Puerto Princesa steps up to conserve endangered sea turtles

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — City Mayor Lucilo Bayron has been given the authority to sign agreements aimed at conserving the population of the critically endangered green sea turtle and designating additional habitat areas within Mt. Cleopatra's Needle.

The authority was granted to him through two resolutions approved Monday by the City Council during its regular session. They were presented by their authors, Councilor Jimmy Carbonell.

The first measure aims to encourage the participation of the Schools Division Office of the Department of Education (DepEd) in protecting the green sea turtle population along the shores of the city's west coast.

"Because the area is within the DepEd premises on the west coast, and they are very much willing to support this program to preserve the wildlife species. This initiative is not limited to the west coast; other areas in Puerto Princesa are also being studied by the Philippine Coast Guard," Carbonell said.

The second entails requesting assistance from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development to designate particular zones in Mt. Cleopatra's Needle as important habitats for flora and fauna.

Carbonell stated that the decision to collaborate for the conservation of Mt. Cleopatra's Needle emerged from continuous discussions about the revitalization of Puerto Princesa's forested areas.

Endangered green sea turtles, commonly referred to as pawikan in local terms, confront risks including habitat loss, pollution, bycatch, and poaching while fulfilling a critical role in marine ecosystems by upholding the well-being of seagrass and coral reefs. Conservation efforts center on the protection of their nesting sites and habitats.

Carbonell stated that a distinct section of the western shoreline functions as the natural environment for sea turtles, which fall under the safeguarded category of species marked as "critically endangered," as indicated by PCSD Resolution No. 15-521.

Mt. Cleopatra's Needle, also known as Cleopatra's Needle, is an iconic mountain located in Puerto Princesa, which is recognized for its unique shape and natural beauty. It is a significant landmark in Puerto Princesa and holds cultural and ecological importance.

Local conservation efforts aim to preserve the natural habitat and unique characteristics of Mt. Cleopatra's Needle.