The 10th Asian Wetland Symposium ©SCPW
Participating in the 10th Asian Wetland Symposium in the Philippines
Wetland conservation specialists, government delegates, and environmental organisations from across Asia gathered at the 10th Asian Wetland Symposium (AWS10) in Manila, Philippines from 25 to 28 November 2024, marking a significant milestone in regional wetland conservation efforts. The triennial symposium, coordinated by the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW), the Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia (RRC-EA), and the Ramsar Center Japan (RCJ), strengthened collaborative initiatives for the wise use and conservation of wetland ecosystems throughout the region.
The 10th Asian Wetland Symposium ©EAAFP
Exploring “Wetland-based Solutions” for a Sustainable Future
This year’s symposium was centered around the theme “Wetland-based Solutions,” emphasising wetlands’ crucial role not only as habitats for diverse flora and fauna, but also as vital ecosystems providing cultural, social, and economic benefits to local communities. In addition, A wide range of presentations delved into innovative ways in which wetlands can be leveraged to tackle various challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Over the course of three days, participants engaged in a series of themed sessions, choosing from 13 different topics including wetland restoration projects, education initiatives, community engagement, innovative conservation technologies, and policy development.
A significant milestone was announced during the symposium with the official designation of Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve and Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve (SWNR) as the 9th and 10th Ramsar sites of the Philippines. SWNR is also a potential Flyway Network Site and is included in the Regional Flyway Initiative priority wetland sites.
During the Keynote Presentation, Dr. Matthew Simpson, Chair of the Globalization Committee and a member of the Society of Wetland Scientists, emphasised the importance of improving educational and research environments at universities to enable young researchers to continue their work on wetland studies. He highlighted the need to set high standards for students and to support scientific research related to wetlands. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of developing expertise through certifications such as Professional Wetland Scientist and Wetland Professional in Training.
One of the notable discussions on the second day revolved around the Korea Wetland School Network and how its environmental education model could be implemented in Korea and shared by other countries. This highlighted the impact of integrating wetland education into extracurricular activities or voluntary student clubs. They also introduced the possibility of collaborating with other nations, such as through the Incheon-Hong Kong Sister Site Programme. During this session, participants showed great interest in whether such programmes could be shared internationally and jointly carried out with more schools abroad.
Birdwatching at the Candaba Wetlands ©EAAFP
PENRO Pampanga nursery ©EAAFP
Learning from the Field – Day 3 Excursions
On the third day of the symposium, participants ventured beyond conference halls to experience firsthand the vital wetland ecosystems of the Philippines through field visits to two significant wetland sites: the Paligui Wetland in Candaba, Pampanga, and the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) in Metro Manila.
During the visit to LPPWP, participants explored Freedom Island and Long Island’s diverse ecosystems. The site features extensive mangrove forests dominated by Avicennia and Rhizophora species, which provide crucial habitats for migratory birds. These urban wetlands serve as vital sanctuaries for various species, particularly the Black-winged Stilts and Siberian Rubythroats. Local stakeholders presented their conservation initiatives and shared successful case studies of cooperation between national and local government agencies in protecting these valuable wetland areas.
The Candaba Wetlands, an integral part of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, demonstrated their significance as both staging and wintering grounds for numerous migratory waterbird species. The group observed various migratory birds, including critically endangered Streaked Reed-warblers, endangered Black-faced Spoonbills, and vulnerable Chinese Egrets. This site exemplifies the critical role of preserved wetlands in supporting migratory bird populations.
These field visits provided valuable insights into the current conditions of each wetland, their specific conservation objectives, and ongoing challenges. More importantly, this experience facilitated discussions about future conservation strategies aimed at protecting these vital habitats for migratory waterbirds and maintaining the ecological integrity of these wetlands.
