Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Province (May 11, 2024) – Mangrove Matters PH, a youth-led organization committed to the conservation of mangrove forests and other marine ecosystems, along with the youth members from Cebu amplified their calls for the protection of migratory waterbirds and their habitats in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day at Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary – Philippines’ first designated Ramsar Site, a wetland of international importance.
The youth group with DENR Region 7 and the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary conducted an educational discussion with the Cebuano youth to commemorate the international event with on-site learning activities and discussions on migratory waterbirds, mangrove forests, and environmental policies funded by the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership. Matthew Vincent Tabilog, Founder of Mangrove Matters PH, underscored the important role of wetlands for migratory birds.
“The Philippines is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a route for migratory birds that stretches from the Russian Far East through East and Southeast Asia, to Australia and New Zealand, and the wetlands in the country are crucial in serving as nesting, feeding, and nursery grounds for these birds. The mangrove forests provide shelter to the birds and the molluscs, snails, and crustaceans in the mudflats are their critical food sources to fuel themselves for their next flight “, said Tabilog.
Carme Irene Pelone, a wildlife biologist, highlighted the theme for this year’s World Migratory Bird Day – “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”.
In addition to pollution and habitat destruction, migratory birds face the global decline of insect populations brought by climate change and other anthropogenic activities. "Protect Insects, Protect Birds" is this year's conservation theme, which raises awareness of the vital role insects play to promote the nesting, breeding, and annual migration of birds. Insectivorous birds consume an average of 400 to 500 million tons of insects annually and this highlights the importance of reducing pesticide use in agricultural and forestry practices, as well as in our daily lives. Also, the changing of our climate affects the synchronicity of the abundance of insects and the arrival of migratory birds”, Pelone stated.
Pelone also noted the relevance of the event to the Cebuano youth in honing environmentalism and stewardship.
“This global event is a celebration for the youth members in the province to learn more about the interconnectivity of our migratory birds to our environment and to our lives. The on-site learning activities and educational discussions made the participants appreciate more about our migratory birds and their habitats and providing such opportunities to the youth in this aspect would allow us to have a greener and sustainable future for the next generations to come”, Pelone added.
The event ended with a youth declaration and a call of action committed to protect the migratory birds.
“We call upon all stakeholders, organizations, advocates, volunteers, youth, and government agencies, to adhere to science-based protocols and consultations with experts to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of our actions for the protection of our migratory waterbirds and their habitats. From educational events to habitat restoration projects, every effort counts in safeguarding these birds and the ecosystems they ultimately rely on”, said Tabilog
This is great news!