A continuing government commitment and a more extensive public participation in the conservation of natural wetlands in the country are needed to protect the environment, according to Senator Cynthia Villar.
Marking the observance of the 2018 World Wetlands Day at Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, Villar said “We are all environment warriors with a common end-goal: To protect and conserve our environmental jewels.” Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources said Natural wetlands are crucial components in urban development. “We should all do our share in ensuring their conservation and protection so we can continue to give the future generation of Filipinos a clean and green Philippines.”
The LPPCHEA cleanup was followed by a nature appreciation walk, which showcased the treasures of the habitat – a175-hectare mangrove forest and marine habitat in the cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque that serves as a sanctuary for 84 bird species, including migratory birds. It is also the breeding site of the vulnerable Philippine Duck.
LPPCHEA is the 6th Ramsar site in the Philippines under the Ramsar Convention list of Wetlands of International Importance because of its vital role as a coastal urban wetland and bird sanctuary within Metro Manila.
Villar has been spearheading the country’s annual observance of the World Wetlands Day, which marks the day when the Convention on Wetlands was adopted in Feb. 2, 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
This year’s theme, ‘Wetlands for a sustainable urban future,’ aims to emphasize the importance of preserving wetlands in the midst of rapid urbanization, and to raise awareness of the vital role that they provide in making urban areas safe, resilient and sustainable.
Villar cited that urban wetlands play significant functions in flood control, groundwater replenishment, shoreline stabilisation and storm protection, water purification, reservoirs of biodiversity, recreation and tourism and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Urban wetlands, she said, should be integrated into a city’s sustainable future planning and development.