RRC-EA

WEBZINE

Issue72018 July - September

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Contents

Special SectionPhilippine Wetlands

RRC-EA ActivitiesCEPA

RRC-EA ActivitiesWetland Fund

Wetland Experts

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S p e c i a l S e c t i o n o n P h i l i p p i n e W e t l a n d s

Making wetlands known as the Phil ippines publish the 2016 Atlas of Phil ippine Inland Wetlands and Classif ied Caves

The first step towards the conservation of our natural resources is always taking stock of what we have because we cannot protect what we do not know. Following this, the Philippines published the 2016 Atlas of Philippine Inland Wetlands and Classified Caves– a 156-page book which features the point-location of all identified inland wetlands in the country.

Launched during the 2017 World Wetlands Day Celebration by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) – the Ramsar National Administrative Authority in the Philippines, the Atlas is the improvement of the Atlas of Inland Wetlands in Mainland Luzon, an output of a grant given by the Ramsar Regional Center - East Asia (RRC-EA) in 2014.

Now featuring not only the island of Luzon, the Philippines’ biggest island group, but Visayas and Mindanao island groups as well, the 2016 Atlas is an updated and comprehensive version. Inside the book are nationwide and regional maps which feature locations of Philippine lakes, swamps, marshes, and peatlands; water storage areas, ponds, and mining pits/pools and rivers and river systems. The book also provides short descriptions of the Philippines’ seven (7) Ramsar Sites.

Caves, which are considered as special type of inland wetlands, were also included. Classified Philippine Caves are those that have undergone assessment, survey and mapping, and given official classification. A total of 244 inland wetlands, 2,487

Launching of the 2016 Atlas of Inland Wetlands and Classified Caves during the 2017 World Wetlands Day Celebration

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Patricia May Labitoria

By

Ms. Patricia “Pat” May Labitoria worked with the DENR-BMB starting 2013, through the RRC-EA-funded Project "Inventory of Inland Wetlands in Luzon, Philippines". She also worked as Project Assistant for another RRC-EA project in 2016 "Mapping Wetland Priorities for Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines" with the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc.

rivers and river systems, 70 human-made wetlands and 416 classified caves are in the Atlas. This count is still expected to grow as newly discovered wetlands and caves are added each year.

The BMB envisions the publication not only as a visual representation to the country’s inventory of inland wetlands but also as a guide to know whether a particular wetland is within conservation management schemes and tools. To be able to do this, the Atlas utilizes the use of three (3) different sets of layers- the National Integrated and Protected Areas System, Critical Habitats, and Key Biodiversity Areas- maps which could be overlaid above the Philippine maps to see inland wetlands which fall inside the country’s important biodiversity areas.

Having colorful pictures, the Atlas also aims to raise appreciation on the country’s wetlands as this ecosystem is considered the most neglected.

The publication has been distributed to all Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Offices, as well as to Provincial, Community, and Local Government level offices in the country. Partner non-government organizations and the academe, through the Department of Education, were also given copies. This extends the knowledge on our inland wetlands to more sectors of the society.

Currently, the Atlas is used as a comprehensive reference on the location and types of inland wetlands, serving as one of the decision tools for planning and management of these important natural ecosystems.

The publication may be downloaded via this link:http://bmb.gov.ph/elibrary/publications/references?download=312:at las-of-philippine-inland-wetlands-and-classsified-caves-first-edition-2016

http://bmb.gov.ph/elibrary/publications/references%3Fdownload%3D312:atlas-of-philippine-inland-wetlands-and-classsified-caves-first-edition-2016http://bmb.gov.ph/elibrary/publications/references%3Fdownload%3D312:atlas-of-philippine-inland-wetlands-and-classsified-caves-first-edition-2016http://bmb.gov.ph/elibrary/publications/references%3Fdownload%3D312:atlas-of-philippine-inland-wetlands-and-classsified-caves-first-edition-2016http://bmb.gov.ph/elibrary/publications/references%3Fdownload%3D312:atlas-of-philippine-inland-wetlands-and-classsified-caves-first-edition-2016

