Senator Cynthia Villar on Sunday, March 14, urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to set buffer zones in the 182-hectare Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park to better provide protection in the area.

Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, made the call as the country observes the 8th year anniversary of the wetland’s designation as the 6th Philippine Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Monday, March 15.

The Ramsar Convention or the Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that recognizes the fundamental ecological value of wetlands. The Convention primarily seeks to curb encroachment on wetlands, its possible degradation now and in the future.

As a signatory to the Convention, the Philippine is obligated to conserve and protect the Ramsar-listed Philippine wetlands and their resources.

“To fulfill the government’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention and maintain the protected area status of the wetland, DENR should be proactive to repel the impending threats confronting Las Piñas - Paranaque Wetland Park, including the reclamation projects in proximity to the wetland,” Villar said in a statement.

Villar, who has consistently stood up against reclamation in the area and in neighboring vicinities, said establishing a buffer zone in the wetland park, also known as the Las Piñas – Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) will ensure better protection “not only to the wetland itself, but also to the wildlife it supports.”

She also stressed the necessity of protecting the communities that rely on it “either for livelihood or for the protection it gives against disasters.”

“As an initial necessary measure, a buffer zone surrounding the wetland should be established immediately and such buffer zone should be large enough to ensure that the wetland’s ecological attributes and functions will be maintained and not be disrupted,” the senator further said.

Villar has filed bills adopting wetlands and wildlife protection particularly Senate Bill (SB) No. 2036 or the proposed National Wetlands Conservation Act and SB No. 2078 or the Revised Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2021.

The LPPCHEA is a 182-hectare coastal wetland on the south of Manila Bay that encompasses two-interconnected islands that include lush mangrove forest, lagoons, mudflats, ponds and marine habitat.

The wetland serves as a sanctuary to around 82 bird species, including migratory birds using the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, with some coming from as far as Siberia. It also functions as a significant spawning habitat of the fishes of Manila Bay.