Cebu's buried coastline rises again as mangroves reclaim lost land

A once-buried coastline in Cebu City is slowly coming back to life. Mangroves now grow near the former Inayawan Sanitary Landfill, covering areas in Inayawan and Mambaling. The transformation shows how nature can reclaim even the most damaged spaces. The landfill closed years ago, leaving behind mountains of waste. Today, grass, shrubs, and young trees sprout where rubbish once piled high. The change is gradual but visible.

Along the shoreline, mangroves have taken root. Their tangled stems trap debris, though scattered trash still clings to branches or washes up with the tide. Despite this, the plants are thriving.

The mangroves do more than survive—they protect. Their roots hold the soil, cutting down erosion from waves and tides. They also filter pollutants, cleaning the water as it flows through. Beneath the surface, fish, crabs, and shellfish find shelter in the roots, supporting local fishermen and gatherers.

Above the water, the area has become a stop for migratory birds. As the habitat grows richer, more species arrive, drawn by the food and cover the mangroves provide. The story of this coastline is one of slow but steady recovery. Mangroves now sustain wildlife, support livelihoods, and shield the shore from damage. While debris remains a challenge, the regrowth proves that renewal is possible—even in places once thought lost.