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Thirty-three Ramsar Site managers and stakeholders of the Yellow/West Sea representing national and local governments and non-government organizations from China, Republic of Korea (ROK) and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) attended the "Training on Wetland Management for Site Managers of the Yellow/West Sea" on 10-13 July 2018 in Shanghai, China. Organized by the Ramsar Regional Center - East Asia (RRC-EA), this

C E P A

Subregional Training for Ramsar Site Managers in the Yellow/West Sea

subregional training aimed to: 1. orient participants on the basic steps

in wetland management, in particular on the designation and management of Ramsar Sites;

2. introduce a Ramsar Convention tool and approach to assessing wetland ecosystem services;

3. share information and experiences of national government agencies and international organizations as

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contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of resources in the Yellow/West Sea;

4. discuss the main challenges of countries in managing the Yellow/West Sea and recommend site-specific and transboundary management strategies to address these challenges; and

5. encourage interaction and facilitate linkages among site managers and stakeholders in the subregion.

Resource persons included experts from the Netherlands, Hanns Seidel Foundation-Korea, East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership, IUCN Asia Regional Office, WWF-Hong Kong, and RM Wetlands. The subregional training featured presentations on transboundary cooperation (Wadden

Sea Transboundary Ramsar Site as a case study), activities in the Yellow/West Sea by RRC-EA partner organizations, steps in the designation and management of Ramsar Sites based on the Ramsar Guidebook, and Ramsar tools and approaches such as the Ramsar Site Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (R-METT) and Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services (RAWES). An information sharing and brainstorming session capped the activity that allowed participants to discuss about key wetland management issues and recommendations. The participants also visited Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve to observe and learn from its good management practices. IUCN-China provided logistical support.

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As a regular CEPA activity, the Ramsar Regional Center - East Asia (RRC-EA) promotes World Wetlands Day 2018 every year. On 17 July 2018, the RRC-EA returned to the Gwangju-Kia Champions Field to celebrate the event with support from the Kia Tigers professional baseball team. The RRC-EA installed a tent in front of the baseball stadium entrance and offered 1,000 eco-bags, pins, fans and brochures for free to interested people who are

C E P A

RRC-EA and Kia Tigers supportWorld Wetlands Day 2018

watching the game between the Kia Tigers and the Samsung Lions. A ceremonial pitch and hit, broadcasted live on national television, was done by Dr. Gea Jae Joo, Professor of Busan National University, and Mr. Deok Seong Kim, bird conservationist and environmentalist, to mark the start of the game. The video board also showed information about the RRC-EA and World Wetlands Day in between innings.

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On 6-10 August 2018, the Ramsar Regional Center - East Asia (RRC-EA) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC) of Myanmar organized the "National Training for Wetland Managers" at the Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar. Twenty two officers and staff participated in the event representing the government sector (Forest Department of MONREC, and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Moeyungyi Wetland, Indawgyi Lake, Inlay Lake and Meinmahla Kyun), non-government organizations (Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association, Fauna and Flora

C E P A

National Training for Wetland Managers 2018

International, and Wildlife Conservation Society) and academe (Yangon University and Bago University).

The training aimed to orient participants on the Ramsar Convention and its tools; share basic concepts, new information, and experiences in wetland management; identify site-specific and common wetland issues in the country, and recommend solutions to address these issues; encourage interaction and discussions among wetland managers; and strengthen the network of wetland managers in the country. Topics for the training included the

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Ramsar Site Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (R-METT) and were based on the "Action Plan for the Delivery of Improved Management and Wise Use of Valuable Wetlands in Myanmar" with focus on developing monitoring skills for

waterbirds, invertebrates, fish and aquatic vegetation. Resource persons from IUCN-Lao PDR, Wildlife Institute of India, University of Colombo in Sri Lanka, and National University of Mongolia shared their expertise at the training.

