MANILA, PHILIPPINES  1 February 2019 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joins the global call for stronger climate action for healthier wetlands in celebration of the World Wetlands Day on February 2.

“Due to the increasing prevalence of climate change and human activities, our wetland areas and its quality continue to decline, disrupting their natural water flow and biodiversity therein,” said CCC Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman.

February 2 also marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance or the Ramsar Convention in Ramsar, Iran.

With this year’s theme, “Wetlands and Climate Change,” De Guzman urges government agencies and stakeholders to initiate fast and efficient climate action to preserve the ecological balance of our wetlands which play a crucial role in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

De Guzman said it is important to implement strictly our environmental laws to uphold the integrity of our wetlands and the ecosystem.

“Together, let us take pride and lead the global effort to protect wetland areas for us and the future generations to come,” De Guzman said.