Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte – November 5, 2024
In a significant conservation effort, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Liloy, under the leadership of CENR Officer Antonio Z. Yanos, successfully released 88 juvenile hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) along the shores of Barangay Patawag, Liloy. The event was made possible through the efforts of both CENRO Liloy and the local community.
Courtesy of DENR Regional Office IX.
The initiative followed the discovery of 124 turtle eggs by Luzminda B. Lubandino, a local resident, two months prior. CENRO Liloy promptly coordinated with Barangay Patawag personnel to manage and nurture the nesting site, where the eggs were safely incubated for 63 days. On September 1, the eggs hatched, and the hatchlings were monitored and prepared for their eventual release into their natural habitat.
On November 5, these juvenile turtles began their journey into the wild as they were carefully released back to the sea. The conservation project aims to boost the population of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, which faces numerous threats such as habitat loss, illegal poaching, and climate change.
The release event underscores the important role of local communities in protecting natural resources. By involving the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Patawag and local volunteers, CENRO Liloy demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based conservation in preserving biodiversity. Such collaborative efforts are essential to fostering sustainable environmental practices.
“Conservation of these turtles is critical for biodiversity in our coastal regions,” said Yanos. “Through community engagement and support, we’re able to address the threats facing marine species like the hawksbill turtle.”
The Hawksbill Turtle is recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to persistent challenges like habitat degradation, illegal trade, and climate-induced impacts on nesting sites. Conservation programs, such as those spearheaded by CENRO Liloy, are pivotal in safeguarding the future of this species and contribute to the broader protection of marine biodiversity along the northern coastline of Zamboanga del Norte.
CENRO Liloy, alongside the BLGU of Patawag and dedicated local volunteers, reaffirms its commitment to ongoing conservation efforts. The team continues to work toward creating a safe haven for marine life, ensuring the survival of endangered species for generations to come.
