ZAMBOANGA CITY—In a strong demonstration of environmental commitment, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (OCENR) spearheaded a mangrove planting activity at the coastal zone of Logoy Diutay, Talon-Talon, on Sunday, February 2, as part of Zamboanga City’s observance of World Wetlands Day 2025.
This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” emphasizing the crucial role of wetlands in ecological sustainability. The event gathered participants from local and national government agencies, private organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the education sector, all united in the mission to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
World Wetlands Day is observed annually on February 2, marking the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Convention, on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. The global celebration highlights the importance of wetlands and the urgent need to protect them from degradation.
The OCENR reiterated that “wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or ‘Ecosystem Services’ that they provide humanity, ranging from freshwater supply, food, and building materials to biodiversity conservation, flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation.”
The conservation of wetlands remains a vital global task, with experts stressing its role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Through initiatives like the mangrove planting activity, Zamboanga City continues to champion environmental preservation, fostering a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.