Wetlands for Life (2026-35)
Wetlands are among the Philippines’ most valuable natural assets. They provide food, livelihoods, flood protection, clean water, biodiversity, and climate resilience for millions of Filipinos. Yet despite their importance, many of the country’s wetlands, including mangrove forests, rivers, lakes, marshes, peatlands, and coastal ecosystems, continue to face increasing pressures from reclamation, unsustainable development, pollution, and climate change.
Recognizing the urgency of these challenges, Wetlands International has launched its Wetlands for Life Strategy (2026-2035), a bold roadmap for the next decade that aims to accelerate transformative action for wetlands and the communities that depend on them. The strategy seeks to deliver lasting solutions that support people, nature, and climate resilience.
Building on more than 30 years of experience as a locally led global network, Wetlands International will continue working closely with communities, civil society organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and government agencies. Beyond implementing projects on the ground, the organization aims to serve as a catalyst for systemic change by influencing policies, investments, and development decisions at local, national, and international levels.
The strategy emphasizes that all actions moving forward must contribute to meaningful and transformational change. To achieve this, Wetlands International will focus on four strategic priorities:
- Demonstrating impact through site-based and landscape-scale initiatives that showcase the value of healthy wetlands.
- Leading through knowledge and science to strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
- Building a broader movement for wetlands by engaging citizens, communities, and stakeholders.
- Driving systemic change in policy, business, and finance to ensure wetlands are integrated into development and investment planning.
For the Philippines, this approach is highly relevant. Protecting and restoring critical ecosystems such as the Agusan Marsh, Manila Bay, Candaba Wetlands, Macajalar Bay, and the country’s extensive mangrove forests and river basins can generate multiple benefits, including reduced flood risks, improved fisheries, enhanced biodiversity conservation, and stronger climate adaptation.
Through collaboration with partners, Wetlands International aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of wetland-based solutions and mobilize collective action toward achieving national and global goals on sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
The next decade will be critical for the future of the Philippines’ wetlands. By investing in nature-based and wetland-centered solutions today, the country can secure healthier ecosystems, more resilient communities, and a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, government, communities, businesses, and development partners can turn the tide and ensure that wetlands remain a vital foundation for life and prosperity in the Philippines.