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W e t l a n d F u n d

Indonesia

Working Together in Managing Conservation and Wise Use of Berbak and Sembilang National Park

Project objectives

1. share and socialize information about the importance of wetland and its values and benefits

2. encourage understanding and awareness of all stakeholders surrounding the Ramsar Site

3. promote the wise use of wetlands to support conservation and livelihood

Duration 26 - 27 Feb 2018

Status completed

Total cost USD 4,685

Implementing organization Berbak and Sembilang National Park

Management Office

Project leader Ir. Pratono Puroso Head of National Park

Accomplishments

A one-day workshop “Working Together in Managing Conservation and Wise Use of Berbak and Sembilang National Park” was held on 26 February 2018 in Jambi, Indonesia to discuss ways to address certain conflicts of interest among wetland stakeholders and raise the awareness of

local wetland authorities and stakeholders on the importance of wetlands and their benefits. Around 59 representatives from the provincial governments of Jambi and South Sumatera, universities (Jambi University and Batanghari University), international non-government organization

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or NGO (Zoological Society of London), local NGO (Perkumpulan Gita Buana, Warsi), business organization (PT Indo Kebun), media (Antara, Kompas, The Jakarta Post), and from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Office in Jambi Province, joined the event.

The workshop was divided into two (2) sessions. The objective of the first session was to share and socialize information about the importance, values and benefits of wetlands. Presentations of this session discussed about “The Direction of Spatial Based Development Policy in Jambi Province” and “The Implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Indonesia”. Session two aimed to encourage understanding and raise the awareness of all stakeholders of the Ramsar Site which would help initiate follow-up discussions for developing a collaborative action plan for Berbak and Sembilang National Park. Presentations under this session included “World Wetlands Day 2018: Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future” and “Berbak and Sembilang National Park as a Ramsar Site”.

On 27 February 2018, participants joined a field visit to Berbak and Sembilang National Park (specifically in Resort Sungai Rambut, Resort Simpang, and Sungai Aur Village) to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands in support of livelihood for local communities. Field trip participants were stakeholders from the provincial government, NGO, media and local villagers. As part of the field trip program, Perkumpulan Gita Buana facilitated the discussions among the villagers living around the national park, national park office staff, and local government officers.

Berbak and Sembilang National Park also conducted additional activities to support the World Wetlands Day 2018 celebration in an academic atmosphere. A lecture on “Berbak and Sembilang Management as a Ramsar Site” was delivered by the Head of Berbak and Sembilang National Park as part of the seminar series organized by the Faculty of Forestry of Jambi University. An exhibition was also set up by park staff at the Jambi University which displayed materials from the villages surrounding the national park, the Orchid Development Unit and from the Perkumpulan Gita Buana Project.

Group photo of workshop participants representing different government and non-government institutions

Questions and comments from a participant representing an NGO

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Messages of hope for wetlands by workshop participants

A villager asks questions and provides comments during the discussions in the field

Participants on the way to Berbak and Sembilang National Park

Participants of the field visit to Berbak and Sembilang National Park

Government officers address the questions of the villagers

Participants at the boardwalk of the national park

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W e t l a n d F u n d

Thailand

Strengthen Local Community Capacity: Rights, Roles and Responsibil i t ies for Wetland Uti l ization and Conservation

Project objectives

1. increase awareness of wetland communities on relevant laws and procedures for implementation

2. enhance knowledge of wetland communities to reduce the conflict among related sectors

3. strengthen related sectors: private, government, local community, etc. to enforce the law and procedures on wetland management and development

Duration 12 months (Jan 2018 - Dec 2018)

Status ongoing

Total cost USD 10,000

Implementing organization Lawyers Council under the Royal

Patronage (LCT)

Project leader Ms. Orranut Kongchuay Chairman of Environment Lawyers Council

Accomplishments

On 15 May 2018, the project team organized the first formal meeting with the community leader, Governor of Lam Yai Sub-District, and stakeholders to present the activity plan

and proposed forum topics. The meeting attendees shared their opinions and also conveyed the main problems that they are facing such as coastal land use problems,

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industrial encroachment, wastewater and sea garbage. Following this, they expressed their interest in learning more about the wise use and conservation of wetlands. Upon conclusion of the meeting, the project team revised the list of topics for the forum/seminar to meet the needs of the community. Consent was also given for the project team to organize the forum on 7 June 2018 at the Multi-Purpose Building of Wat Pak Samut School, near Don Hoi Lord Wetland in Lam Yai Sub-District, Samut Songkram Province. Invitations to the four (4) sub-districts where Don Hoi Lord Wetland is located (Lam Yai, Bang Ja Kreng, Bang Kaew and Klong Kone) were facilitated by the project team, as well as for several academic institutions and environmental non-government organizations.

