ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA — Environmental authorities and conservation partners recorded an estimated 7,600 individual waterbirds across 11 wetland sites in Western Mindanao during the annual Asian Waterbird Census conducted from January 3 to 18, highlighting the ecological importance of coastal and inland wetlands in the region.
The monitoring activity, carried out in key habitats across Zamboanga City and Isabela City, documented a total of 39 waterbird species, including both endemic and migratory birds that depend on the area’s wetlands for feeding, breeding, and refuge along international flyways.
The census forms part of the broader Asian Waterbird Census, an annual monitoring initiative conducted across Asia and Australasia to track the status and population trends of waterbirds and their habitats. The program provides vital scientific data that guide conservation strategies and wetland management across participating countries.
In Western Mindanao, the activity was spearheaded by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Zamboanga City in line with the conservation commitments of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to protect wildlife and safeguard critical ecosystems.
Authorities emphasized that wetlands serve as crucial ecological zones that support biodiversity, mitigate flooding, improve water quality, and provide livelihoods for coastal communities. However, these habitats face increasing threats from urban expansion, pollution, and habitat degradation, making regular monitoring essential for effective protection.
The census covered nine wetland areas in Zamboanga City—Calarian, Sa-az, Vitali, Victoria, Mampang, Tugbungan, Talon-Talon, Buenavista, and Boalan—as well as two sites in Isabela City, Basilan: Malamawi and Tabiawan.
The monitoring was conducted in close collaboration with the Zamboanga City Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources, the Isabela City Environment and Natural Resources Management Office, the Isabela City Agriculture Office, along with volunteers and private sector partners who assisted in bird identification, counting, and habitat assessment.
Environmental officials said the results underscore the continued importance of Western Mindanao’s wetlands as vital habitats within regional migratory routes. The data gathered from the census will contribute to national and global databases that inform conservation policies, species protection programs, and habitat restoration efforts.
Beyond scientific monitoring, authorities also highlighted the role of community participation in safeguarding wetlands, noting that local involvement strengthens environmental awareness and promotes long-term stewardship of natural resources.
With thousands of birds relying on these ecosystems each year, environmental advocates are calling for stronger protection measures, sustainable coastal management, and continued monitoring to ensure that wetlands in Western Mindanao remain safe havens for both resident and migratory species.