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Mangroves need protection

Rare supports guardians like Roberto Ballon, who are making a difference for these vital ecosystems.

Meet the mangrove guardian

Imagine a coastal community where generations rely on the sea for their livelihood, where life and prosperity are tied to the health of mangrove forests. Now, imagine those mangroves — essential to the ecosystem — disappearing at an alarming rate.

That is the reality for Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, a dedicated community leader in Zamboanga Sibugay province, Philippines. Below is a personal message from Roberto, sharing his journey and the critical work being done to protect these vital environments —
which your support magnifies.

Hello Friend,

Thank you for taking a moment to read about the urgent need to protect the ecosystems that sustain our community and countless others like it. My name is Roberto Ballon, but in my village, I’m known as Ka Dodoy. For more than 30 years, I’ve dedicated my life to reviving these precious forests here in the Philippines.

Mangroves are the backbone of our lives, supporting our fishing industry, protecting our homes from storms, and providing a habitat for millions of species. Without them, we risk losing everything — our livelihoods, our food security, and a reliable future for our children.

I’m proud to say that I’ve led over 11,000 fellow fishers in replanting mangroves and protecting our marine habitats, and together, we’ve made a difference. But the work is far from over, and I cannot do it alone. The continued survival of these vital ecosystems depends on people like you — people who care about the future of our planet.

Rare has been a steadfast partner to help realize our efforts.

...Together we are:

Safeguarding biodiversity and food security by identifying priority fishing areas.

Creating financial resilience by developing community savings clubs and enrolling in social protection programs, like life and accident insurance.

Joining Rare's global network of 160,000 fellow fishers committed to sustainably managing their waters and resources.

Now, I'm asking you to become a guardian.

Will you help communities like mine safeguard our life-sustaining ecosystems for the next generation?

Help continue what we started by investing in Rare's mission with a gift.

Thank you for standing with us.

With gratitude,
Ka Dodoy

Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon
Founding member of the Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolks of Zamboanga Sibugay and Rare community leader in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines.

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