Phl to strengthen protection of migratory species

The Philippines is pushing for major initiatives eyed at harnessing ecotourism as a tool for conservation of migratory species and their habitats and aimed at being implemented by other members of the United Nations.

Through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the country submitted Resolution on Sustainable Tourism and Migratory Species to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in time for the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) to be hosted by the Philippines next month.

“The resolution aims to bring forth how wildlife interaction in tourism affects migratory species and how tourism activities should be managed to ensure that these do not negatively impact the species,” Cimatu said.

He added that the proposed resolution aims to regulate ecotourism areas frequented by migratory species and ensure that their natural migration patterns, habitats and population are not distorted.

“It is important for the Philippines and all countries that are parties to the CMS to maintain migratory sites as viable habitats so that these species will continue to come back,” Cimatu said.

The DENR is optimistic that the CMS, the world’s largest wildlife conference, will adopt the resolution.

“We can do tourism using biodiversity, but we have to preserve it. There should be a balance between man and nature in pursuit of economic development,” Cimatu said.

Migratory species are now exposed to a growing number of threats, which have led to the decline in their population. The Philippines alone is an important host to a number of migratory species in its coastal, marine, wetland and forest ecosystems.

Migratory species that pass by the Philippines at different times of the year contribute as wildlife tourist attractions and have led to a rise in ecotourism.