The Philippines is home to five of the world’s seven sea turtle species: Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, and Olive Ridley turtles. Locally known as pawikan, they help regulate jellyfish populations, maintain healthy seagrass beds, and support coral reef ecosystems (WWF Philippines, 2021).
Unfortunately, all five species are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, accidental bycatch, and plastic pollution (IUCN Red List, 2023). Coastal development disrupts nesting sites, artificial lights mislead hatchlings, and illegal trade threatens Hawksbill turtles for their shells. Fishing nets trap turtles, while plastic waste is often mistaken for food, leading to fatal ingestion (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2018).
Conservation efforts in the Philippines include protected nesting sites, stricter wildlife laws, and eco-tourism initiatives (DENR-BMB, 2022). You can help by reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable seafood, respecting nesting sites, and participating in coastal cleanups.
Protecting pawikan means safeguarding our oceans. Let’s work together to ensure these ancient mariners thrive for generations to come. 🌊💚
🌎 Be part of the solution!
👉 Volunteer for our next cleanup: bit.ly/tidyupvolunteer
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#TidyUpTheTides #CoastalCleanup #BeatPlasticPollution #ProtectOurOceans #SustainableLiving #ZeroWaste #SaveOurSeas
📌 Sources:
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines. (2021). Pawikan Conservation Efforts in the Philippines.
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. (2023). Sea Turtle Species Status and Threats.
- Marine Pollution Bulletin. (2018). Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Marine Wildlife.
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB). (2022). Pawikan Conservation Programs and Policies in the Philippines.