Friday, October 18, 2024

DOT Hails Apayao Designation In UNESCO Biosphere Reserves List

DOT Hails Apayao Designation In UNESCO Biosphere Reserves List

Spotlight

How do you feel about this story?

Express Your Reaction
Like
Love
Haha
Wow
Sad
Angry

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has welcomed the recent inclusion of Apayao in the UNESCO’s world network of biosphere reserves, which is the fourth in the Philippines to be recognized by the international body.

The UNESCO approved the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves, including the Apayao Biosphere Reserve in the Philippines during the 36th session of the International Coordinating Council of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (ICC MAB) in Agadir, Morocco on July 5, 2024.

These new designations bring the World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 759 sites in 136 countries.

“The DOT extends its heartfelt congratulations to the province of Apayao for being recognized as the fourth ‘biosphere reserve’ in the Philippines by a body of the United Nations,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Friday.

“The recognition of Apayao by UNESCO serves as a testament to the ecological importance and conservation efforts within the province. 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,” she added.

Tagged as the “last frontier of Cordillera,” Apayao joins the provinces of Albay and Palawan, as well as the beach and dive spots of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, in the list of UNESCO biosphere reserves.

UNESCO created the Man and the Biosphere Programme to “enhance the relationship between people and their environments.”

Under the said program is the World Network of Biosphere Reserves or sites that “exemplify harmony between people and nature for sustainable development.”

 

Rich biodiversity, culture

According to the Apayao provincial government, its bid for the “biosphere reserve” recognition started after discovering the first active nest of the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) within forests in Luzon.

The said discovery gave birth to the Apayao Lowland Forest Key Biodiversity Area, which “serves as a refuge for critically endangered species like the Philippine eagle,” said the UNESCO in naming Apayao as one of the 11 new biosphere reserves for 2024.

It said the biosphere reserve in Apayao, one of the six provinces that make up the Cordillera Administrative Region or CAR, “spans 3,960 square kilometers.”

According to UNESCO, Apayao’s biosphere reserve is composed of two regions: the Upper Apayao that exhibits “rugged terrain with towering peaks, plateaus, and valleys; and the Lower Apayao that features “flatlands adorned with rolling hills and plateaus.”

Also, the 180-kilometer Apayao River is one of the largest river systems in the Philippines and “serves as a vital watershed, nurturing 18 tributaries across the province,” added the UN body.

Among the tourist attractions in Apayao are mostly natural sites such as the Lussok Cave and Underground River and the wavy and sharp Dupag Rock Formations in the town of Luna, according to the Provincial Tourism Services Office.

The said office is also in the process of validating tourism sites in the province’s seven towns including waterfalls and nature-based tourism parks.

The province is also home to the ethnic Isneg community that practices until today the Lapat system, which according to studies, “prohibits” or “regulates” excessive use of natural resources led by the tribal leaders.

The DOT, for its part, said it remains committed to helping preserve the country’s destinations where flora and fauna thrive.

“The Department of Tourism remains committed to strengthening initiatives aimed at preserving the natural treasures of the Philippines noting that alongside the nation’s vibrant culture and rich heritage, the diverse natural landscapes play a pivotal role in establishing the Philippines as a distinctive and sought-after travel destination,” Frasco said.

As one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries in the world, the Philippines is home to up to 80 percent of the world’s plant and animal species.

As a marine biodiversity hotspot, the Philippines is also home to more than 2,500 species of fish and 500 species of coral. (PNA)

Express Your Reaction
Like
Love
Haha
Wow
Sad
Angry

More Stories from Baguio

Latest Stories

Spotlight

Angeles

DA Grants PHP135 Million Worth Of Post-Harvest Facilities In Nueva Ecija

Sinimulan ng DA ang pamamahagi ng PHP135 milyon na halaga ng post-harvest facilities sa Nueva Ecija upang mas mapalakas ang mga lokal na magsasaka.

President Marcos Inaugurates PHP7.57 Billion Flood Control Project In Pampanga

Sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., inilunsad nitong Miyerkules ang Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Project - Stage 1 sa Pampanga na nagkakahalaga ng PHP7.57 bilyon.

