When I first arrived at Las Piñas Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between nature and the city. Beyond the horizon, past the haze, stood towering buildings – an almost surreal backdrop to this pocket of wilderness. It was hard to believe that such a place existed in the midst of it. It was so different compared to the tranquility of the province. The unfamiliarity of this setting was striking; it just seemed so unnatural. At the same time, it gave me a sense of awe of how this fragile ecosystem serves as a vital refuge for birds, sustaining life despite the encroaching city.

Birdwatching at LPPWP was an intriguing experience. It was my first time visiting a Ramsar site, and its proximity to the airport made it all the more striking. Every few minutes, airplanes roared overhead, yet the birds carried on. I couldn’t help but wonder about the extent of its impact on them. Despite the constant buzz, I was fortunate enough to spot a variety of birds, including egrets, black-winged stilts, pied fantails, zebra doves, kingfishers, Asian glossy starlings, and herons. I also had the opportunity to learn more about the different tree species in the area during a guided tour around the wetland, which made the experience even more enriching.

Beyond the birds and trees, the reality of plastic pollution was more pronounced than ever – at least, it was for me. Seeing it first-hand was far different from reading about it in reports. Plastics were everywhere – caught in the prop roots and pneumatophores, half-buried in the mud, and scattered along the shore. It is easy to feel hopeless when confronted with such a bleak and overwhelming sight. We are more deeply connected to these ecosystems than we often realize, and witnessing these threats in an urban setting was both sobering and disheartening.

Yet, hearing success stories from conservationists and scientists in the field renewed my sense of hope. It was a privilege to learn from them, to listen to their experiences, and to see the dedication behind their work. One of the highlights for me was learning how technology, including AI and innovative tools, is being used to support mangrove rehabilitation and conservation. By combining these technologies with citizen science and integrating local knowledge with scientific research, new opportunities for community-driven restoration and long-term ecosystem protection are emerging.

The First National Mangrove Youth Summit did more than equip us with tools and resources – it created a space to share stories, lessons, and aspirations with my fellow delegates. Though brief, it felt as if time expanded, filled with meaningful conversations and connections. Through collaboration and collective action, I am optimistic that there is still hope for the future.