Community Involvement: CRM at Brgy. Binugao and Sirawan, Davao City and Brgy. Inawayan and Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur

For the past two years, Ridge to Reef, Incorporated (R2R) has initiated advocacy in helping the Coastal Resource Management Programs of some barangays in Davao Gulf, i.e., Brgys. Sirawan, Binugao, in Davao City and Brgys. Inawayan and Darong, Sta. Cruz. The advocacy centers on supporting the conservation efforts of marine turtles in the coastline of these barangays. This year we were able to release around 250 marine turtle hatchlings successfully.

Thanks to the active involvement of trained community leaders with special mention to Mr. Jamil Onutan (featured in this video), the BFARMC Chair at Brgy. Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Jamil's sustained effort to protect the nesting ground in collaboration with the Barangay Officials paved the way to successful releases of hatchlings. R2R and the Barangay are hoping that these initiatives will continue and encourage other community members to participate.

It is worth mentioning that these activities jumpstarted after the Marine Turtle Conservation Program, funded by Therma South, Inc. (TSI), AboitizPower, was implemented by R2R in 2019. Since then, the community has already released around 350 hatchlings. With the coastal communities in these areas now more aware and knowledgeable on the proper management of these critical marine resources, they could meaningfully support the government's conservation effort.

That is why continuing advocacy and support are needed from all sectors to extend some assistance to these communities to ensure sustainability. Even a simple incentive scheme to those who support the conservation effort, just like what R2R is doing, will go a long way.

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