People still recall a time when the pawikan (marine turtle) was a common sight in our waters. Now they face extinction.

Egg collecting, the marine curio trade, ocean pollution, nesting beach disturbance and drift-net fishing have caused an alarming decline in the pawikan population. Killing, harming pawikans or trading pawikan-derived products have all been declared illegal by the Philippine government.

However, in remote provinces and unmonitored coastal areas, these activities still persist. Within this pages though, you will discover that ordinary folk have begun to see the pawikan in a different light.

These marine turtles are no longer simply regarded as prey, but as a creature of extraordinary beauty worth saving for future generations.

BWF has recently been authorized by the Pawikan Conservation Project of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to attach metal tags to rescued marine turtles for identification. Even before being given this responsibility, we we already had the privilege to be able to lend our hand, together with ordinary fisherfolk, to the rescue and release of several pawikans.

These pages are a testament to the spirit of concerned and informed action no matter what scale. What essentially appears as a simple effort is magnified by the spirit and belief of each community and individual that we can make a difference.

These pages are created not to be a "remembrance" for generations to look at when the pawikans are gone. We do not want pawikans to vanish, we want their numbers to increase. We want pawikans and humans to coexist.

These photos can never approximate a living, breathing turtle. We bring you these stories with the hope of relaying the spirit of each rescue and to reaffirm our commitment to restore respect for earth and life through education.

May their stories touch your hearts and prompt you to watch the beaches nearest you. You may get the honor of rescuing one of these magnificent creatures.