DENR V eyes wetland management plan for Sumlang Lake

Camalig, Albay— Conservation of the ecological site and wetland in Camalig town, Sumlang Lake, has been the focus of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources V (DENR) V, as it supports the annual global celebration of World Wetlands Day and National Wetlands Day.

This year’s theme “Wetlands for Our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods” aims to raise awareness on the importance, wise management and value of wetlands. DENR V held a program in February 2 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on International Importance or the Ramsar Convention, I Ramsar, Iran on February 2, 1971.

To reflect the significance of the occasion to the locals, DENR V led a tour at Sumlang Lake attended by the PENRO Albay, CENRO Guinobatan, LGU Camalig, Barangay Sumlang Lake officials and residents. Locals will benefit in the long term effects of this initiative with the goal of “sustainable livelihoods” for them.

DENR Regional Director Gilbert C. Gonzales urged the public to work together to protect, conserve, and promote ecological sites such as Sumlang Lake which is categorized as a wetland. With the influx of tourists in Albay, Sumlang Lake is seen as a growing ecotourism spot in the province so, “a management plan is essential in this ecological site,” Gonzales said.

Simultaneous clean-up drives in wetland areas and shorelines were also conducted by DENR field office region wide. The DENR V will create wetland management plans to further determine possible ecotourism interventions for Sumlang Lake and other wetlands areas in the Bicol Region.