Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary: Southeast Asia’s guardian of biodiversity
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Nestled in the heart of Mindanao, the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) stands as one of the Philippines’ most treasured ecological landscapes.
Spanning over 40,000 hectares, this sanctuary is not only the country’s largest freshwater wetland but also the only recorded remaining intact and largest concentration of peatland nationwide. Its ecological significance has earned it multiple recognitions: an ASEAN Heritage Park, a Flyway Network Site (designated on November 10, 2025), and listings as an Important Bird Area, Conservation Priority Area, and Key Biodiversity Area. Currently, AMWS is under evaluation for inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.
The marsh is more than a biodiversity haven—it is deeply intertwined with the lives of local communities. This timeless connection was celebrated during World Wetlands Day (WWD) 2026, held in Agusan del Sur on February 2. Anchored on the theme “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage”, the event highlighted how indigenous practices and cultural identity play a vital role in conserving wetlands for future generations.
Through the Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) of the AMWS Protected Area Management Office, a remarkable snapshot of wildlife was recorded:
· 6,189 individual fauna documented, representing 73 species;
· 1,640 individuals across 19 species were identified as BMS priority species, underscoring their ecological importance;
· exciting new records included the Oriental Pratincole (Glareola maldivarum) and the Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis); and
· The 2026 ASEAN Waterbird Census counted 35,090 waterbirds, reaffirming the sanctuary’s role as a critical habitat for migratory species.
The marsh also holds a place in Philippine wildlife history as the site where “Lolong”, the country’s largest crocodile, was captured in 2011. Measuring 6.17 meters and weighing 1,075 kilograms, Lolong became a symbol of the marsh’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Beyond its ecological wonders, the marsh serves as a natural flood control system for the Agusan River Basin, the third-largest river system in the Philippines. Located at the basin’s center, the marsh absorbs heavy rains, slows water flow from surrounding mountains, and reduces downstream flooding before draining into the Agusan River and eventually into Butuan Bay.
As Michael Sabacajan, peatland advocate and private secretary II of Talacogon’s local government, aptly said: “Life simply would not exist without the Agusan Marsh. The marsh protects everything here. It can never be Agusan del Sur without the Agusan Marsh.”
Protective measures for AMWS emphasize ecological conservation and community participation. Strict protection zones have been established, while “Bantay Danao” (Guardians of the Lake) volunteers patrol the marsh to prevent illegal fishing and logging. Supported by private partnerships, these guardians are equipped to enforce conservation rules and safeguard the sanctuary’s fragile ecosystem.
The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is more than a provincial treasure—it is a living heritage of the Philippines and a vital ecological asset for the global community. Its wetlands sustain biodiversity, protect communities from floods, and preserve cultural traditions that have thrived alongside nature for generations.
As the country continues to champion its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the marsh stands as a reminder that protecting natural heritage is not just a local responsibility but a global imperative. (NJGD, PIA Caraga, with a report from the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Area Management Office and DENR-BMB / Photo courtesy of AWMS-PAMO)
