Wildlife conservation representative from 21 countries will participate in a two-day conference hosted by the country to discuss the plight of the Sea Cows, known locally as the dugong, on Feb. 19 and 20. Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the agency is primarily mandated to manage and conserve the sea cow and its habitat. The first Signatory State meeting was held in Abu Dhabi in October 2010.

Chavez, C. A. (2013, February 16). PH hosting Dugong Conservation Summit. Manila Bulletin, p. 7.