4 State-Of-The-Art Computer Labs To Boost Learning In Angeles Schools

Ang pamahalaan ng Angeles City ay naglunsad ng makabagong computer labs sa apat na paaralan, na tiyak na makakabuti sa pagkatuto ng mga estudyante.

PCSO, CIAC Ink Pact For Charity Draw Facility

Ang Clark International Airport Corp. at PCSO ay nagkaroon ng makasaysayang pirmahan para sa pagtatayo ng bagong draw court facility.

Bacolod

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup Asia 2024: Malaysia’s Taj Izrin Aiman Wins Thrilling Showdown

Taj Izrin Aiman's unforgettable victory at the TGR GT Cup Asia 2024 has set the stage for his representation of Asia in the upcoming global finals.

MOU Inked To Enhance Sea Travel Safety In Surigao City

Ang Surigao City at Maritime Industry Authority ay nakatuon sa mas ligtas na paglalakbay sa pamamagitan ng dagat.

3 Learning Sites In Central Visayas Expose Farmers To Coco Tech

Tatlong bagong learning sites sa Central Visayas, nakasentro sa pagtuturo ng makabagong kaalaman sa pagsasaka ng niyog.

Farmer Coops, Associations Get Steady Income From Kadiwa Program

Nakikinabang ang mga kooperatiba ng magsasaka sa Ilocos Norte sa mga Kadiwa Program pop-up stores, malaking tulong sa kanilang benta.

BAGUIO

DA-PRDP Backs Kalinga Agriculture With PHP256 Million Road Project

The PHP256 million investment in Kalinga's road infrastructure promises a bright future for local coffee.

NCIP Ups Call For Cordillera School Of Living Tradition, IP Center

Binibigyang-diin ng NCIP ang pangangailangan ng isang Paaralang Pamana sa Cordillera upang maprotektahan ang ating mga pagkakakilanlan.

Baguio Partly Resolves Daily Demand Gap Of 60K Cubic Meters Of Water

Sa pagkukumpleto ng limang malalalim na balon, tinutugunan ng Baguio ang 60K cubic meter pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan sa tubig.

Artists Encouraged To Provide Experiential Tourism

Lumikha ng mga di malilimutang karanasan sa sining! Inaanyayahan ng tanggapan ng turismo ang mga artista na pagandahin ang turismo sa kanilang mga galeriya.

Batangas

DA Grants PHP135 Million Worth Of Post-Harvest Facilities In Nueva Ecija

Sinimulan ng DA ang pamamahagi ng PHP135 milyon na halaga ng post-harvest facilities sa Nueva Ecija upang mas mapalakas ang mga lokal na magsasaka.

President Marcos Inaugurates PHP7.57 Billion Flood Control Project In Pampanga

Sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., inilunsad nitong Miyerkules ang Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Project - Stage 1 sa Pampanga na nagkakahalaga ng PHP7.57 bilyon.

4 State-Of-The-Art Computer Labs To Boost Learning In Angeles Schools

Ang pamahalaan ng Angeles City ay naglunsad ng makabagong computer labs sa apat na paaralan, na tiyak na makakabuti sa pagkatuto ng mga estudyante.

PCSO, CIAC Ink Pact For Charity Draw Facility

Ang Clark International Airport Corp. at PCSO ay nagkaroon ng makasaysayang pirmahan para sa pagtatayo ng bagong draw court facility.

Cagayan de Oro

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup Asia 2024: Malaysia’s Taj Izrin Aiman Wins Thrilling Showdown

Taj Izrin Aiman's unforgettable victory at the TGR GT Cup Asia 2024 has set the stage for his representation of Asia in the upcoming global finals.

MOU Inked To Enhance Sea Travel Safety In Surigao City

Ang Surigao City at Maritime Industry Authority ay nakatuon sa mas ligtas na paglalakbay sa pamamagitan ng dagat.

3 Learning Sites In Central Visayas Expose Farmers To Coco Tech

Tatlong bagong learning sites sa Central Visayas, nakasentro sa pagtuturo ng makabagong kaalaman sa pagsasaka ng niyog.

