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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pampanga wetland cited as country's 8th Wetland of International Importance

Pampanga wetland cited as country's 8th Wetland of International Importance

Published Feb 9, 2021 06:47 pm

This Pampanga wetland put the Philippines on the world map anew as far as wetland conservation is concerned.

(photo from PNA)

No less than Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimatu hailed the inclusion of the Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands (SPCW) in the Ramsar Convention's List of Wetlands of International Importance, the agency said Tuesday, February 9.

"The Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands fulfills four criteria of the Ramsar Convention, which confirms the international significance of its biodiversity and its services both at the species and ecosystems level," Cimatu said in his keynote speech, which was delivered by Undersecretary for Attached Agencies and Chief of Staff, Rodolfo Garcia.

Garcia delivered the speech during the virtual celebration of the 50th World Wetlands Day that was organized by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) on Tuesday, February 2.

The SPCW joins the roster of officially declared Ramsar Sites around the world as Ramsar Site No. 2445. Since the accession to the Convention on November 8, 1994, the Philippines has designated eight Wetlands of International Importance.

 "Wetlands are not wastelands. The success stories of the wetlands of Boracay Island, Manila Bay Rehabilitation as well as the Pasig River, are testament to that. Wetlands, like water, play a vital role not only in our planet’s health but also in our life and well-being," Garcia said, quoting Cimatu.

Cimatu expressed his commendation to DENR-Region 3, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Pampanga and the local governments of Sasmuan and Pampanga for their hardwork and dedication to make SPCW's recognition happen.

He said the Ramsar Convention's List inclusion "demonstrates the country's commitment to protect wetland ecosystems."

The SPCW, which covers over 3,500 hectares of coastal waters and four barangays in Sasmuan town in Pampanga province, is the first Ramsar Site in Central Luzon.

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