Cover Apo Reef Natural Park (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / macoy.mejia)
Apo Reef Natural Park (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / macoy.mejia)
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Out of five of the newest ASEAN Heritage Parks added to the list, three are in the Philippines
Established on November 29, 1984, the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP) Programme highlights the importance of a select group of protected areas in regional and global efforts in biodiversity conservation. At the time, 11 AHPs were named which included two from the Philippines—Mount Apo Natural Park and Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park. Over the years, more AHPs were added to the list with the most recent being the Phou Xieng Thong National Protected Area and Nam Poui National Protected Area in Laos, and the Philippines’ Apo Reef, Turtle Islands, and Balinsasayao Twin Lakes.
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Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary
Above The Turtle Islands in Tawi-tawi
Known to be the only major nesting habitat of Green Sea Turtles in the Philippines (as well as the only one in the ASEAN region), the Turtle Islands in Tawi-tawi was recognised as Extremely High for biodiversity conservation. In 1996, it was declared a Turtle Island Heritage Protected Area through an MOA between the Philippines and Malaysia.
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Apo Reef Natural Park
Above A sea turtle in Apo Reef Natural Park (Photo: Anna Varona/Wikimedia Commons)
A sea turtle in Apo Reef Natural Park (Photo: Anna Varona/Wikimedia Commons)
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Covering 34 square kilometres, Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro is the biggest coral reef in the Philippines and is the world’s second-largest connected reef system—just behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. With two distinct reefs separated by a 30-metre-deep channel, it’s home to over 285 species of marine life such as tropical aquarium fish, sea turtles, and moray eels.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park
Above Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism)
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism)
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A natural park consisting of two lakes—Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao—in the province of Negros Oriental, the Twin Lakes Natural Park is a known habitat of numerous endangered animals such as the Negros Shrew, Visayan Spotted Dear, Visayan Leopard Cat, Tube-nosed Fruit Bat, and the Visayan Warty Pig among others. As for the flora, over 325 fern and 237 tree species reside here, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the Philippines.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
