On October 15, CURMA conducted a sea turtle conservation training session for representatives from 14 coastal barangays in the Municipality of Bauang, La Union. Held at the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the training provided community members with essential skills for managing sea turtle encounters and ensuring their protection.

This hands-on program aimed to empower local communities to respond effectively to sea turtle incidents—from observing nesting behaviors to rescuing stranded turtles. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of protecting sea turtles to curb poaching, stressing how these marine animals contribute to biodiversity and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

With increased nesting incidents reported in Bauang over recent years, this training serves as a proactive step in establishing long-term conservation efforts. By equipping communities with critical knowledge, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for these vulnerable species.

A special thanks goes to the Municipality of Bauang MENRO for their organizational support and to the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines for their commitment to marine conservation in the Philippines. Their involvement has helped make this training possible and brings us closer to building a sustainable environment for both marine life and coastal communities.

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