PAGADIAN CITY — In a concerted effort to safeguard the rich biodiversity of the BARMM, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy’s (MENRE) Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research and Development Services (BERDS), DENR Region IX and environmental advocates from Pagadian gathered to discuss the conservation initiatives for the Basilan Natural Biotic Area (BNBA) and Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 9 Office Pagadian City on February 7.

The Basilan Natural Biotic Area, known for its diverse ecosystems and unique flora and fauna, has been a focal point for conservationists. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to protect and preserve these natural resources, emphasizing the need for collaborative action. Equally vital is the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for marine life and crucial nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the turnover of the BNBA from Region IX to MENRE as mandated by Republic Act No. 11054.

Furthermore, Director of MENRE Administrative and Finance Services Al-Sharif Tamburani suggested to talk about the management of the BNBA, whether MENRE and DENR will co-manage the area or the MENRE will have the full management of the BNBA.

Participants from MENRE were BERDS Director Mohamad Ali Dimaren, AFS Director Al- Sharif Tamburani, Basilan PENREO Marietta Ladjiman, Chief Planning Officer Jessie S. Ondoy, Chief of Protected Area Management Division Joeffry Kamid, Chief of Research Development and Information Division Annie Dumamba, Ecosystem Management Specialist I/Protected Area Focal, Bairaiya Salipada, and Administrative Staff Arham O. Ramalan.

Regional Executive Director of DENR IX, Arturo Fadriquela and Zamboanga del Norte PENRO Cidur Julsadiri led the DENR Region IX during the meeting.