Protecting our natural defenses for a climate-resilient Philippines

On 2 February, we observed World Wetlands Day to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands for both people and the planet, particularly in supporting biodiversity, combating climate change, and protecting communities from natural hazards. This year’s theme, “Protecting wetlands for our common future,” resonates deeply with our national climate action agenda, as the Philippines continues to strengthen efforts to conserve and rehabilitate these vital ecosystems.

Wetlands support rich biodiversity and ecosystems that provide essential resources such as rice, fish, freshwater, and fiber — all fundamental to human survival. These water-dependent ecosystems include lakes, rivers, peatlands, mangroves, estuaries and coral reefs. Beyond sustaining biodiversity, wetlands act as natural buffers against climate-induced disasters. They absorb excess floodwaters, lessen storm surge impacts, and store carbon — helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the 2016 Atlas of Philippine Inland Wetlands and Classified Caves, the country has 314 inland wetlands and 2,487 river systems.

Parties to the Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Convention, affirm that properly managed and restored wetlands are crucial in disaster risk reduction. Wetland soils contain approximately 35 percent of the world’s organic carbon despite covering only 6 percent of the Earth’s surface. Coastal ecosystems, particularly mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds, store two to four times more carbon than terrestrial forests. This carbon remains locked in wetland soils for centuries, which underscores the need to prevent the degradation, drainage, and loss of wetlands.

Yet, despite their importance, we have seen the alarming loss of wetlands due to the expansion of human settlements, land mismanagement and poor agricultural practices — particularly destructive and extractive activities such as draining, dredging, stream channeling, damming and introducing alien invasive species. This loss has severe consequences, especially among vulnerable communities that rely on wetlands for food, water and livelihoods.

The decline of mangroves and floodplains also increases flood hazards, while the depletion of coastal wetlands weakens natural defenses against typhoons and storm surges. As wetlands deteriorate, so does the ability of communities to adapt to increasing climate risks, making conservation and restoration efforts all the more crucial and urgent.

As a Ramsar Convention signatory, the Philippines is committed to the conservation, sustainable use and restoration of wetland ecosystems. There are 10 wetlands that have been so far declared in the country as Wetlands of Internationaf Importance under the Convention, namely: Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu Province (1994); Naujan Lake National Park in Oriental Mindoro (1999); Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (1999); Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan (1999); Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan (2012); Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (2013); Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (2016); and Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands (2021).

Last year, the Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve and Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve were added to the list.

Securing its place on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, the fifth-class municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, exemplifies how community-led mangrove management can effectively empower local residents and strengthen their capacity to withstand natural and human-induced disasters.

With 4,871 hectares of mangrove forests and 44,000 hectares of municipal waters, the town’s primary sources of livelihood are farming, fishing and beach tourism. However, situated in the eastern Philippines, Del Carmen frequently experiences typhoons. But local leaders see these challenges as opportunities to build a more resilient and progressive community. Local government officials and residents have worked together to conserve the mangrove forests, recognizing the role these ecosystems play in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Their efforts were tested and best demonstrated in 2021 when super typhoon “Odette” struck. The dense mangroves acted as a natural shield, reducing damage and saving lives.

At the Climate Change Commission, we recognize wetland conservation as a national priority in achieving the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. As wetlands store carbon, their restoration strengthens climate resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through the National Adaptation Plan, nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration remain a key component of our long-term climate adaptation strategies. Scaling up wetland conservation requires a whole-of-nation approach, which is now vigorously pursued under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This endeavor involves national agencies, local governments, businesses and communities working together to preserve safeguard and sustain these ecosystems.

Everyone has a critical role in wetland protection and restoration efforts. Local residents can adopt sustainable fishing and farming practices, and reduce pollution in mangrove forests and other wetland areas. Civil society, non-government and faith-based organizations, through their community programs, can initiate and help sustain mangrove reforestation. Businesses that operate in geographic areas with wetlands and mangroves can leverage their operations in such communities towards achieving business sustainability and value creation. LGUs can develop and enforce policies that preserve and restore wetlands within their jurisdictions.

Amid the climate crisis, wetlands offer hope and resilience as they stand as our nature’s frontline defense. They sustain life, support livelihoods and protect communities. Their preservation and restoration are not just an ecological imperative but a necessity for a climate-resilient Philippines.

As we marked World Wetlands Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting these irreplaceable ecosystems. They are natural assets and lifelines that shield us, especially those in our coastal communities, from the harsh realities of climate change.