TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 12
(Anas luzonica) and rare black-faced spoonbills (Platalea
minor). An average of 7000 birds has been recorded annually
and over 100,000 ducks alone were observed in a single day
in 1982 – but this year, just 2188 birds belonging to 16 species
were counted.
Wetlands at Risk
The world’s wetlands have been in full retreat for a century,
with an estimated 54% to 57% lost since the 1900s. Because
swamps are usually thought of as fetid, dangerous, mosquito-
ridden wastelands, they are usually targeted for conversion,
either for agriculture or industry.
In truth, wetlands absorb and store far more carbon than
forests, making them excellent tools for fighting climate
change. Peatlands in particular store a third of all land-based
carbon yet occupy just 3% of the Earth’s land area. When
burnt, they release massive amounts of carbon into the
atmosphere.
“Our underrated wetlands have so far enjoyed limited
conservation priority,” explains Biodiversity Management
Bureau Director Crisanta Rodriguez. “They provide habitats for
many creatures while generating food and water for millions
A purple heron (Ardea purpurea)
noisily flaps around. Purple and
grey herons are among the largest
and most conspicuous birds in
Candaba marsh
This gorgeous
black-crowned night
heron (Nycticorax
nycticorax) soared
near our group
Credit: Gregg Yan / Best Alternatives
of people. In many ways, wetlands are the Earth’s kidneys, filtering
and purifying water.”
The problem is that portions of the marsh have been converted
and drained. During El Niño years, the marsh dries up and farmers
who grow rice, corn and watermelon make do with minimal water.
The need to earn additional income pulls farmers away from
Candaba’s fields and into nearby cities.
Birdwatching as a Solution
To augment farmer incomes and conserve both the wetlands and
birds of Candaba, the Society for the Conservation of Philippine
Wetlands and its partners, particularly the Ramsar Regional Center
- East Asia, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture and
Department of Environment and Natural Resources are developing
Most of Candaba’s swamplands
dry up during the summer season
from November through April.
Farmers grow a wide variety of
crops, including watermelon, corn
and rice, shown here
Credit: Gregg Yan / Best Alternatives
Credit: Gregg Yan / Best Alternatives
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