{"id":12918,"date":"2019-10-07T12:00:26","date_gmt":"2019-10-07T04:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/travel\/?p=12918"},"modified":"2023-09-11T18:12:11","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T10:12:11","slug":"las-pinas-paranaque-critical-habitat-and-ecotourism-area-ph-natural-defense-against-disasters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/travel\/2019\/10\/07\/las-pinas-paranaque-critical-habitat-and-ecotourism-area-ph-natural-defense-against-disasters\/","title":{"rendered":"Las Pi\u00f1as-Para\u00f1aque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area: PH Natural Defense Against Disasters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Situated south of Manila Bay is an unusual destination considered\u00a0as a nature sanctuary\u2014protected not only because of its flora and fauna but also because it’s\u00a0considered as the country’s natural defense against disasters.<\/p>\n

Apart from being home to wildlife species, the\u00a0Las Pi\u00f1as-Para\u00f1aque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area<\/strong>\u00a0(LPPCHEA)\u00a0<\/strong>is a wetland or a land area flooded with water, serving as a safeguard that helps minimize the damages brought by natural disasters.<\/p>\n

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With its integral role for the wildlife and its people, LPPCHEA was declared as critical habitat on April 22, 2007 by Presidential Proclamation No. 1412 and was included in the list of Ramsar’s Wetlands of International Importance.<\/p>\n

Wetlands:\u00a0a natural defense against disasters<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wetlands\u00a0act like a giant sponge\u2014they absorb excess rainfall during storms and release it during the dry season.<\/p>\n

With mangroves, ponds, lagoons, mudflats, and mix beach forests all over LPPCHEA,\u00a0it\u00a0also acts as a protective buffer against storm surges with its coral reefs reducing the speed and height of waves.<\/p>\n

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Wetlands like LPPCHEA are also\u00a0the first line of defense for soil erosion with mangrove forests\u00a0as\u00a0the wall.<\/p>\n

Moreover,\u00a0they are “carbon sinks” that help absorb greenhouse gases, slowing down the increase of global temperature.<\/p>\n

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Preservation of biodiversity<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Apart from its climate and weather-related functions, LPPCHEA also plays an important role in the preservation of biodiversity.<\/p>\n

Recognized by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as internationally significant, LPPCHEA serves as a pitstop for migratory birds\u00a0with a record of over 41 species. Some even come from as far as China, Japan, and Siberia including the Black-winged Stilts, Chinese Egret, and Grey Heron.<\/p>\n

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The months of April to August are considered the best season to catch the migratory birds as they often make their way to warmer areas like the Philippines.<\/p>\n

Not to mention that LPPCHEA\u00a0is also home to indigenous plants and trees with a 36-hectare mangrove forest, where visitors will also be introduced.<\/p>\n

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Protecting, conserving, and raising awareness<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The world is changing, and climate patterns and their effects are slowly being felt all over the world, especially to an archipelagic country like the Philippines.<\/p>\n

This is why LPPCHEA\u00a0is taking part in further teaching the public about waste and the importance of preserving the wetlands, with its coastal clean-ups and tree planting activities.<\/p>\n

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Those who wish to join activities, try bird-watching, or simply commune with nature\u00a0can make appointments to visit the area.\u00a0It is also open for those who wish to conduct environmental studies and researches.<\/p>\n

Entrance is free<\/strong> for everyone but since the area is protected, a permit should be secured before proceeding. For those who are interested to visit, you may contact the Conservation and Development Division at 435-2410.<\/p>\n

How to get here<\/strong><\/p>\n