Originally, wetlands (where water meets land), e.g., mangroves, rivers, lakes, estuaries, streams, meadows, mudflats, marshes, swamps, fishponds, rice paddies, etc. are known only for values and functions such as kidneys of the earth (they purify water); storehouse of genetic materials (as habitats for a variety of plants, animals and microorganisms); biological supermarkets (source of fish and other protein-loaded aquatic creatures); fortifications (defense against the onslaught of typhoons and tsunamis); natural engineering structures (as natural dams absorbing heavy rainfall, preventing floods or slowing down flow of floodwaters); sponge for freshwater (help recharge groundwater aquifers to satisfy people's need for drinking and agriculture); and treasure trove of cultural heritage (heritage sites and tourist destinations generating much income for the population).

Tolentino, A. S. Jr. (2021, December 18). Wetlands for healing of nature and human well-being. The Manila Times, pp. A4-A5.