< List

3 PHILIPPINE NATURAL PARKS NOW PART OF ASEAN HERITAGE PARKS

ImHenyo Writer
M
Jessica
2024.12.18
Likes 3
Views131
Comments 0

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has welcomed the inclusion of three Philippine natural wonders among the five newest Asean Heritage Parks, as announced by the Asean Center for Biodiversity.

 

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, and Apo Reef Natural Park are now included in the five newest natural wonders included in the 62-item ASEAN Heritage Parks list (AHP) of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

Apo Reef Natural Park, the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, and Balinsasayao Twin Lakes have been included in the ASEAN Heritage Parks list (Photo courtesy of Climate Change Commission of the Philippines)

 

This latest milestone brings the total number of Philippine Asean Heritage Parks to 14, with unique habitats that serve as sanctuaries for endangered species and vital resources for local communities.

 

The Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro, is the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and the second-largest in the world stretching over 27,000 hectares in the MIMAROPA region. 

 

It is home to more than 482 fish species and 63 coral genera, along with rare marine invertebrates and iconic species, such as dugongs and whale sharks.

 

On the other hand, the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary located in the province of Tawi-Tawi, is the "only major nesting habitat" of green sea turtles in Asean and the 11th-largest nesting site globally, plays a pivotal role in conserving this endangered species. 

 

It houses 281 flora species and 414,529 nests of Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles recorded for the past 29 years with an average of 13,817 per year. Various national and international legal frameworks recognized its critical importance for biodiversity conservation, ensuring its long-term protection.

 

Meanwhile, Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental with its mountainous landscape and diverse ecosystems, serves as the habitat of both endangered and endemic species in the Philippines. 

 

It is also home to 325 fern species, 237 tree species, 27 mammalian fauna, and 209 resident and migrant birds, of which 14 species are globally threatened like the Negros shrew, Visayan spotted deer, Visayan leopard cat, the Philippine tube-nosed fruit bat, the Visayan warty pig, and the Philippine endemic species golden-crowned flying fox.

 

The Department of Tourism welcomed the latest recognition saying it "underscores the unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance of these sites, reaffirming the Philippines' leadership in biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism."

 

Joining the three Philippine national parks are Laos' Phou Xieng Thong National Protected Area and Nam Poui National Protected Area.

 

According to ACB, being part of the network "provides protected areas with opportunities to: share good practices and experiences on protected area management, participate in regional capacity development and awareness-raising activities, engage with potential regional and international conservation partners, and get assistance in enhancing protected area management operations."

 

 

Source: GMA Integrated News 

 

 

 

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]

Comments

NEWS

FUEL PRICES UP IN THIRD WEEK OF FEBRUARY N
M
Jessica
Views 23
Likes 1
2025.02.17
FUEL PRICES UP IN THIRD WEEK OF FEBRUARY
CASHLESS TOLL COLLECTION TO RESUME ON MARCH 15 – TRB N
M
Jessica
Views 30
Likes 1
2025.02.17
CASHLESS TOLL COLLECTION TO RESUME ON MARCH 15 – TRB
FORMER VP LENI ROBREDO’S X ACCOUNT HACKED TO PROMOTE CRYPTO N
M
Jessica
Views 16
Likes 1
2025.02.17
FORMER VP LENI ROBREDO’S X ACCOUNT HACKED TO PROMOTE CRYPTO
PAGASA WARNS AGAINST FLASH FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES, RAINS TO PREVAIL N
M
Jessica
Views 33
Likes 1
2025.02.17
PAGASA WARNS AGAINST FLASH FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES, RAINS TO PREVAIL
PHIVOLCS LOGS MINOR PHREATIC ERUPTION AT TAAL VOLCANO N
M
Jessica
Views 32
Likes 1
2025.02.17
PHIVOLCS LOGS MINOR PHREATIC ERUPTION AT TAAL VOLCANO
QUEZON CITY DECLARES DENGUE OUTBREAK
M
Jessica
Views 45
Likes 1
2025.02.15
QUEZON CITY DECLARES DENGUE OUTBREAK
BOC SEIZES SMUGGLED LUXURY CARS WORTH P1.4B IN PASAY, PARAÑAQUE
M
Jessica
Views 38
Likes 1
2025.02.15
BOC SEIZES SMUGGLED LUXURY CARS WORTH P1.4B IN PASAY, PARAÑAQUE
GOVERNMENT WARNS PUBLIC AGAINST LOVE SCAMS TARGETING PINOYS
M
Jessica
Views 47
Likes 1
2025.02.15
GOVERNMENT WARNS PUBLIC AGAINST LOVE SCAMS TARGETING PINOYS
MAGNITUDE 5.6 EARTHQUAKE SHOOK EASTERN SAMAR FRIDAY NIGHT
M
Jessica
Views 64
Likes 1
2025.02.15
MAGNITUDE 5.6 EARTHQUAKE SHOOK EASTERN SAMAR FRIDAY NIGHT
PHILIPPINES CURLING TEAM WINS FIRST ASIAN WINTER GAMES GOLD MEDAL
M
Jessica
Views 63
Likes 1
2025.02.14
PHILIPPINES CURLING TEAM WINS FIRST ASIAN WINTER GAMES GOLD MEDAL
PCSO DISMISSES BREACH REPORT ON DATABASE OF LOTTO WINNERS
M
Jessica
Views 39
Likes 1
2025.02.14
PCSO DISMISSES BREACH REPORT ON DATABASE OF LOTTO WINNERS
DEPED EYES OVER 15,000 TEACHERS TO FILL SHORTAGE OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
M
Jessica
Views 47
Likes 1
2025.02.14
DEPED EYES OVER 15,000 TEACHERS TO FILL SHORTAGE OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
CLOUDY SKIES, RAINS IN PARTS OF PH ON VALENTINE’S DAY
M
Jessica
Views 42
Likes 1
2025.02.14
CLOUDY SKIES, RAINS IN PARTS OF PH ON VALENTINE’S DAY
47 NEW HIV CASES RECORDED PER DAY IN Q4 OF 2024 – DOH
M
Jessica
Views 45
Likes 1
2025.02.14
47 NEW HIV CASES RECORDED PER DAY IN Q4 OF 2024 – DOH
DOC WILLIE ONG WITHDRAWS FROM SENATE RACE
M
Jessica
Views 67
Likes 1
2025.02.13
DOC WILLIE ONG WITHDRAWS FROM SENATE RACE
1 2 3 4 5