Quezon City, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) led the national celebration of World Wildlife Day (WWD) 2024 on 5 March at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, North Avenue with the theme “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation”.
The celebration showcased the recent advancements in using digital technologies for wildlife conservation and trade, along with the impact of digital interventions on global ecosystems and communities. Speakers from the BD Corridor Project and Pederasyon sa Nakahugpong mga Mag-uuma nga Nanalipod ug Nagpasig-uli sa Kinaiyahan Inc. (PENAGMANNAK Inc.) shared insights and experiences on how digital tools have empowered Filipino communities, conservationists, and the government in wildlife conservation initiatives.
In his welcome remarks, Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo Jr., the Undersecretary for Legal and Administration and Supervising Undersecretary for BMB, underscored that wildlife conservation and protection have become increasingly complex and multifaceted. He subsequently urged everyone to “stand firm in our mission and take the opportunity of technological innovations into a powerful ally to effectively conserve and protect our precarious wildlife resources.”
Meanwhile, DENR Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, conveyed in her keynote message the various technological innovations developed by the Department with support from partner agencies over the past years. She emphasized that “digital technologies will equip law enforcement in implementing rules and regulations, and will enhance the country’s implementation of plans and programs on environmental protection and conservation.”
In addition, the celebration was graced by the support and presence of the Bureau’s staunch allies from the Senate of the Philippines and other Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Management Authorities including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), who play a crucial role in sustaining wildlife conservation and protection efforts in the country.
Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, emphasized efforts to amend Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act). She stressed that the goal of the revision is “to create a robust legal framework that effectively responds to the sophisticated nature of wildlife crimes and will ensure that the penalties for offenses are stringent enough to deter wildlife offenses & trafficking”. Senator Villar also emphasized the importance of unity in committing to wildlife conservation and embracing digital innovation to safeguard our wildlife species.
Likewise, Atty. Teodoro Jose Mata, Executive Director of PCSD and Ms. Jennifer Viron, Chief of the Aquatic Wildlife Regulatory Section of BFAR reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the effective implementation of the policies on wildlife conservation and protection.
Apart from that, the 2024 World Wildlife Day celebration served as a platform to honor and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Bureau’s law enforcement partner agencies. A total of two hundred seventy-one (271) officials and personnel, who have provided assistance and support to the DENR in enforcing the provisions of the Wildlife Act (RA 9147), were formally commended for their dedication in law enforcement throughout 2023. These commendations were primarily extended to individuals from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP-MG), Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), and PNP Police Regional Offices.
The event concluded with an orientation on the electronic permitting system known as eCITES PH. Developed by the Bureau with assistance from the DENR-ADB-GEF IWT Project, this system promotes paperless transactions, ensuring the legality, sustainability, and traceability of wildlife trade.
The commemoration of World Wildlife Day 2024 has strengthened our commitment to maintain our commendable efforts and delve into the boundless opportunities presented by digital innovation. These advancements are compelling for ongoing efforts to safeguard and preserve our wildlife resources, facilitating harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected.