Protected Areas
A portion of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) belongs to the Municipality of Loreto. An area of 6,155 hectares or 3.33% of the total land area of the municipality is a protected wetland which is located in its northern part.
AMWS is identified by DENR as a key biodiversity area because of the vast species of trees, birds like Silvery Kingfisher, crocodiles such as Malaysian Freshwater Turtle listed as vulnerable, endemic freshwater soft-shelled turtle locally called “Data” which the Manobos considered as locally threatened species, a golden-crowned flying fox that is classified by IUCN as endangered and sixty-five species of butterflies including the rare ones like Papilio Antonio.
According to the fisherfolk residents, the number of freshwater fishes is diminishing because of illegal fishing practices in Agusan Marsh.
General Air Quality
The air in Loreto is considered safe as there is no issue related to air pollution indicated in the updated CDP. This is due to the lack of industries that produce huge amounts of pollutants such as manufacturing and transportation industries.
Due to the municipality’s climate (no dry season), air pollutants from macadam/gravel or earth are easily suspended/dispersed by rain.
Reference: Loreto, Agusan del Sur MPDO, CBMS 2018