(Last of two parts)Loss and degradation threaten the Philippines’ numerous wetlands, and both government officials and environment groups are calling for a national conservation policy — before it’s too late. In the absence of a national wetland policy, environmental officials and personnel rely on existing policies that cover various aspects of these ecosystems, said Joy Navarro, DENR senior ecosystems management specialist. The focus of the draft national policy, which began as early as 2012, is the creation of a committee that will oversee and harmonize the different efforts and functions under the existing National Wetland Action Plan, Navarro said. A national policy becomes even more crucial as many wetland ecosystems are now classified as sites critical for the conservation of globally important biodiversity. Lacking a national policy, raising awareness of the importance of wetlands among communities may be the next big step in saving them.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 17, 2019 23:15 UTC