Engaging with volunteer works especially for the marine environment was one of my greatest desires, which was too disturbing to ignore. I did one five years ago relative to data research for marine sanctuary establishment in Southern Leyte and it was a rewarding one. I learned many new things far from what I was doing and I was a changed person. Indeed, the marine world is an invaluable resource when the Earth is more than 70% water, obviously all forms of life is dependent in our oceans and water ways. We are all aware that its protection and conservation is not just necessary but mandatory to sustain all of us and the generations to come.
For two years I planned and searched to find one within the country, considering schedules to match applicable season with my work timelines. Randomly, inquired from LAMAVE and evaluate their requirements and was grateful that they don’t limit their volunteers to foreigners. I aimed for the Marine Turtle Conservation, confident that I can meet sufficiently the field work requirements – walk approximately eight (8) kilometers for beach patrol! Turtles are remarkable and just one of my favorite specie, my encounters with them in the depths always brings the soft-hearted in me, and I was just enamoured with this graceful and humble critter. Knowing this animal deeply would be interesting and most importantly contributing in its protection and conservation I believe has far-reaching results in the long run.
My two-month stay in the project site was full, each day had important tasks supporting the project staff and other volunteers. I joined the team in March, the turtles were still nesting though not as extensive in the previous months of December, January and February. Beach patrols, data encoding, hatchery checks, excavations, samples processing, as well as information and education campaign collaborating with LGUs and public schools. We had household chores schedules too, the challenging part was cooking for everyone considering food restrictions and limited sources – there is no supermarket in the barangay! It was a test of endurance and embracing the limitations and simplicity of rural life.
My encounter with marine turtles on the surface during the works was life changing, and realizing the importance for its protection. I learned that hatchlings had a very slim survival as they went for the long journey, so that every turtle existing underwater is a miracle! My favorite part was the hatchling releases which either done early mornings or in nightfall. One morning check I had more than hundred hatchlings for release, I was alone and few dogs were in the side lines. I can’t wait until later when the sun is up very hot but I feared the dogs would attack when I release them! Watching the little creatures crawling towards the clear waters was just lovely. Dusks release was even more charming, while waiting for all of them to get the waters we watched the glorious sunset feeling relaxed after the day’s task. Actually, watching sunset is my favorite part of the day! 😊
My tremendous respect for the environment influenced this desire to engage and share my time and resources for the gargantuan task in the preservation of the environment and our common home in general. I am hoping that in my little way this will encourage locals to support and actively involved in many ways to support this mission. We are all interconnected and what you do to environment ultimately you do to yourself.
I came home with a grateful heart filled with new learnings, gained new friends with similar passion for the environment and a strengthened desire to continue to support for the mission.
NB.
LAMAVE or Large Marine Vertebrate Research Institute of the Philippines is a Filipino non-government organization dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna. To date, has worked with governments and communities in over 9 provinces in the Philippines.
Life in the Great Beyond 