The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol headed by Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr., CESO III together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Albay, Energy Development Corporation (EDC)-Bacman Geothermal Project, Albay Parks and Wildlife (APW) and the Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) slated the celebration of the World Wildlife Day (WWD) with the theme, “Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration” on March 3, 2022 at Mt. Masaraga Watershed Forest Reserve (MMWFR) and APW, Bogtong, Legazpi City, respectively.
This year, three (3) Philippine Eagles (Spilornis holospilus) will be released at Mt. Masaraga Watershed Forest Reserve, Amtic, Ligao City. These raptors were those turned over and rescued by the DENR and were taken cared of at the Albay Parks and Wildlife, Legazpi City.
A webinar will be simultaneously conducted relative to the theme, which will discuss topics such as: Using of Bats as Surrogates to effectively Target Global Hotspots for Subterranean Conservation and Monitoring; The Philippine Mangrove Flora: A Concise Review; and Notes on the Recent Distribution and Population of Philippine Ducks (Anas luzonica) in the Bicol Region.
Moreover, to continue the promotion of urban biodiversity, DENR Bicol together with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC)-Bacman, Albay Veterinary Office and Albay Parks and Wildlife will conduct a tree planting of native trees at APW, Bogtong, Legazpi City.
The WWD will be celebrated on the 3rd of March to raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. The date is the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973, which plays an important role in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the species’ survival.