Farmer Coops, Associations Get Steady Income From Kadiwa Program

Nakikinabang ang mga kooperatiba ng magsasaka sa Ilocos Norte sa mga Kadiwa Program pop-up stores, malaking tulong sa kanilang benta.

CEBU

DA-PRDP Backs Kalinga Agriculture With PHP256 Million Road Project

The PHP256 million investment in Kalinga's road infrastructure promises a bright future for local coffee.

NCIP Ups Call For Cordillera School Of Living Tradition, IP Center

Binibigyang-diin ng NCIP ang pangangailangan ng isang Paaralang Pamana sa Cordillera upang maprotektahan ang ating mga pagkakakilanlan.

Baguio Partly Resolves Daily Demand Gap Of 60K Cubic Meters Of Water

Sa pagkukumpleto ng limang malalalim na balon, tinutugunan ng Baguio ang 60K cubic meter pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan sa tubig.

Artists Encouraged To Provide Experiential Tourism

Lumikha ng mga di malilimutang karanasan sa sining! Inaanyayahan ng tanggapan ng turismo ang mga artista na pagandahin ang turismo sa kanilang mga galeriya.

DAVAO

DA Grants PHP135 Million Worth Of Post-Harvest Facilities In Nueva Ecija

Sinimulan ng DA ang pamamahagi ng PHP135 milyon na halaga ng post-harvest facilities sa Nueva Ecija upang mas mapalakas ang mga lokal na magsasaka.

President Marcos Inaugurates PHP7.57 Billion Flood Control Project In Pampanga

Sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., inilunsad nitong Miyerkules ang Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Project - Stage 1 sa Pampanga na nagkakahalaga ng PHP7.57 bilyon.

4 State-Of-The-Art Computer Labs To Boost Learning In Angeles Schools

Ang pamahalaan ng Angeles City ay naglunsad ng makabagong computer labs sa apat na paaralan, na tiyak na makakabuti sa pagkatuto ng mga estudyante.

PCSO, CIAC Ink Pact For Charity Draw Facility

Ang Clark International Airport Corp. at PCSO ay nagkaroon ng makasaysayang pirmahan para sa pagtatayo ng bagong draw court facility.

ILOILO

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup Asia 2024: Malaysia’s Taj Izrin Aiman Wins Thrilling Showdown

Taj Izrin Aiman's unforgettable victory at the TGR GT Cup Asia 2024 has set the stage for his representation of Asia in the upcoming global finals.

MOU Inked To Enhance Sea Travel Safety In Surigao City

Ang Surigao City at Maritime Industry Authority ay nakatuon sa mas ligtas na paglalakbay sa pamamagitan ng dagat.

3 Learning Sites In Central Visayas Expose Farmers To Coco Tech

Tatlong bagong learning sites sa Central Visayas, nakasentro sa pagtuturo ng makabagong kaalaman sa pagsasaka ng niyog.

Farmer Coops, Associations Get Steady Income From Kadiwa Program

Nakikinabang ang mga kooperatiba ng magsasaka sa Ilocos Norte sa mga Kadiwa Program pop-up stores, malaking tulong sa kanilang benta.

NAGA

DA-PRDP Backs Kalinga Agriculture With PHP256 Million Road Project

The PHP256 million investment in Kalinga's road infrastructure promises a bright future for local coffee.

NCIP Ups Call For Cordillera School Of Living Tradition, IP Center

Binibigyang-diin ng NCIP ang pangangailangan ng isang Paaralang Pamana sa Cordillera upang maprotektahan ang ating mga pagkakakilanlan.

Baguio Partly Resolves Daily Demand Gap Of 60K Cubic Meters Of Water

Sa pagkukumpleto ng limang malalalim na balon, tinutugunan ng Baguio ang 60K cubic meter pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan sa tubig.

Artists Encouraged To Provide Experiential Tourism

Lumikha ng mga di malilimutang karanasan sa sining! Inaanyayahan ng tanggapan ng turismo ang mga artista na pagandahin ang turismo sa kanilang mga galeriya.