THE Philippines’s effort and initiative to protect and conserve the whale shark, locally called butanding, scientifically named Rhincodon typus, since the 1990s, has paid off.
The Philippines is again making an effort to uplift the so-called gentle giant of the sea to Appendix, I while maintaining its status under Appendix II of Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) through a resolution, one of five resolutions submitted by the Philippines to the CMS Secretariat in time for the international wildlife meeting.
Last Sunday the Philippines was named one of the five migratory-species champions for its exemplary contribution to the global effort to protect migratory species, particularly the whale shark.
The recognition was made by the CMS last Sunday, as part of the weeklong 12th Conference of Parties meeting on CMS in Manila.
Also recognized for their efforts were the city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the European Commission, Germany and Monaco.
Environment Undersecretary Rodolfo C. Garcia accepted the award on behalf of the country. The award recognizes the Philippines for its efforts to conserve the whale shark.
In a statement, Garcia, who is also the chief of staff of Environment Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, said the so-called gentle giants of the sea has become an important component of the country’s growing wildlife-tourism industry, which contributed 8.2 percent to the country’s GDP.
Speaking on behalf of Cimatu, Garcia expressed hope the Philippines and other “champions” will inspire other parties to the CMS to contribute to the global effort to conserve migratory species and their habitats.
“We need more champions in our continuing fight against wildlife hunting, habitat loss, pollution and wildlife trade,” Garcia said.
The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi was recognized for its contribution in the conservation of dugong and their habitats, and the birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia from 2015 to 2019.
Dr. Abdullah Eisa Zamzam, the agency’s assistant secretary for operations, underscored the need for concerted efforts among nations to protect migratory species.
Image credits: Photo by WWF