Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau leads this year’s Philippine celebration of World Wetlands Day. In line with this year’s global theme, the celebration highlights the critical importance of wetlands in preserving biodiversity worldwide and the well-being of the Filipino people. 

While urging individuals to take action and contribute to the conservation and protection of wetlands, Mr. Anson Tagtag, OIC chief of the Caves, Wetlands and Other Ecosystems Division of the DENR – BMB emphasized the benefits of the Del Carmen mangrove reserve including food production, ecotourism, and protection from extreme weather conditions. 

Wetlands areas that have been given international significance are known as Ramsar sites. Two requirements for being a Ramsar site have already been fulfilled by the mangrove reserve. These include rich biodiversity and ecological benefits and the presence of an assemblage of endemic, native and migratory species. As such, the recognition will then “serve as a precursor to its nomination for inclusion to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance”.