Measures proposed to protect Talibon bird sanctuary in Bohol
MANDUE CITY, Cebu – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) has partnered with the Bohol Provincial Government and the Local Government of Talibon to help secure a sustainable future for the town’s bird sanctuary.
The Talibon Group of Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape (TGIPLS) is a legislated protected area that serves as a sanctuary for 28 migratory bird species.
Covering 6,446 hectares, the TGIPLS encompasses the islands of Banbanon, Bansaan, Saag, and Tambu. The protected area aims to conserve critical marine biodiversity while promoting sustainable ecotourism.
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However, the sanctuary has been facing funding constraints, according to a DENR-7 advisory issued on Wednesday, June 3.
“To bridge this gap, the team presented a proposed Ecotourism Development and Management Plan alongside a 5-year budget. The plan features a low-impact boardwalk and a bird-watching hide area designed to generate community income and ensure long-term sustainability,” the agency said.
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DENR-7 officials met with Bohol Governor Erico Aris Aumentado at the Capitol on Monday, June 1, for a coordination meeting and courtesy visit.
According to DENR-7, Aumentado “warmly received the proposal and committed to issuing an Executive Order (EO) to allocate a dedicated budget for the protected area.”
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Moreover, “a joint site visit with the PENR, CENR, and Provincial teams will take place soon for strategic planning.”
Under the DENR’s proposal, the five-year development plan will require an estimated allocation of ₱20.245 million to fund priority programs and infrastructure support aimed at strengthening the conservation and ecotourism development of the TGIPLS.
In an advisory, the Provincial Government stated that the initiative will help safeguard Bohol’s natural resources while creating opportunities for sustainable tourism growth.
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