PROTECTING OUR NATIVE TURTLES

PROTECTING OUR ENDEMIC TURTLES

It was only upon my retirement that I discovered we have native turtles in the Philippines. This realization struck me deeply because it meant that throughout my entire education—from grade school to college—I was never taught about the existence of our own endemic turtle species. How many young Filipinos today, I wonder, know more about turtles through pop culture, such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, than about the real ones that inhabit our lands and waters?

I am encouraged to see that there are active conservation efforts involving national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, and church-based initiatives. However, it saddens me that government participation often seems lackluster, as if the private sector is expected to take the lead. While I support multisectoral cooperation, I believe there should be a balanced involvement between the private sector and the government.

One major obstacle appears to be the lack of funding for government agencies. Congress could potentially address this issue by increasing the budget allocation for agencies like the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), which often seems like a modern-day David fighting against the Goliath of environmental destruction with limited resources. I sincerely hope that, as in the biblical story, David will prevail.

A long-term solution I see is the establishment of dedicated Biodiversity Management Offices (BMO) in every LGU, separate from the existing Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). While the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been doing commendable work, its hands are already full of broader environmental concerns, making it difficult to focus on specific conservation efforts for endemic species like turtles.

As we increase efforts in marine conservation, particularly in protecting sea turtles, we must not neglect our critically endangered forest turtles. The Philippine Forest Turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis), also known as the Palawan turtle or Leyte Pond turtle, is native to the Palawan Island group. This species is easily recognizable by its ginkgo-shaped vertebral scutes and a pale-yellow line across its head behind the ears. It is a critically endangered species threatened by habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and hunting.

The Philippines is home to five of the seven species of marine turtles, commonly known as "pawikan":

1.   Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) – primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrasses and algae.

2.   Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) – recognized by its pointed beak, feeding mainly on sponges.

3.   Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) – known for mass nesting behavior, or "arribada."

4.   Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – the largest sea turtle, feeding almost exclusively on jellyfish.

5.   Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) – less common but occasionally found in Philippine waters.

These marine turtles play crucial roles in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Conservation efforts have been ongoing to protect them from threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and pollution.

There are numerous successful conservation projects in the Philippines aimed at protecting both turtles and porpoises:

Turtle Conservation Projects:

1.   Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area (TIHPA) – A transboundary conservation effort between the Philippines and Malaysia to protect Green Turtles. (Organizations involved: DENR, LAMAVE)

2.   Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program – Focuses on conserving freshwater turtle populations, including research and education. (Organizations involved: Mabuwaya Foundation, DENR)

3.   El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area – Protects Sea turtle nesting sites and migratory routes. (Organizations involved: DENR, LGUs)

4.   Pawikan Project in Zambales – A grassroots conservation effort for sea turtles. (Organizations involved: Mead Foundation, Living Planet Aquarium, DENR)

5.   San Felipe Sea Turtle Conservation – A community-driven project in Zambales to protect nesting sites. (Organizations involved: Laoag Integrated Fisherfolk Association, Olongapo CENRO)

Porpoise Conservation Projects:

1.   Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Negros Oriental – Community-based conservation areas focusing on marine biodiversity, including porpoises. (Organizations involved: Marine Conservation Philippines, LGUs)

2.   Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a sanctuary for various marine species, including porpoises. (Organizations involved: Tubbataha Management Office, DENR)

It is inspiring to see dedicated efforts in protecting these incredible creatures. However, the work does not end here. Education plays a crucial role in ensuring future generations appreciate and safeguard our native wildlife. Perhaps it is time to integrate local biodiversity conservation topics more thoroughly into school curricula so that young Filipinos can grow up knowing that these turtles exist—not just in books, but in our own forests and seas.

The Philippines has a unique and diverse ecosystem, and it is our duty to protect it. Our native turtles, both marine and freshwater, are an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage. We must act now to ensure their survival, for their sake and for the health of our environment.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

04-22-2025