Following the May 2018 meeting, the seminar “Ramsar and Sustainability of Don Hoi Lord Wetland Lifestyle” was held on 7 June 2018 to publicize and share information about the Ramsar Convention as well as related procedures on wetland conservation and wise utilization. The seminar also included topics on the rights and duties according to the law of local community about protection of natural resources and environment in the wetland area. Handbooks were distributed to 120 participants representing groups such as the local communities, local governments, local conservation groups/environment NGOs, academic institutions and the youth. The morning session of the event was held at the Multipurpose Building of Wat Pak Samut School in Lam Yai Sub-district, Muang Samut-Songkram District, Samut-Songkram Province; while the afternoon session took place at the Conference Room of Lam Yai Municipal District Office. 22 participants joined the afternoon session.

Among the recommendations at the seminar include the use of local wisdom to collect garbage in the sea by using local fishing equipment called the “Pong-Pang”. Local community members experimented by placing the “Pong-Pang” in the sea, 10 kilometers from the shore. They have observed that it can actually collect garbage. Unfortunately, the local community is constrained to continue the use of such equipment due to lack of capital and academic/technical advice. Furthermore, the discussions at the seminar found out that the local community needs stronger support from the government, and from environmental and legal organizations. Despite this, the project team has observed that the community shares a common vision and is united to conserve the area.

The issues and needs identified during the seminar will serve as basis for the project team, as a legal organization, to be able to provide the participants with correct, appropriate and practical legal advice. The project team is now planning for follow-up activities to educate the youth with the learning concept “Play and Learn”, wherein the youth can gain more knowledge about wetland conservation by playing games.

Working group meeting at conference room of Lawyers Council on 5 January 2018 for Ramsar Activity Planning. Miss Oranut Kongchauy, Chairman of Environment Committee of the Lawyers Council (left), led the meeting while Mrs. Taddao Jaturaphagorn, Secretary (right), presented the action plan to Committee Members

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Meeting with local leader and stakeholders at the conference room of Lam Yai Municipal District, one of Don Hoi Lord’s wetland sites, on 15 May 2018 to review and revise the Ramsar activity plan

One of the backdrops used at the seminar

Mr. Nukoon Sirisuwan, Executive Director of Lawyers Council of Thailand, delivers the welcome speech

Participants register for the seminar “Ramsar and Sustainability of Don Hoi Lord Wetland Lifestyle” held on 7 June 2018 at the Wat Pak Samut School, Lam Yai Sub-District, Muang Samut-Songkram District, Samut-Songkram Province

Brochure distributed to seminar participants

Miss Oranut Kongchuay, Chairman of the Environment Lawyers Council, explains the background and objectives of the project

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Sub. Lt. Dr. Tawan Ruyaporn, Lawyers Council President, delivers the Opening Ceremony Speech

Thai folk toys, which are played by the mouth, produce sounds like singing birds

Speakers at the forum (from left to right): Ms. Nataya Plutauyat - Fishery Cooperative Manager, Mr. Surajit Chirawet - Samut Songkram Former Senator, Mr. Kwanchai Chotiphan - Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, Lawyers Council, Mr. Somchai Tookaew - Director of Legal Affairs of Ministry of Public Health, and Ms. Sukanya Wisan - Environmentalist of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

Morning speaker Mr. Taweesap Namkhajonroj stimulated the attention of participants by demonstrating the use of a Thai folk toy

One of the participants enjoying the folk toy

A participant shares her comments on the situation of her community

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Mr. Amornsak Chatratin, Governor of Lam Yai Sub- District, commented about his concerns on Don Hoi Lord Wetland

Participants join an intensive forum in the afternoon which discussed issues raised during the morning session

Participants who joined the intensive forum in the afternoon

Member of the youth also shared her views about Don Hoi Lord Wetland

Mr. Chamnan Sirirak, Environment Lawyer and a member of the organizing team, presented comments of participants on the main issues of Don Hoi Lord Wetland

Miss Oranut Kongchauy ,Chairman of the Environment Lawyers Council, presents a souvenir to one of the speakers, Ms. Sukanya Wisan of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

