In a significant move to reinforce the conservation of the country’s wetlands, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), will spearhead the national celebration of World Wetlands Day (WWD) 2025 on February 2 in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. The event highlights the formal recognition of two additional Ramsar Sites, elevating the country’s commitment to wetland conservation on the global stage.
Milestone for Philippine Wetlands
The celebration follows the formal announcement of two new Wetlands of International Importance at the 10th Asian Wetland Symposium (AWS10) in November 2024. The Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve (SWNR) has been designated as the Philippines’ 9th Ramsar Site with Ramsar Site No. 2552, while the Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve (DCMR) in Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) has been recognized as the 10th Ramsar Site, bearing Ramsar Site No. 2553.
This recognition under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty adopted in 1971, underscores the Philippines’ dedication to wetland protection. Moreover, WWD aligns with the country’s National Wetlands Day, declared in 1999 through Presidential Proclamation No. 74.
A Call for Action: Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future
With the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” WWD 2025 calls for foresight, collaboration, and urgent actions in preserving wetland ecosystems. This theme also resonates with the upcoming 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from July 23-31, 2025.
Wetlands play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity, regulating water cycles, mitigating climate change, and supporting livelihoods. The national celebration aims to amplify conservation efforts, encourage sustainable wetland management, and highlight the role of stakeholders in protecting these critical ecosystems for future generations.
WWD 2025 Celebration in Zamboanga Sibugay
The DENR-BMB, in collaboration with DENR Zamboanga Peninsula Region, its field offices, and the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay, has organized a two-day event at the Zamboanga Provincial Capitol and the Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve (SWNR).
Key Activities and Highlights:
- Ceremonial Awarding of the Ramsar Site Certificate to the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay and concerned municipalities and barangays of SWNR.
- Unveiling of the SWNR Photo as a symbolic marker of its Ramsar status.
- Wetland Products Exhibit, featuring Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFEs) that promote sustainable livelihood opportunities.
- Dalaw-Turo (Teaching Visit), an educational outreach initiative promoting environmental awareness.
- Exposure Trip to SWNR, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the ecological significance of the newly recognized wetland.
Significance of SWNR in Conservation Efforts
The Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve holds immense ecological value, particularly as a vital habitat for migratory waterbirds. The Philippine Flyway (PhilFlyway) Project, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has identified the Zamboanga Sibugay Wetlands as a key site. This initiative is a collaboration between the Asian Development Bank’s Regional Flyway Initiative (RFI), the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), and BirdLife International.
By implementing nature-based solutions, the project not only safeguards bird habitats but also enhances local livelihoods, demonstrating a model for sustainable wetland conservation that benefits both biodiversity and human communities.
A Future Anchored on Conservation
WWD 2025 aims to emphasize the crucial role of wetlands in ensuring environmental sustainability and human survival. It also seeks to document and showcase best practices, innovative conservation strategies, and successful wetland restoration projects.
The event is set to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
- Provincial Government officials
- Municipal and Barangay Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Department of Education (DepEd)
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and People’s Organizations (POs)
- Religious groups and the private sector
- The academe and local media
- Eco Warriors and Youth for Environment in Schools-Organization (YES-O)
With Zamboanga Sibugay leading the charge for wetland conservation, the province’s efforts signify a growing commitment to preserving nature’s invaluable resources. The Ramsar designation cements the SWNR’s national and international importance, making it a beacon for sustainable wetland management.
Continuing the Wetland Conservation Movement
The celebration of World Wetlands Day 2025 is a testament to the Philippines’ proactive approach in safeguarding its wetlands. With continuous collaboration among stakeholders, the campaign for wetland protection, conservation, and sustainable management remains steadfast, extending its reach to the international stage through the Ramsar Convention and COP15.
As the movement gains momentum, WWD 2025 serves as a reminder that protecting wetlands is not just a national responsibility—it is a global imperative for a sustainable future.