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Agusan Marsh
A small bird sits on a branch.
The Agusan Marsh is a wetland ecosystem. It is home to many plants and animals. I come here to take pictures of them. Some live here all the time. Others are migratory. The plants and animals share this place with the Manobo Tribe. These indigenous people live in floating villages.
During the rainy season, the land becomes a large bay. It stores rainwater. It shields towns from tropical storms. It stops floods. It also filters water and cleans it.
Marshland Dangers
Yet, there are challenges here. People are changing the land. Parts of the marsh are being burned to clear the land for building. This harms wildlife.
Burning the marsh also releases carbon dioxide into the air. This makes Earth warmer.
A purple swamphen sits near flowers.
peat fires in the Augusan Marsh
A hawk flies above the river.
All is not lost, however. People care about the marsh. They want to protect it. They are working together to end harmful practices. Everyone wants a clean and healthy marsh.
The houses here are built over the water.
a bird’s-eye view of the village in the marsh