IBA, Zambales (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with private sector and fisherfolk partners, launched a seven-year pawikan conservation initiative in Masinloc, Zambales to protect marine turtles and coastal habitats.
Project BLUE (Balanced and Healthful Life Underwater Ecosystem): A Journey to 1 Million Pawikan Hatchlings supports pawikan conservation in the municipality while helping coastal communities develop sustainable livelihood opportunities.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the initiative connects environmental protection with economic opportunities for coastal communities.
“This collaboration stands as a model of public-private partnership, showing that conservation is most effective when shared across sectors. By linking biodiversity protection with community livelihood opportunities, Project BLUE ensures that pawikan conservation is not only a responsibility but also a sustainability legacy for generations to come,” he furthered.
Pawikan, or marine turtles, are listed as threatened species nationally and globally but continue to inhabit Masinloc’s coastal waters, making the area important for conservation efforts.
The project encourages participating fisherfolk to adopt alternative livelihoods that do not harm turtle nesting and feeding habitats while engaging them in hatchery operations and conservation activities.
Under the partnership, DENR provides technical and administrative guidance, supervises hatchery management, and facilitates environmental compliance and permits. The agency also leads planning and evaluation of project activities.
San Miguel Global Power (SMGP) Foundation Inc. serves as project sponsor, providing financial support for hatchery operations, conservation interventions, and livelihood programs for partner communities.
“We are honored by our active partnership with the DENR. We remain committed to supporting environmental sustainability, and we look forward to our transformed and empowered project beneficiaries,” SMGP Holdings Corporation Assistant Vice President Danilo Tolarba emphasized.
The Samahang Mangingisda ng Barangay Bani Association Inc. collaborates with DENR in hatchery management, hatchling releases, and community mobilization, and helps identify turtle-safe livelihood options for members.
