ZAMBOANGA CITY — After the historic turnover of the management and protection of the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Region 9 to the Bangsamoro Government through the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – BARMM, the MENRE holds and chairs the 1st meeting of the BARMM Protected Area Management Board today, 29 November 2021, at Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City.

Key officials from the MENRE Regional and Provincial ENRE Office in Tawi-Tawi, Provincial Governor’s Office, Municipal Mayor’s Office, Philippine National Police Provincial Director’s Office and Maritime agency, Barangay Offices, MAFAR Provincial Office, Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography, and Taganak Women’s Group represented their respective organizations for a joint discussion of protected area matters in the TIWS.

“The way we handle the Turtle Islands will reflect how we handle the Bangsamoro Government,” says MENRE Administrative and Finance Services Director Al-Sharif Tamburani.

Matters discussed during the board meeting include significant updates from the Protected Area Management Office, presentation of the Comprehensive Development and Management Plan by the Local Government Unit, and updates on the ECC application of an LGU project in the Turtle Islands.

Provincial ENRE Officer of Tawi-Tawi Jonel Mohammad Monel underscored the importance of undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment for any project implemented, especially in a protected area.

Moving forward, one of the first objectives of MENRE is to implement capacity development programs for the Turtle Islands stakeholders through technical and research-based activities, as emphasized by the Chiefs of Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Research and Development Services, Baharodin Baulo and Annie Dumamba.

Provincial Governor Yshmael Sali also expressed his support to the Bangsamoro Government. Delivered by Taganak Municipal Mayor Mohammad Faizal Jamalul, Sali said, “all projects must be delivered as long as it conforms to the sustainability and protection of the TIWS.”

Community ENRE Officer of Tawi-Tawi 1st District Saido Espiliro, MENRE Chief Administrative Officer Mohamad Ali Dimaren, and other MENRE and PENREO officials joined the delegates mentioned above in representing the Bangsamoro Government’s Environment Ministry.

Last 23 May 2021, the MENRE received on behalf of the Bangsamoro Government the management and protection of the TIWS from DENR-9 during the official turnover held at Baguan Island, Tawi-Tawi.

As part of its goals for the TIWS, the MENRE, in collaboration with other stakeholders and support from DENR-9, shall conduct capacity development activities for the concerned personnel and would-be program implementors of the Ministry. These skills-building activities include training for monitoring of corals, seagrass, and mangroves, marine turtle monitoring, hatchery management, and enforcement of laws and regulations on wildlife conservation and protection.