DAVAO CITY — To set the stage for the groundbreaking conservation initiative for the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), took a step forward with the Pre-Inception Workshop and Meeting for the implementation of ASEAN ENMAPS Project in Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary on April 30 in Davao City.

The ASEAN ENMAPS, or the ASEAN’s Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region, aims to develop and improve the management of networks of marine protected areas and marine corridors within the selected Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) in the ASEAN region for the conservation of significant biodiversity. It also aims to strengthen the existing conservation efforts and coordination between TIWS, the Locally Managed Marine Protected Areas (LMMPAs), and other environmental initiatives within BARMM, with a focus on enhancing ecological connectivity.

Shaping his remarks with a call to action, MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim emphasized that “Concerted efforts are required at local, national, and international levels. Strengthening enforcement measures to combat threats within marine protected areas is paramount. Sustainable management practices must also be promoted, ensuring that the needs of both present and future generations are met without compromising the integrity of these vital ecosystems.”

Attended by MENRE executives and other MENRE employees together with partners from DENR and ACB, the pre-inception workshop afforded the participants an overview of the ASEAN ENMAPS Projects.

During the activity, Claudia Binondo, the ACB Project Development Division Director, elaborated on how the ASEAN ENMAPS Project could contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework. She also underscored the significance of the LMEs and Marine Ecological Connectivity Concept in shaping regional strategies for marine biodiversity conservation.

Furthermore, the participants also underwent workshops on the proposed work plan for TIWS and preparations for initial activities, where key activities, components, outcomes, and outputs were identified. One of the expected outcomes of the project is the improved management of target MPAs through addressing key threats, strengthening integrated approaches, and enhancing financial sustainability.

“With the rundown of the ProDoc, how it was developed, how we have arrived at the projects up to discussions, and the recommended text for the improvement of the ProDoc, based on the implementation of Bangsamoro Organic Law, I can conclude that the purpose of the meeting workshop has been accomplished,” said Alita D. Sangalang, the Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist of DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau, in her remarks.

It was also agreed in the meeting workshop to update the list of stakeholders and partners to include relevant ministries, offices, and agencies in BARMM. The meeting also informed that the Project Inception and the First Project Steering Committee will be conducted on June 6-7, 2024.

Delegates from MENRE joining Minister Brahim were Bangsamoro Director General Atty. Badr E. Salendab, AFS Director Al-Sharif M. Tamburani, Chief Planning Officer Jessie S. Ondoy, Chief Accountant Atty. Jawhara K. Ali, CPA, Director of Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research and Development Services (BERDS) Mohammad Ali R. Dimaren, Chief Joeffry L. Kamid, Chief Annie D. Dumamba, Atty. Mark Esmael R. Nor, CENREO Tawi-Tawi Saido Espiliro, BERDS Consultant Pablo Delos Reyes, Jr., and other officials from the BERDS and the executive offices.

As the project moves forward, the Bangsamoro Government, through the MENRE, stays on track with their dedication toward collaborating with partners for a greener, cleaner, and more resilient ASEAN community.