“Known as the biosphere to scientists and as the creation to theologians, all of life together consists of a membrane around earth so thin that it cannot be seen edgewise from a satellite yet so prodigiously diverse that only a tiny fraction of species have been discovered and named.” – E. O. Wilson
***
With the designation of Apayao Province by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO as one of the eleven new biosphere reserves, the Philippines now hasth four biosphere reserves.
UNESCO said the biosphere reserve in the Apayao is divided into two distinct regions: the Upper Apayao sports rugged terrain with towering peaks, plateaus and valleys, whereas the Lower Apayao features flatlands adorned with rolling hills and plateaus. Stretching 180 kilometers, the majestic Apayao River serves as a vital watershed, nurturing 18 tributaries across the province.
“Apayao is a name that encompasses both the people and diverse flora and fauna living in the area,” UNESCO explained. “There are various ethnolinguistic groups and ten Indigenous Cultural Communities whose traditions and laws are deeply intertwined with the land and its resources.”
Recognized for its ecological significance, Apayao harbors the Apayao Lowland Forest Key Biodiversity Area, which has high levels of endemism and serves as a refuge for critically endangered species like the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi).
The population of 124,366 in Apayao engages primarily in rice and corn cultivation. “Notably, the Isnag/Isneg community constitutes 30% of the population; it upholds the Lapat system, a unique customary practice regulating the use of natural resources and protection of the environment,” UNESCO said.
Puerto Galera Biosphere Reserve was first designated in 1977. Situated on Mindoro Island, it is about 120 kilometers south of Manila. Its 23,200 hectares make up the northern tip of Mindoro Island and are bounded to the north by the Verde Island Passage, to the west by the Camarong River and to the east by the municipality of San Teodoro.
In 1990, the Palawan Biosphere Reserve was designated. It is a cluster of islands composed of one long main island and smaller groups of islands around it. The 1,150,800 hectares of the biosphere reserve include the entire Province of Palawan Island, which is the westernmost province of the Philippines.
The biosphere reserve is home to the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, both are declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The reserve is also home to the El Nido-Taytay Managed Reserve, Mount Mantalangajan National Park, Coron Natural Biotic Area, and the Palawan Petrographs, all of which are in the Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The most recent, in 2016, is the Albay Biosphere Reserve. It covers some 250,000 hectares. The terrestrial elevation of the site culminates at 2,462 meters, while its marine part reaches a depth of 223 below sea level. The site’s high conservation value is constituted, notably, by 182 terrestrial plant species, 46 of which are endemic.
The biosphere’s marine and coastal ecosystems comprise 12 species of mangrove, 40 species of seaweed or macro-algae, and 10 species of seagrass. Five of the world’s seven species of marine turtles are also found in Albay. Agriculture is the main source of income in the area.
The biosphere reserve is home to Mayon Volcano, which is listed in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Aside from the Philippines, the new designations are in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Gambia, Italy, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, and Spain. Additionally, and for the first time, the list includes two transboundary reserves, spanning Belgium and the Netherlands, and Italy and Slovenia.
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, emphasized that these designations come at a time when humanity is “grappling with a biodiversity crisis and climate disruption.”
“At a time when the international community is being called upon to increase the number of protected areas, these new biosphere reserves play an essential role in sustainably preserving the biodiversity, improving the living conditions of local populations and indigenous peoples and fostering scientific research,” she added.
Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the States where they are located. They are designated by UNESCO following an intergovernmental designation process under the Man and Biodiversity (MAB) Program.
UNESCO highlighted that biosphere reserves play an important scientific role, serving as a site for research and monitoring, providing valuable data and insights that can inform environmental management and policy decisions.
Furthermore, they promote unique local sustainable development ideas, safeguard biodiversity, and combat climate change.
The new reserves bring the World Network of Biosphere Reserves up to 759 sites in 136 countries and cover a total of 7,442,000 square kilometers (about 2,870,000 square miles), almost the size of Australia.
There are about 275 million people living in biosphere reserves worldwide.
The Network covers all major representative natural and semi-natural ecosystems.
