Apayao is PH's fourth biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO
The province of Apayao recently joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) latest list of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The announcement was made during the 36th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and Biosphere Programme (ICC MAB) of UNESCO held in Agadir, Morocco, last July 5, 2024.
Known as the "Last Frontier of Cordillera," Apayao is the fourth biosphere reserve in the country, joining the provinces of Albay and Palawan and the beach and dive spots of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro.
As one of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, areas in Apayao are now protected for biodiversity conservation.
In a Facebook post, the Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrated the recognition of the province, saying that this milestone "serves as a testament to the ecological importance and conservation efforts within the province."
"The DOT extends its heartfelt congratulations to the province for being recognized as the fourth biosphere reserve in the Philippines by a body of the United Nations," the statement read.
It added, "The Department of Tourism looks forward to collaborating with local stakeholders to further elevate sustainable tourism practices and promote the beauty of Apayao and the entire Philippines on the global stage."
Home of rich biodiversity and culture
The discovery of the first active Philippine eagle nest in Luzon within the Apayao Lowland Forest prompted the Apayao provincial government to seek recognition as a "biosphere reserve." This forest serves as a refuge for critically endangered species, including the Philippine eagle.
Citing UNESCO, the Tourism Department said that Apayao’s biosphere reserve is composed of two regions: the Upper Apayao, which exhibits “rugged terrain with towering peaks, plateaus, and valleys, and the Lower Apayao, which features “flatlands adorned with rolling hills and plateaus.”
The 180-kilometer Apayao River, a giant among Philippine rivers, was also recognized by the UN as a "vital watershed." This massive waterway nourishes 18 tributaries that snake across the province.
The province boasts a wealth of natural wonders, including the Lussok Cave and Underground River and the dramatic Dupag Rock Formations in Luna.
Beyond this, Apayao is also home to the Isneg community, known for its traditional practices like the Lapat system, which promotes sustainable resource management. This system, led by tribal leaders, "prohibits" or "regulates" the excessive use of natural resources.
UNESCO established the Man and the Biosphere Programme to improve the connection between people and their environments. The program includes the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which showcases the harmony between people and nature for sustainable development.
According to DOT, the Philippines is one of the 18 countries with the widest variety of plant and animal species. It is home to 80 percent of the world’s plant and animal species. The marine biodiversity in the Philippines is composed of over 2,500 fish species and 500 coral species.