DENR XII heightens sea turtle conservation in Sarangani

GLAN, Sarangani – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XII is now establishing enclosures to turtle nests in its effort to conserve this marine wildlife in Glan, Sarangani Province.

This came during the observance of World Wildlife Day this March 5, Tuesday at Barangay Burias in Glan. 

This was participated by coastal dwellers and local government unit of the said barangay together with  RD Foundation, Incorporated as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of RD Group of Companies.

Barangay Burias, a coastal barangay has been reported to have been visited by nesting turtles on its beaches.

Kagawad Ali Gampal said that the turtles have been nesting in the area long before. 

“The residents of Barangay Burias do not understand the importance of sea turtles at first. It is only recently that the people in the coastal community demonstrate concern to the marine mammal,” said Kgd. Gampal.          

DENR XII Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria is appealing to those living in the coastal areas to report to the nearest DENR office any sightings of sea turtles in their areas or turn over if caught or trapped in fish nets or cages.

Earlier this week, the Barangay Council of Burias also passed a resolution declaring all its beaches as Marine Turtle Nesting Site subject for the endorsement of the municipal government and approval of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.

Meanwhile, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Glan had facilitated a forum with the community on the importance of sea turtles and its conservation considering Barangay Burias is a nesting site for sea turtles.

Solid waste management was also discussed especially the effects of plastic pollution which is detrimental to the survival of marine wildlife.

RD Foundation, Inc. of RD Group of Companies is also currently assisting the community in the conservation of turtles and is planning to put-up turtle hatchery in the area. 

As an initial intervention, the foundation provided wire mesh enclosures for the turtle nests to the barangay.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) lists the sea turtle species as endangered. 

The IUCN said all species of marine turtles are fast diminishing due to animal predation and human exploitation.

The locals help prepare turtle nets that will be use to save turtles once they go astray near humans and become ever more endangered. (DENR-12 photo)