To celebrate all the world's wild animals and plants and its contribution to the lives and health of the planet, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 10 joined the observance of World Wildlife Day through the conduct of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign and release of various rehabilitated wildlife in the Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR), Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on March 3, 2023.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Vergilino P. Alima of PENRO Bukidnon encouraged the participants to help in the protection and conservation of wildlife especially on their vital contribution to a balance ecosystem and biodiversity.
Moreover, OIC-Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Daniel F. Somera of CENRO Manolo Fortich thanked the LGUs and other stakeholders in their continuing support for the endeavor in the preservation of wildlife.
On the other hand, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Noel S. Lumoyod of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon reminded the participants to take care of the wildlife and their habitats because it provides economic benefits such as tourism.
An IEC Campaign about the observance of World Wildlife Day and Biodiversity was conducted during the activity. DENR 10 Chief of Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) Ranoray Love Noro differentiated wildlife from domesticated animals. He also shared the importance of wildlife to biodiversity. PAMBCS Staff Junrey Labalan highlighted the importance of wild animals in the ecosystems and he imparted also that their extinction can lead to a decline in biodiversity. The activity was participated in by Municipal/Barangay local government units (LGUs), CEDAR staff and selected DENR 10 personnel.
After the IEC campaign, a total of 13 various rehabilitated wildlife species were released in CEDAR during the activity namely: two Brahminy kites (Haliastur indus), eight Reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus), one Yellow-headed monitor lizard (Varanus cumingi), and two Malayan box turtles/Southeast Asian box turtles (Cuora amboinensis). Under Republic Act 9147 otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” Brahminy kite is classified as other wildlife species while Reticulated python, Yellow-headed monitor lizard and Malayan box turtle are classified as other threatened species which means that these species are under threat from adverse factors such as overcollection throughout its range.
CEDAR is a reforestation site covering an area of 1,703 hectares which is being co-managed by the DENR and the LGU of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon as an ecotourism destination. Its major attractions include five waterfalls, a spring-fed swimming pool and the tranquility of the forest. The place is dubbed as “An Ecotourism Site in the Heart of Bukidnon.”
The annual celebration of the World Wildlife Day every March 3 was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly during its 68th session on December 20, 2013 to commemorate the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on March 3, 1973. The observance raises global awareness on the importance of the world’s wild animals and plants.
The theme for this year’s observance is “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation” honoring the people who are making a difference in wildlife protection and conservation. This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of CITES coming into existence. #TayoAngKalikasan RSCIG No. 03-062-2023
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- Parent Category: News & Events
- Category: Press Releases
- Published: 09 March 2023