February 7, 2018

World Wetlands Day 2018

On the first and second of February, around 40 students and staff from Pannasatra University, NatureLife Cambodia as well as IUCN Cambodia participated in the World Wetlands Day celebration event organised by Cambodia Ministry of Environment (MoE) in Kampong Thom Province.

World Wetlands Day occurs annually on 2^nd February to celebrate the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) on February 2, 1971. To promote wise utility of its vast natural resources, Cambodia entered the Convention in 1999. Currently, Cambodia has 4 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), the most recent one being Prek Toal Ramsar Site. NatureLife Cambodia has also contributed to the recognition of our fifth Ramsar Site in-progress.

On 1^st Feb, the participants arrived in Stoung District after four hours of bus ride. The team then took a local trip to a protected area for a rare bird-watching opportunity.The heat during Cambodia’s dry season is unbearably strong. Oursun-burnt skin and eyes stung when sweat consistently dripped down. After strenuous journey combining bumpy motorbike in the dried-up wetland and marching under the scorching sun, our team finally caught a glimpse of the critically endangered Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis).Because the bird is easily distrubed by men, we carefully and silently searched for the inconspicuous silhouette of the birds from a distance. When we finally saw them, one female, two males walking gracefully in their home range, we felt an immense sense of assurance and satisfaction.

Participants tried to discern any movement behind the bushes to have a peek at the rare birds

A bengal florican glides throught the sky

Bengal Florican is a critically endangered large migratory bird native to Indian Subcontinent and South-East Asia. Due to rapid habitat destruction, its number is now ranged in hundreds, and its presence restricted to small fragments of lands. Cambodia’s floodplains and wetlands provide precious refugee to this bird. Thus, the trip set as a timely reminder for us to reflect on this year’s theme of Wetlands Day: “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future”.

Participants taking a group photo when the sun is going down

On 2^nd Feb, the participants attended a celebration event at a local high school. The local students listened attentively to speeches delivered by representatives from MoE. They also participated actively during the Q&A session to answer questions on Cambodia environment and wetland.

Students from PUC during the speech

Highschool student actively participated in the Q&A session

With the bird-watching trip and celebration at local high school, our Wetlands Day celebration came to an end. NatureLife appreciates this opportunity to raise awareness and strengthened our bond with other environmental organisations during the process. It is our ardent hope that Cambodian students can grow up with awareness for the environment, and only then will our mission of ‘sustainable development for nature and people’ be possible.