Apayao province named UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Apayao province was internationally recognized as a Biosphere Reserve awardee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its efforts to conserve its forests and environs.

The province received the award during the 36th session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council of the Man and Biosphere Program on July 5 in Agadir, Morocco.

This made the province a protected area for biodiversity conservation.

The Apayao provincial government started working on the UNESCO biosphere reserve inscription after discovering the first active Philippine Eagle nest in Luzon within its forests.

It partnered with organizations, such as the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the United States Forest Service, to help with the preparations, training, and documentation required by UNESCO.

Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr. accepted the UNESCO award, saying it is another milestone for the province and for the entire country.

“As a Biosphere Reserve of the Apayaos, we hope to inspire other learning spaces for conservation and sustainable development in the Philippines and around the world,” Bulut said.

He added that, together with the indigenous peoples of Apayao, the government and the community would strive to fulfill their mission and responsibility “to save and nurture what is left to the natural resources.”

Bulut hopes that their efforts would help save endangered species, like the Philippine Eagle, from extinction and “protect our planet from the brink of destruction.”

Apayao is the fourth area in the Philippines designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, following Albay, Palawan and Puerto Galera.