Emphasizing stories that frame the local wetlands of the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), led the national celebration of World Wetlands Day (WWD) 2024 on February 2.
In partnership with the DENR-Cordillera Administrative Region, the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau – Watershed and Water Resources Research Development and Extension Center and the Local Government Unit of Hungduan, the national celebration was conducted in Hungduan, Ifugao, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and among the areas with Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
This year’s theme, “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing” focuses on the ecosystem services that wetlands provide to the people particularly sustenance, livelihood, resilience from natural disasters, a cradle of cultural treasures, and a source of inspiration.
On behalf of DENR- CAR Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno, Conservation and Development Division (CDD) OIC Chief, Atty. Marcos Bias highlighted in his message that “the initiatives of the municipality of Hungduan perfectly captures this year’s World Wetlands Day theme which seeks to raise awareness about the role of wetlands for people and the planet.” He further emphasized that the 2024 WWD celebration is “an opportune time for us to see the interconnectedness between wetlands, people and their indigenous knowledge, practices and systems.”
The WWD 2024 national celebration provides the opportunity to showcase the unique hydrological characteristics and rich biodiversity of the wetlands in Hungduan including its rice terraces. It also aims to amplify the awareness on the benefits of multifunctional roles of rice terraces/paddies such as water use efficiency and productivity, through the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
Among the main features of this year’s event include the conduct of a town hall meeting with sectoral representatives from women organizations, youth organizations, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, 4P’s recipients, farmers organizations, People’s Organizations, and religious organizations to consider their views and understanding on wetland protection and conservation. Hungduan Mayor Casan P. Dumulag and members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and DENR officials were also present during the discourse on wetlands.
A short video documentary was also presented to encourage more supporters to pledge on the National Wetlands Conservation Bill. The video captures the culture and livelihood of the locals that are interconnected with biodiversity and wetlands.
The signing of the pledge of support for the passage of the National Wetland Conservation Bill also served as another highlight of the program. The National Wetland Conservation Bill is currently being deliberated in both the Congress and the Senate. Once passed, it will serve as the Philippines’ national policy for the conservation and management of wetlands in the country.
DENR Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and concurrent OIC Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., through a video message, reiterated that “Our health also depends on the health of our wetlands. Life can be truly embraced, as life is interlaced in wetlands and people.” He also amplified the call for support for the passage of the National Wetland Conservation Bill. “The passage of the National Wetland Conservation Bill will provide us with a policy framework in protecting the valuable and vulnerable resources and ecosystems in wetlands.”
The celebration ended with an exposure trip along the rice paddies of barangays Baang and Hapao.
The Hungduan Rice Terraces has highlighted its interconnection with the Ibulao river of Ifugao, which significantly contributes to supporting the life of the people. Ibulao river is among the winners of the 2024 Recognition for Individuals/Institutions towards Vibrant and Enhanced Rivers (RIVERs) for Life award given on February 2, 2024 which coincided with the DENR National Reprogramming Workshop in Tagaytay City.
The WWD 2024 celebration is a call to action to safeguard and initiate rehabilitation and conservation efforts of our wetlands, put emphasis on the vital ecosystem services that they provide, and ensure sustained contribution to the well-being of the environment and communities relying on this ecosystem. #