PROTECTED HABITAT. Puerto Princesa's City Council on Monday (Sept. 4, 2023) approved two resolutions that will pave the way for the expansion of the Green Sea Turtle's protected habitat. The additional areas to be set aside for "pawikan" fall within the Mt. Cleopatra's Needle area. (PNA file photo)
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – The City Council here on Tuesday announced that Mayor Lucilo Bayron has been given the authority to sign agreements aimed at conserving the population of the critically endangered green sea turtle and designating additional habitat areas within Mt. Cleopatra's Needle.
Councilor Jimmy Carbonell told reporters that the authority was granted to the city mayor through two resolutions approved by the council on Monday.
He explained that the first measure aims to encourage the participation of the Schools Division Office of the Department of Education (DepEd) in protecting the green sea turtle population along the shores of the city's west coast.
"Because the area is within the DepEd premises on the west coast, and they are very much willing to support this program to preserve the wildlife species. This initiative is not limited to the west coast; other areas in Puerto Princesa are also being studied by the Philippine Coast Guard," Carbonell said.
The second entails requesting assistance from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development to designate particular zones in Mt. Cleopatra’s Needle as important habitats for flora and fauna.
Carbonell said the decision to collaborate for the conservation of Mt. Cleopatra's Needle emerged from continuous discussions about the revitalization of Puerto Princesa's forested areas.
It was further explained that endangered green sea turtles, known locally as “pawikan” face risks including habitat loss, pollution, bycatch and poaching, while fulfilling a critical role in marine ecosystems by upholding the well-being of seagrass and coral reefs.
Conservation efforts center on the protection of their nesting sites and habitats, the councilor noted.
Carbonell stated that a distinct section of the western shoreline functions as the natural environment for sea turtles, which fall under the safeguarded category of species marked as "critically endangered," as indicated by PCSD Resolution No. 15-521.
Mt. Cleopatra's Needle is an iconic mountain located in Puerto Princesa, which is recognized for its unique shape and natural beauty.
It is a significant landmark in the city and holds cultural and ecological importance.
Local conservation efforts aim to preserve the natural habitat and unique characteristics of Mt. Cleopatra's Needle. (PNA)
