DENR-I recognizes the role of the children as Stewards of the Environment in 2023 World Wetlands Day Celebration

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1 turns the spotlight on children in the celebration of the World Wetlands Day 2023 through the conduct of “Dalaw Turo” on February 02, 2023 in Dacap Norte Elementary School in Bani, Pangasinan.

In recognition of the immense importance of wetlands to the welfare of the Filipino people and the protection of global biodiversity, February 2 of every year was declared as National Wetlands Day through Presidential Proclamation No. 74, series of 1999.

The date was chosen by the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention in Ramsar, Iran that marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971.

This year’s WWD theme, “It’s Time for Wetland Restoration,” highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration and the steps needed to revive and restore degraded wetlands.

According to the Ramsar Convention, nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests. At this rate, there is an urgent need to raise national and global awareness about wetlands in order to reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to conserve and restore wetlands in the world.

DENR-1, through the collaboration efforts of the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) and Conservation and Development Division (CDD), shared to forty (40) Grade 4 and Grade 6 students of Dacap Norte Elementary School the significance of critically important ecosystems found in wetlands to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, and world economies. The “dalaw turo” program also highlighted the role of DENR in the protection of the environment and the different wildlife found in wetlands, specifically in Bangrin Marine Protected Area.

Bangrin Marine Protected Area (MPA), a mangrove forest found in the municipality of Bani, Pangasinan is home to different migratory and indigenous birds. This local wetland provides valuable protection and sustain lives and livelihood of the communities of Bani. EMS II Joey Zarate of CDD introduced to students the different wildbirds and mangroves inhabiting Bangrin Marine Protected Area.

Through fun and interactive learning activities, the students developed deeper appreciation of wetlands and were enlightened on the big roles they play in wetlands restoration and the protection of the environment.

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