LPPCHEA - 'the last natural bastion' in Metro Manila

Little egret at LPPCHEA

I was fortunate enough to be able to join an early morning visit to the Las Pinas Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) hosted by the government of the Philippines. This is a bird sanctuary and an area of natural vegetation that includes a 36 hectare mangrove forest, coastal lagoon and shore area. LPPCHEA is on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Equally remarkable is that it is only about 15 minutes drive from the busy urban heart of Manila.

LPPCHEA provides a home for some 80 species of birds including three that are endangered. My visit coincided with that of Philippines senator Cynthia A. Villar one of the champions of this special area. She graciously joined the tour and chatted to me and other delegates from the CMS CoP.

An early morning view across the sea.

Collared kingfisher

Visiting delegates and media mingle outside the bird hide over-looking the lagoon.

View across the lagoon from the bird hide
(terns and other birds in view)

Large egrets across the sea

A small group of Black-Crowned Night Herons

A view of the mangrove swamp showing the aerial roots

A view across the bay looking back towards the city.

Momentos and map of LPPCHEA