SIFCare – Science of Identity Foundation » CURMA

CURMA

What We Do

CURMA or Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions is a marine turtle conservation program that protects an endangered keystone species from poachers and other predators. Volunteers patrol the coastline and secure turtle nests from dangers together with other activities
to help preserve marine life and
the environment as a whole.

Beach Patrol

This activity requires a patrolling training and workshop for volunteers willing to walk along the coastline daily from 3 AM to 5 AM or depending on the distance of the coast patrolled to search for eggs and nests. It commences in September and ends in March of the next year.

Hatchery Management

This involves the protection of eggs by transferring them into the CURMA hatchery. Specific sites are assigned for hatchery and fenced to keep dogs and crabs from digging the eggs transferred. The incubation of the eggs usually take 40-70 days.

Pawikan Release

This is the highlight of CURMA, which is what most people look forward to – the Pawikan (Marine Turtle) releasing. Pawikan hatchlings who have come out of their nests, are released from the hatchery and guided through the shore to the sea.

Coastal Clean-up

Volunteers conduct coastal clean-up every month, during the annual International Coastal Clean-up Day, and after holidays usually along beaches and rivers to help prevent polluting the seas and harm marine life.

Information & Education Campaign

We also conduct seminars, educational forums and organize river trekking activities so volunteers can witness the connection between the mountains and the oceans (reef-ridge approach). CURMA also promotes other advocacies, like the “No Plastic” campaign because plastics kill many marine creatures, and share simple ways people can help like making sure trash goes to bins to keep the environment clean.

Testimonials

“I always wondered what attitude would be the opposite of a ‘crab’ mentality. I found the answer in CURMA. It’s ‘pawikan’ mentality – that of baby pawikans who help each other crawl out of their nest.”

Regine, Volunteer
“You might not see it but these creatures, they’re very thankful of your efforts.”

Chris, Tourist from Germany
“Wow! I salute you for doing a great job taking good care of turtles and letting the public see it.”

Jericho, Actor
Who would have thought pawikans needed care, love, help and protection? Through CURMA I have realized the deep meaning of respect for all kinds of life. It’s wonderful to see mother pawikans trusting the areas we allot for hatchery, and it’s even more wonderful to help these endangered hatchlings get back safely to the waters and live freely.

Casey, PR Manager
“I can’t imagine it’s this difficult to patrol. You wake up very early, you get tired walking for an hour in sand – but you know, it’s worth it. It’s more than worth it. Saludo ako sa inyong CURMA. You don’t know if a pawikan comes up or not, but you still do it daily.”

Hannah, Corporate Officer

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