Caraga Region proudly celebrates this year’s World Wetlands Day (WWD) by commemorating the recent designation of the Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve (DCMR) in Siargao Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) as the 10th Wetland of International Importance, or “Ramsar Site,” in the Philippines.
A Significant Recognition
This year’s WWD theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” highlights the need for safeguarding these ecosystems to preserve biodiversity and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. Wetlands play a crucial role in sustainable development by providing clean water, food, and protection against climate change.
The DCMR is now the second Ramsar Site in the Caraga Region, following the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS). It was officially declared a Ramsar Site alongside the Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve (SWNR) in Zamboanga Sibugay during the 10th Asian Wetland Symposium (AWS10) in Quezon City from November 25-28, 2024.
Importance of the Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty established in 1971 to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide. The inclusion of DCMR in this prestigious list strengthens the region’s commitment to environmental protection.
The Ecological Value of DCMR
Situated in the Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, the DCMR covers approximately 4,871 hectares of mangrove forest—over half of Siargao Island’s total mangrove cover. It serves as a vital habitat for 245 recorded fauna species, with 20% endemic to the Philippines and the Mindanao region. Notable species include:
- The Philippine duck (Anas luzonica)
- The Southern rufous hornbill (Buceros mindanensis)
- The Mindanao hornbill (Penelopides affinis)
- The Yellowish bulbul (Hypsipetes everetti)
- The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Environmental and Socioeconomic Benefits
Beyond its ecological significance, the DCMR plays a crucial role in marine habitat conservation, food production, and community livelihood. It also supports nature-based local tourism activities, mitigates climate change impacts, and provides coastal protection against storm surges, such as the devastating Typhoon Odette in 2021.
A Call for Action
The designation of DCMR as a Ramsar Site reinforces the importance of conservation efforts in the Caraga Region. As the world celebrates WWD, the call to protect wetlands for a sustainable future remains stronger than ever.
For more information, visit the official pages of DENR and FMB. Let us continue to safeguard our wetlands and ensure a thriving environment for future generations.
