'Click and Save' the sea turtles on Facebook!

"Click and save" gained a new meaning after an island in Palawan launched a Facebook-based drive to conserve the endangered pawikan (sea turtles) there.

 

Arena Island in the town of Narra is inviting Facebook users to help spread awareness about the conservation efforts through the "Click to Save" contest.

 

"Facebook users just need to ‘Like’ Arena Island’s fan page and change his or her profile picture to one of Arena's campaign badges. Choose from 'Rescue me from becoming a belt or shoe', 'Save us from turning into soup', and other statements committing support for pawikan conservation," organizers of the contest said.

 

They can then tag five friends in the profile picture and have them "Like" Arena's Facebook fan page as well. The campaign runs until May 31.

 

In exchange, participants in the conservation drive get a chance to have a free vacation to the island.  

Organizers said the Facebook contest aims to generate at least 5,000 "Likes" that will be considered online supporters of the island’s pawikan advocacy.

 

"To reward advocates for reaching its 5,000th online supporter, an electronic raffle will be held on June 1, 2012. The raffle winner will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to the Arena Island for three days and two nights," they said.

 

Arena Island is home - and now a refuge - to the five species of the world’s endangered sea turtles, including the green turtles, leatherbacks, and hawksbill turtles.

 

Its advocacy program, "Pugad Pawikan Pilipinas," seeks to ensure their protection and conservation.

 

“Let us grow the numbers of people who will care for the pawikans. Join us in strengthening Pugad Pawikan,” said Louie Morales, Arena Island's marketing director.

 

For his part, Arena Island owner Fuji Rodriguez said they want more people from all walks of life to share their love for pawikans.  

"No better place to know more about these lovely creatures that are currently considered as endangered species  than on Arena Island where we take care of them from eggs to turtles,” he said.

 

Arena Island combines its environmental advocacy with rest and recreation in its four-hectare island with white sand beaches, a variety of trees that are home to endemic birds, luxurious private casitas, big pavilions for groups, and alfresco dining areas, and other island treats.

 

Prospective visitors can log on to www.arenaisland.com or visit arenaisland.blogspot.com for more details. — TJD, GMA News