, are using bamboo poles and discarded oyster shells to protect their homes from flooding and storm surges.
The local government of Malolos initiated the project after a study with a Dutch engineering consultancy suggested that concrete infrastructure might not be enough to stop the rising sea levels and land subsidence affecting the 3,000 residents.
Workers and residents installed bamboo poles packed with brushwood along the coast to slow down water flow and trap sediment. These structures aim to raise the seabed and create a foundation for mangrove growth. The project also includes a breakwater made of coconut-fiber bags filled with oyster shells located about 100 meters offshore. Project manager Lyana Galang explained that these barriers work together to lessen the impact of waves before they reach the community.
While the project faced initial resistance because it lacked a formal blueprint, Mayor Christian Natividad chose to proceed with the nature-based approach as an alternative to traditional seawalls. The nature-based installations cover about 14 hectares along Manila Bay and cost 70 million pesos ($1.1 million) including maintenance. This is cheaper than the estimated 90 million pesos required for a concrete seawall. Residents report that the barriers have already weakened the waves during recent typhoons and monsoon rains.
A scientific assessment is scheduled for next year to determine if the area is ready for mangrove planting, which will provide a long-term natural barrier.
