LET’S REVIVE OUR SWAMPLANDS

  LET’S REVIVE OUR SWAMPLANDS

There is an emerging movement in Europe to revive swamplands—more popularly known as wetlands. And why not? These natural ecosystems that once flourished have been drained, converted, and in many cases abandoned, especially after being turned into fishponds that later proved unprofitable. Today, a good number of these fishponds stand idle and useless. Why not put them back to good use? And what better use is there than to restore them to their original, natural state?

Some experts call this process rewetting. Others call it rewilding. Whatever name you prefer, the principle is the same: to heal the land by allowing water and nature to reclaim what was once theirs. In Europe, the movement has gained so much ground that it is now part of the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law. By 2030, at least 30% of drained wetlands are set for revival, with a quarter of them to undergo actual rewetting. By 2050, half of Europe’s damaged wetlands must be “healed.” That’s not wishful thinking—it’s law.

Why this push? For many centuries, farmers in Europe drained swamps to create farmland. It seemed logical at the time: land for crops and animals meant food security. But here’s the catch—draining wetlands releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. According to scientists, peatlands and wetlands, although covering only about 3% of the Earth’s surface, store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined. Imagine that! When they are drained, these carbon sinks turn into carbon sources, fueling climate change instead of helping fight it.

Europe’s decision to restore wetlands is not just about saving wildlife. It’s about survival. Rewetting captures carbon, reduces the risk of flooding, and ensures cleaner water. It also revives biodiversity—birds, insects, and plants that thrive only in such environments. No wonder some experts call wetlands “nature’s superheroes.”

Now, the big question: why can’t we do the same here in the Philippines?

Our country is no stranger to wetlands. We have the Candaba Swamp in Pampanga, the Agusan Marsh in Mindanao, and countless mangrove swamps along our coasts. Unfortunately, many of these areas have been drained, filled, or converted into fishponds, subdivisions, or commercial areas. The result? More flooding, less fish, poorer water quality, and greater vulnerability to climate change.

Think about this: every rainy season, Metro Manila drowns in floodwater. Billions are lost in damages, lives are disrupted, and the government spends huge sums on flood control. Yet nature itself once provided us with free and effective flood mitigation systems—our swamplands. Restoring even part of them could help reduce floods naturally, just as rewetting is now doing in Europe.

But flood control is only one part of the picture. Wetlands are also vital for food security. They are nurseries for fish, crabs, shrimps, and other aquatic life. They filter water, recharge groundwater, and provide livelihoods for local communities. In many coastal towns, mangrove swamps used to be sources of crabs and shrimps until they were cleared for aquaculture. When those fishponds failed, they were left abandoned—just wasted land. Wouldn’t it make sense to revive them as functioning wetlands once again?

There is also a climate argument here. If the EU sees swampland restoration as key to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, why shouldn’t we? The Philippines is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. We bear the brunt of typhoons, floods, and droughts. Restoring wetlands could be one of the cheapest and most effective nature-based solutions available to us.

Of course, questions arise. Who will lead such efforts? Should it be the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)? Or should local governments take the initiative, especially since they directly feel the consequences of flooding? Perhaps the Department of Agriculture (DA) also has a role to play, since many fishponds and farmland overlap with wetlands. And what about financing? Europe is offering incentives and compensation to farmers who give up drained lands. Can we do the same?

In truth, reviving swamplands is not just about the environment. It is about restoring community-based livelihoods. Fisherfolk, farmers, and indigenous peoples who depend on wetlands stand to gain the most. Ecotourism opportunities could also open up. Imagine Agusan Marsh becoming a model eco-park that attracts local and foreign tourists, while also functioning as a carbon sink and flood control system.

We have a chance to learn from Europe’s bold initiative. The EU wants to restore 20% of its land and sea areas by 2030. Why can’t we aim for something similar? Instead of endlessly pouring funds into costly flood control structures, why not invest in nature’s own solutions? Reviving our swamplands could be one of the smartest climate, food security, and livelihood strategies we can adopt.

In the end, the choice is simple: do we continue fighting against nature with concrete and dredging, or do we work with nature by reviving the ecosystems that once protected us? Europe has made its decision. Maybe it’s time we make ours.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 

12-21-2025