As the Philippines faces intensifying climate challenges and rapid urbanization, wetlands have become more critical yet more vulnerable than ever. These ecosystems—ranging from mangroves and tidal flats, to rivers and lakes, to marshes and peatlands—are not just scenic landscapes. They are life-support systems.

Wetlands protect communities from floods, nurture biodiversity, sustain livelihoods, and store vast amounts of carbon. In 2026, their role in climate resilience and sustainable development should be at the forefront of national priorities.

Biodiversity Havens

The Philippines is home to 10 designated Ramsar wetlands and seven Flyway Network Sites—vital stopovers for migratory birds such as terns, sandplovers, curlews, and ducks on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. For example, Sibugay Wetland hosts thousands of migratory birds, including the endangered Far Eastern Curlew, while Metro Manila’s Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park recorded over 3,800 birds across 36 species in 2025.

As the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) continues its rollout this January, we are hopeful that the newest addition of EAAFP Network Sites in the country will help in the conservation of Agusan Marsh, Lake Mainit, and Sibugay Coastal Wetlands that serve as havens for resident and migratory bird species.

Climate Resilience & Disaster Risk Reduction

Wetlands act as natural buffers—absorbing floodwaters, calming storm surges, and mitigating typhoon impacts. In low-lying Manila Bay, mangroves and coastal marshes reduce flood damage by up to 25% annually. They also store significant amounts of carbon—coastal wetlands sequester 2–4 × more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests.

In 2025, the DENR launched the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership to restore mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes, integrating them into climate-smart policies and community livelihood programs.

Provisioning & Economic Value

Wetlands are the backbone of fisheries and agriculture—providing food, water, fiber, and materials. Community-based ecological mangrove restoration (EMR) is now being recognized in localities across the Philippines. The Bataan Province, for example, has issued a local ordinance that uses science-led, sustainable methods to revive degraded coastal lands and boost fisherfolk incomes through integrated coastal management, coastal greenbelt action plans, and mangrove-aquaculture systems.

Moreover, green-grey infrastructures like the breakwaters of ZSL-Philippines in Ajuy, Pedada in Iloilo have supported the rehabilitation of mangroves, providing communities with storm protection, clean water, flood mitigation, and livelihoods.

Community Livelihoods & Engagement

Indeed, from Bataan to the Leyte Sab-a Basin, to the Cagayan de Oro River Basin, to the Agusan Marsh, local communities are actively participating in wetland restoration drives, eco-tours, migratory bird and wetland monitoring citizen-science drives, and wetland education campaigns. These initiatives enhance environmental stewardship and drive sustainable livelihoods.

Greater Stakes in 2026

As extreme weather intensifies and biodiversity faces mounting threats, Philippine wetlands provide a lifeline—serving as carbon sinks, natural defenses, food systems, and rich habitats. They represent cost-effective, nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. Supporting community engagement, strong advocacy, and smart policies will be key to preserving these ecosystems in 2026 and beyond.