TAWI-TAWI, BARMM — The Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research, and Development Services (BERDS) of MENRE carried out a Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA) in the identified key areas of Tawi-Tawi, led by Director Mohammad Ali R. Dimaren of the BERDS of BARMM-MENRE, March 6–11, 2023. During the Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA) in the province, Waterbird Counting and Wildlife Coastal Resources Assessment in Districts I and II were also carried out.

Among the target key areas are the proposed Ramsar site in South Ubian, the wetlands, particularly the mangrove sanctuaries, on the island municipalities of Sapa-Sapa and Tandubas, and the Bud Bongao Forest Park. The BERDS team undertook the activities, selecting Tawi-Tawi as a pilot province for wildlife data collection and biodiversity assessment as tools for efficient conservation planning and management.

The Ramsar Sites are wetlands designated to be of international importance. It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands. It necessitates national action and international cooperation because of the significance of wetlands protection and the prudent sustainable use of their resources. The Philippines has 7 Ramsar sites covering an area of 22,202 hectares, two of which—Puerto Princesa Subterranean the River National Park and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park—have been declared World Heritage Sites.

“Our province is blessed with natural resources worthy of protection. The province’s forest ecosystem alone is also a haven for diverse flora and fauna, to mention some significant species are our very own Critically Endangered Sulu Hornbill, the endemic Slow Loris or Kokam of Simunul, and other parts of the province; the frequent sightings of Tabon birds and many more […],” shared by PENREO Monel to BERDS Team during the exit conference with MENRE Region personnel.

The Philippine archipelago is located mid-way of the East-Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). It serves as a wintering ground for migratory birds traversing from Alaska, Russian Far East to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and down to Australia and New Zealand. The EAAF is one of the nine significant flyways in the world, which waterbirds / migratory birds cross annually to escape the harsh winter condition of the North.

The BERDS is the frontline service of the Ministry for the Conservation and Protection of the significant Flora and Fauna in the Bangsamoro Region. The said activity concluded successfully with the assistance and guidance of Tawi-Tawi PENRE Officer Jonel I. Mohammad Monel, CENRE Officer Abdulmukim J. Maruji, and the BERDS technical team in the aforementioned province.