Key Takeaways
The 4-day training workshop highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive assessment of wetland ecosystem services for better informed decisions and building a strong case for wetland site interventions. The participants were presented useful tools for ecosystem services assessment including TESSA, InVEST, and RAWES—all of which may be used or adapted in wetland sites. TESSA is particularly useful as it can be used even by non-technical persons and relies on meaningful stakeholder engagement and partnerships. The exposure trip to Balanga Wetland and Nature Park highlights the importance of a strong government-people synergy in linking up conservation efforts with socio-economic needs of the people.