Pawikan Conservation Project

Project Name: Pawikan Conservation Project
Area Coverage: Nationwide (for marine turtles and dugongs)
Implementing Agency/ies: PAWB
Duration: Permanent program of the DENR

Objectives

To conserve the endangered marine turtles (E.O. No. 542, June 26, 1979) and sea cows of dugongs (DAO No. 55, October 21, 1991)

Specific Objectives:

1. Enforce existing marine turtle and dugong laws, rules and regulations
2. Conduct scientific investigations relevant to the formulation of updated policies
3. Conduct information campaigns and extension services
4. Conduct habitat surveys and monitoring
5. Coordinate with international and local agencies/organizations involved in the conservation of marine turtles and dugong.

Project Components

o Resource Management and Protection Program – Establishment of marine turtle sanctuaries/critical habitats and hatcheries; technical assistance in the regulation of dugong and marine turtle and its by-products

o Research and Investigation Program – Conduct of habitat surveys, population studies, hatchery operations, and other researches on marine turtles and dugongs, monitors and evaluates reports of Field Action Officers (FAOs) and NGOs

o Information, Education and Extension Services Program – Disseminate relevant information and create awareness and consciousness among diverse audiences about marine turtle and dugong conservation, development of information packages (multi-media)

International Agreements on Marine Turtle and Dugong

o Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of Malaysia on the Establishment of the
TURTLE ISLANDS HERITAGE PROTECTED AREA, signed on May 31, 1996

o Memorandum of Understanding on ASEAN Sea Turtle Conservation and Protection. The member countries of ASEAN signed the MoU on September 12, 1997.

o Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles and their Habitats of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia. The MoU was established on June 23, 2001 and signed by the Philippines on the same date.

o Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) and their Habitats throughout their Range. The MoU was established on October 31, 2007 and was signed by the Philippines on August 19, 2008

Article Source – Protected Areas of Wildlife Bureau – Philippines