ASEAN ENMAPS champions wetland-based solutions at the 10th Asian Wetland Symposium

Manila, Philippines – From November 25 to 28, 2024, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), through the project Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS), actively participated in the 10th Asian Wetland Symposium (AWS10). Held in Manila, Philippines, AWS10 brought together wetland stakeholders from across the region to discuss the theme “Wetland-based Solutions” and their vital role in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

 Organised by the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc., Ramsar Regional Center–East Asia, and other international partners, the symposium explored the importance of wetlands in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) targets, and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands’ strategic goals.

Advancing ASEAN ENMAPS’ mission

For ASEAN ENMAPS, the event was an opportunity to deepen its understanding of wetland ecology and its connection to marine ecosystems. “Wetlands are critical to the health of our marine ecosystems,” said Dr. Sheila Vergara, Project Manager and Chief Technical Adviser of ASEAN ENMAPS. “Their sustainable management is integral to achieving our goals for resilient and connected MPAs across ASEAN.”

During AWS10, ASEAN ENMAPS delved into key learnings, including the integration of wetland management practices into marine protected area (MPA) networks, fostering ecosystem connectivity, and engaging youth and stakeholders in conservation efforts. 

A field visit to Candaba Swamp

Candaba Swamp, Pampangan province, Philippines

A highlight of the symposium was the visit to Candaba Swamp in Pampanga on 27 November, showcasing the synergy of conservation and community livelihood. This 32,000-hectare wetland transforms seasonally, serving as a submerged wetland during the rainy months and a rice-producing farmland during the dry season, allowing for one cropping cycle annually.

Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Candaba Swamp hosts 5,000–10,000 migratory birds annually and is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). It is also under consideration for inclusion in the Ramsar Site and East Asian-Australasian Flyway Site networks. The swamp is proposed to be an eco-tourism site where visitors can explore the swamp through birdwatching, carabao rides, photography, and wetland tours, experiencing firsthand the ecotourism potential of the site.  

The ACB team, inspired by Candaba’s proposed ecotourism model, envisions similar initiatives in ASEAN ENMAPS pilot MPA sites. Such programs could provide alternative livelihoods for coastal communities during the fishing off-season while supporting biodiversity conservation.

ASEAN ENMAPS: A regional commitment

As a regional initiative, ASEAN ENMAPS strengthens MPA networks and promotes ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management. Through integrated coastal management and marine spatial planning, the project enhances ecological connectivity and governance. Inclusive of women, youth, and indigenous peoples, ASEAN ENMAPS prioritises community resilience and knowledge-sharing to scale best practices and secure sustainable financing for long-term conservation.

ASEAN ENMAPS’ participation in AWS10 underscores its commitment to leveraging wetland-based solutions to foster a sustainable balance between biodiversity conservation and community well-being across the ASEAN region.

ACB and Malampaya Foundation Inc. explore synergies 

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) welcomed a delegation of 28 representatives from the Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI), led by Executive Director Karen Agabin, for a comprehensive briefing on ACB’s programs and projects.. The visit, held on 26 November 2024,...