Mapping Mangrove Ecosystems

Mangroves are coastal trees and shrubs that grow in saltwater environments where land meets the sea. Their dense root systems help prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and protect shorelines from storms and rising tides, making them one of nature’s most effective barriers against climate impacts.

In Catanduanes, an island frequently affected by typhoons, mangroves are vital not only for environmental protection but also for local livelihoods and biodiversity. Recognizing their importance, Help.NGO’s Philippines field team carried out two large-scale drone mapping missions across the island in 2025, supported by the DroneDeploy Resilient Futures Technology Grant.

Working with the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), its ACE-HEMS programme led by Dr. Jimmy Masangca, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the project aimed to create a comprehensive, data-driven baseline to guide mangrove restoration and coastal management.

Over the course of 2025, in two missions the team conducted flights over 10 municipalities, covering 20 sites and a total area of nearly 30 square kilometers. Using DroneDeploy’s mapping platform, they processed over 10,000 high-resolution images to generate orthomosaics and 3D models. The resulting data was analyzed to assess mangrove density, coastline change, and areas suitable for restoration.

Beyond data collection, the project emphasized capacity building. Help.NGO worked with CatSU and PDRF to train local researchers, government representatives, and community leaders on drone operations and environmental mapping. These sessions combined technical instruction with hands-on fieldwork, building local expertise in geospatial monitoring and drone data analysis.

The results have already shown impact. Using the mapping data, the Municipality of Pandan secured ₱86,162,400 (approximately USD 1.46 million) through the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) to support mangrove rehabilitation and flood resilience projects. This represents one of the first cases in the region where drone-generated data directly informed and enabled access to climate adaptation funding.

All imagery and datasets were uploaded to OpenAerialMap, ensuring public access for researchers, planners, and local agencies. By sharing the data openly, the initiative supports transparency, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in mangrove management across Catanduanes.

The DroneDeploy Catanduanes Mapping Project demonstrates how technology, when paired with local knowledge and collaboration, can accelerate climate action. By combining high-resolution drone mapping, open-source platforms, and community training, Help.NGO and its partners are helping build a stronger, data-driven foundation for coastal protection and resilience in the Philippines.

Acknowledgements

This project was made possible through the work and dedication of the Help.NGO field team:

• Nicole Fernando, Cloud Advocate and Engagement Engineer

• Rosalyn Mateo, Cloud UAS and GIS Specialist

• Ian Tianchon, Cloud Engineer

• Matt Cua, Innovation Director