IBA, Zambales — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has conducted coastal assessments in Zambales to identify vulnerable shorelines and protect marine turtle nesting habitats under a regional marine conservation initiative.

The assessment was part of Phase I of the CABATALES Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Joint Field Assessment, which aims to establish baseline data for coastal management and biodiversity conservation in Cavite, Bataan and Zambales.

DENR provincial office head Marife Castillo said the assessment covered Bani in Masinloc, La Paz in San Narciso, Driftwood Beach in Olongapo City and Binoclutan in Botolan.

Technical teams conducted Coastal Integrity Vulnerability Assessments (CIVAT) and beach profiling to document shoreline conditions, determine erosion risks and identify factors that could affect coastal stability and marine turtle nesting habitats.

Castillo said the findings would guide future conservation measures and coastal management interventions, including the identification of areas requiring further assessment and protection.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said science-based assessments and coordination among government agencies and local stakeholders are necessary to address coastal vulnerabilities and protect marine biodiversity.

The assessment was conducted by the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau’s Coastal and Marine Division, DENR regional and field offices, and the Zambales provincial government.

The findings are expected to be presented during the CABATALES Network Marine Turtle Conservation Summit on Nov. 15-17, 2026, in Metro Manila.

The summit will bring together DENR offices, local government units and partner organizations to discuss the assessment results, finalize a proposed memorandum of agreement and establish a coordinated framework for marine turtle conservation and coastal sustainability across Central and Southern Luzon. (DENR CL Press Release)