Picnic at LPPCHEA
The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) celebrated World Wetlands Day 2018 at Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA). SCPW successfully spearheaded an event dubbed as “Picnic at LPPCHEA” with this year’s WWD theme, “Wetlands for Sustainable Urban Future”. Aimed at allowing the members and networks of SCPW to experience LPPCHEA, a wetland walk, bird watching, a picnic, and a short program were conducted last 03 February 2018. Aside from the said activities, a talk about the plans on establishing a Wetland Center as a tool for educating people on wetlands, particularly about LPPCHEA and its importance, was likewise presented.
The event also targeted to promote the significance and role of urban wetlands in making cities livable. The members of SCPW and various organizations including Manila Bay Coordinating Office, Philippine Water Partnership, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region and – Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau joined this simple gathering for the World Wetlands Day.
Activities such as these encourage first-hand experience with wetlands which are essential in upholding its conservation by raising public awareness of their values and benefits. Urban wetlands are areas where people can experience connection with nature and thus improve overall health and social integration. These informal gatherings also encourages discussion on how they can contribute to the conservation of these important ecosystems.
Through this event, SCPW and its friends who are advocates of wetland conservation were able to appreciate and know more about urban wetlands, while enjoying the ecosystem services provided by LPPCHEA particularly on the cultural aspect including recreation and educational aspects. Overall, this year’s World Wetlands Day Celebration was a resounding success in bringing together various wetland conservation advocates who became more determined to continue their work for the wise use of wetlands.
The Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. spearheads the annual celebration of World Wetlands Day in the Philippines.