Officially designated as Ramsar Sites No. 2252 and No. 2553, these wetlands join eight other prestigious sites in the country.
The announcement was made by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty promoting the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The designations were celebrated during the 10th Asian Wetland Symposium (AWS10) held in Manila on Nov, 25-28, 2024.
Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve: A haven for biodiversity
Spanning nine municipalities, SWNR is a critical habitat for thousands of migratory birds, including the endangered Far Eastern curlew. It supports globally significant populations of waterbirds and hosts one of the country’s largest colonies of flying foxes, including the endangered Golden-crowned flying fox. Marine species, such as the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle and vulnerable Olive Ridley sea turtle, also find sanctuary here.
Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve: Siargao’s coastal shield
With over 4,800 hectares of mangroves, DCMR-SIPLAS comprises more than half of Siargao's total mangrove forest. It serves as a hub for ecotourism, food production, and storm surge protection while housing endemic species.
At least 8 percent of flora and 20 percent of its fauna found in DCMR-SIPLAS are endemic to the Philippines and the Mindanao region. These include the Philippine duck, Southern rufous hornbill, Mindanao hornbill, and the Yellowish bulbul.
Recognizing global wetland significance
The two designations underscore the global importance of the Philippines' wetlands. Environment Assistant Secretary Marcial C. Amaro Jr. and other officials awarded certificates to local representatives at AWS10, themed “Wetlands-based Solutions.”
The Philippines’ eight other Wetlands of International Importance are the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu (Ramsar Site No. 656), Naujan Lake National Park in Oriental Mindoro (Ramsar Site No. 1008), Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan (Ramsar Site No. 1010), Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Agusan del Sur (Ramsar Site No. 1009), Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Ramsar Site No. 2084), the Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area in Negros Occidental (Ramsar Site No. 2271) and the Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands in Pampanga (Ramsar Site No. 2445). --Ed: CSN
