Cotabato City – In a bid to enhance conservation efforts for the marine ecosystems of the Turtle Island Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tawi-Tawi province, officials from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) convened for an orientation meeting on February 26-27 at the MENRE Conference Hall in Cotabato City.
The meeting aimed to introduce conservation programs and initiatives focused on protecting the rich biodiversity of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape, a vital marine corridor in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). MENRE’s Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research, and Development Services (BERDS) presented its ongoing programs within the Turtle Island Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting efforts in manpower deployment and technical support for conservation activities.
One of the key discussions centered on the initial memorandum of understanding (MOU) between MENRE and WCS. The agreement outlines collaborative strategies to strengthen conservation initiatives in the region. MENRE’s legal division is set to review the MOU and provide feedback within two weeks, setting the stage for its finalization and eventual signing.
The event was attended by key officials, including BERDS Director Mohamad Ali R. Dimaren, Chief of Planning Jessie S. Ondoy, Chief Legal Officer Atty. Mark Esmael Nor, Chief of PAMD Joeffry L. Kamid, and Chief of BRMD Baharudin B. Baulo. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to fostering partnerships for marine biodiversity conservation.
Moving forward, MENRE and WCS will continue to collaborate in aligning conservation programs with BARMM’s environmental priorities. This partnership is expected to ensure the long-term protection and sustainable management of the region’s vital marine ecosystems.
