The National Wetlands Action Plan for the Philippines (NWAPP) is an instrument with a national coverage, relating to the period 2011-2016, which serves as an effective framework and integrating tool for the conservation and wise use of Philippine wetlands, in support of the overall sustainable development goals of the country. The main objectives of this Plan are: a) to harmonize and strictly enforce existing policies affecting the use of wetlands; b) to increase the awareness of key stakeholders on the importance of wetlands and effect a change in their behavior towards these ecosystems; c) to enhance the capacity of stakeholders, so that they are more capable of implementing wetland conservation measures; d) to promote collaboration among stakeholders for effective wetland management; and e) to establish comprehensive monitoring systems to ensure that wetlands are conserved, well managed, and wisely used. To attain these objective, four thematic areas are outlines: 1) Wetlands Policy; 2) Inland wetlands; 3) Coastal and Marine Wetlands; 4) Enabling strategies. The goal of the second thematic area (Inland wetlands) is to ensure sustainable utilization of freshwater wetlands ecosystem. The actions to be undertaken include: to establish baseline data and conduct biophysical and socio-cultural assessment and monitoring of freshwater wetlands; to prepare and implement management plans for priority freshwater wetlands in the country; to rehabilitate priority freshwater wetlands; to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies; to promote ecotourism as a conservation strategy for freshwater wetlands; to implement sustainable aquaculture practices in freshwater wetlands. Regarding coastal and marine wetlands, the Plan foresees the following actions: to establish baseline data and conduct biophysical and socio-cultural assessment and monitoring of freshwater wetlands; to rehabilitate degraded coastal and marine wetlands; to promote ecotourism as a conservation strategy for coastal and marine wetlands; to implement sustainable aquaculture practices; research and development; to establish critical habitat for threatened and endangered species; to improve coastal and marine law enforcement.
Filipinas · 2011-01-01