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W e t l a n d E x p e r t s

Rebecca D’CruzAonyx Consultancy

My specialities related to wetlands are wetland management, policy and institutional strengthening, and training,

I was involved in developing the Millennium Development Assessment (2005) - Wetlands Synthesis. In Sarawak where I live and work, I headed the process of designating Sarawak's first Ramsar Site, and was involved in developing its management plan. I have worked on the

communications and outreach related to environmental management.

evaluation of wetland projects in Malaysia and China. I also developed the first management plan for Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea. As a past member of Ramsar's Scientific and Technical Panel (STRP), I contributed to the development of wetland-related guidelines.

Please briefly introduce your area of specialization.

What are the major wetland projects and activities that you have undertaken?

One of my biggest challenges has been to help governments to integrate wetland issues into policy and planning; much of the challenge is related to the limited capacity of those responsible for the management of wetlands. In response, I have worked with the relevant government agencies to organize training activities and seminars to build capacity within those tasked to manage wetlands. The second

biggest challenge has been to work with the relevant government agencies to get them to develop and implement river basin management plans; to overcome this challenge, I worked with government, the private sector, and local community groups to educate each sector on their responsibilities related to the development of river basin management plans.

What are the most important issues that you have encountered and how were you able to address these?

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I think, as of now, the outlook for wetlands in Southeast Asia is pretty grim. We have lost thousands of areas of peatland forest to oil palm plantations, although there is now a pretty good model being implemented on the island of Sumatra. Having said that, I have also met groups of wetland conservationists who are doing

Apart from the fact that wetlands must be protected for future generations because of all the ecosystem services that they

a very good job in safeguarding their natural resources. The biggest challenges are a) to get an accurate picture of the situation on the ground; b) to get accurate and timely technical information to inform management planning; and c) to bring all the stakeholders to the table to discuss and agree a way forward.

contribute to human well-being, wetlands are truly wonderful spaces; and every wetland tells a story.

What is your outlook on wetlands in the region?

What advice can you give to young advocates of wetland conservation in the region?

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W e t l a n d E x p e r t s

Sudipto ChatterjeeTERI School of Advanced Studies

I work for biodiversity conservation. Like in many other streams, no one specializes on biodiversity.

Please briefly introduce your area of specialization.

I have been engaged on conservation of high altitude wetlands of Eastern Himalaya in India. I have actively participated in training programmes in partnership with sister institutions on monitoring of aquatic biodiversity. I am presently involved with

my students on quantifying ecosystem services of some of the Ramsar Sites in North East India. I teach the course “aquatic systems and management” to Masters level students at TERI School of Advanced Studies.

What are the major wetland projects and activities that you have undertaken?

What are the most important issues that you have encountered and how were you able to address these?

Many elements of aquatic biodiversity which plays a significant role in wetland ecosystems are yet to be studied for their dynamics. Very few institutions emphasize on their taxonomy and diversity. Wetland protected areas and Ramsar Sites would need similar attention as their terrestrial

counterparts. I encourage my students to take up small experiments on wetland conservation issues. We have adopted a wetland very close to our institution with a view to set up Long Term Ecological Monitoring of a wetland.

They are under tremendous pressures of development and restoration efforts need to be escalated.

What is your outlook on wetlands in the region?

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Conservation requires time, persistence, patience and perseverance. Conservation also requires a breadth of knowledge drawing expertise from different fields of expertise. We need to undertake scientific

studies to enumerate and emphasize the ecological role that wetlands play in the functioning of a landscape. Only then can we make meaningful contributions to policy making and implementation.

What advice can you give to young advocates of wetland conservation in the region?

Published by Ramsar Regional Center - East AsiaCopyright 2018. Ramsar Regional Center - East Asia. All rights reserved.

Edited by Suh, Seung Oh / Norman Emmanuel C. RamirezDesigned by Kim, Hang Ah

2nd FL. Suncheon Bay International Wetland Center 47, Gukgajeongwon 1ho-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea

■ Tel +82-61-746-1160~4■ Fax +82-61-746-1165■ Website www.rrcea.org

Ramsar Regional Center - East AsiaRRC-EA