LAKES, rivers, mangroves, coral reefs and other wetlands have long been the cornerstone of humanity, providing the necessary physical, cultural and spiritual sustenance to ensure the survival of people and communities.

Today, however, threats, such as pollution, habitat destruction, siltation and encroachment for business and human settlement, among others, have caused the widespread degradation of these important and fragile ecosystems.

Wetlands play a vital role as they provide fundamental ecological services—they provide food and clean water; control erosion; regulate water regimes and climate; maintain biodiversity, as well as constitute a resource of great economic, scientific, cultural and recreational value for the community.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands seeks to bring attention to the sustainable and wise use of wetlands by spearheading the global celebration of World Wetlands Day each year on February 2, which marks the signing of the convention.

World Wetlands Day is an opportunity for governments and conservationists to bring attention to the plight of wetlands and urge cooperation to ensure their protection.

The theme for World Wetlands Day 2012 is “Wetlands and Tourism,” which highlights the natural beauty and biodiversity of wetlands as ideal locations for tourism.

Sustainable tourism is increasingly becoming a significant funding resource for the conservation of many of the world’s protected areas.  Millions of people pour tourism dollars into trips to wetland areas, and sustainable tourism—or tourism that protects the environment—encompasses environment-friendly services, and supports the local economy while providing a pleasurable experience to visitors, may provide the long-term solution to ensuring wetland health and local livelihoods.

According to Rodrigo U. Fuentes, executive director of the Asean Centre for Biodiversity, there are a number of significant wetland areas in Asean Heritage Parks (AHPs) that are already prime areas for sustainable ecotourism.

Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park in Brunei Darussalam features the black Tasek Merimbun Lake, the largest lake in the country. The lake harbors a wealth of biodiversity, and is black because a major segment of water that flows into the lake passes through peat swamp forest.

In Malaysia, visitors can enjoy boat rides through Taman Negara National Park, which also has a sanctuary for the endangered kelah fish (Malaysian mahseer).

In Burma/Myanmar, the Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary has the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia, while the wetland at Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is so closely entwined with the local community that they have created a unique agricultural system with floating islands planted with tomatoes, cucumber, cabbage, peas, beans and eggplant.

In the Philippines, a number of marshlands—such as the Candaba Wetlands Bird Sanctuary and Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary—are havens for local and migratory birds. Agusan Marsh is also recently known for the capture of a massive 21-foot, 2,370-pound crocodile. Among the country’s Asean Heritage Parks, Mount Apo Natural Park protects several mountain lakes named Agco, Venado, Ma-ag and Jordan.

Wetland tourism benefits both people and wildlife by creating stronger economies, sustainable livelihoods, healthy people and thriving ecosystems.

Cultural aspects of wetlands also highlight the importance of wetlands and add value to visitor experience. Participation in sustainable tourism to wetlands, thus, saves the environment, supports economic growth, and protects traditional cultures.

In Photo: Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Myanmar. (Photo from Myanmar’s Ministry of Forestry)